IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
FROM CAMERON COUNTY
Per Curiam.
O R D E R
This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus which was transmitted to this Court pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07. Applicant was convicted of the offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and punishment was assessed at forty years' confinement. No direct appeal was taken.
Applicant alleges that the prosecution engaged in misconduct, that counsel was ineffective, and that Applicant did not understand the plea proceedings because no interpreter was provided. The trial court has not entered findings of fact or conclusions of law. However, the record indicates that on October 20, 2005, a bench warrant was issued for Applicant for an evidentiary hearing. This application was then sent, prematurely, to this Court. We believe that Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Therefore, it is this Court's opinion that additional facts need to be developed and because this Court cannot hear evidence, the trial court is the appropriate forum. The trial court may resolve those issues as set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3 (d), in that it shall order affidavits, depositions, or interrogatories from counsel or the State, or it may order a hearing. In the appropriate case the trial court may also rely on its personal recollection.
If the trial court elects to hold a hearing, the court shall first decide whether Applicant is indigent. If the trial court finds that Applicant is indigent and Applicant desires to be represented by counsel, the trial court shall 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's due process rights were violated because no interpreter was provided. The trial court shall also make findings of fact regarding as to whether the prosecutor engaged in misconduct and whether counsel was ineffective. 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 application for writ of habeas corpus.
Because this Court does not hear evidence, Ex Parte Rodriquez, 334 S.W.2d 294 (Tex. Crim. App. 1960), this application for a post-conviction writ of habeas corpus will be held in abeyance pending the trial court's compliance with this order. Resolution of the issues shall be accomplished by the trial court within 90 days of the date of this order. (1) A supplemental transcript containing all affidavits and interrogatories or the transcription of the court reporter's notes from any hearing or deposition, along with the trial court's supplemental findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be returned to this Court within 120 days of the date of this order. (2)
IT IS SO ORDERED THIS THE 18th DAY OF January , 2006.
DO NOT PUBLISH
1. 2.