IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NOS. W380-81711-03 AND W380-81712-03
IN THE 380TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COLLIN COUNTY
O R D E R
These are applications for writs of habeas corpus which were transmitted to this Court by the clerk of the trial court pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art 11.07. Applicant was convicted of aggravated robbery, and punishment was assessed at fifteen (15) years' confinement. No direct appeal was taken.
Applicant contends that his plea of guilty was involuntary because he was not informed of the nature and consequences of his plea.
The trial court has entered orders concluding that "Applicant has not raised any controverted, previously unresolved facts material to the legality of his conviction." However, we disagree. Applicant has stated facts requiring resolution. Because this Court cannot hear evidence, it is necessary for the matter to be remanded to the trial court for resolution. This trial court may resolve the factual issues as set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art 11.07, § 3 (d), in that it may order affidavits, depositions, or interrogatories from defense counsel, or it may hold a hearing. In the appropriate case, the trial court may rely on personal recollection.
If the trial court elects to hold a hearing, the court shall first decide whether Applicant is indigent. If the court finds that Applicant is indigent and Applicant desires to be represented by counsel, the trial court will then, pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04, appoint an attorney to represent him at the hearing.
Following receipt of additional information, the trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether: Applicant and counsel were able to communicate effectively; an interpreter should have assisted or did assist Applicant and counsel with communication; counsel informed Applicant of the nature and consequences of his plea; Applicant otherwise was informed of the nature and consequences of his plea. The trial court shall also make any further findings of fact and conclusions of law it deems relevant and appropriate to the disposition of the applications for writ of habeas corpus.
Because this Court does not hear evidence, Ex Parte Rodriguez, 169 Tex.Cr.R. 367, 334 S.W.2d 294 (Tex. Crim. App. 1960), these applications for post-conviction writs of habeas corpus will be held in abeyance pending the trial court's compliance with this order. The trial court shall resolve the issues presented within ninety (90) days of the date of this order. (1) A supplemental transcript containing all affidavits, the transcription of the court reporter's notes from any interrogatories or hearings held, along with the trial court's findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be returned to this Court within one hundred twenty (120) days of the date of this order. (2)
IT IS SO ORDERED THIS THE 25th day of JANUARY, 2006.
EN BANC
DO NOT PUBLISH
1. In the event any continuances are granted, copies of the order granting the continuance
should be provided to this Court.
2. Any extensions of this time period should be obtained from this Court.