IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NO. W10294-1 IN THE 355TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
FROM HOOD COUNTY
O R D E R
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 11.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the clerk of the trial court transmitted to this Court this application for writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and sentenced to 22 months' state jail imprisonment. He did not appeal his conviction.
Applicant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because she informed him twenty minutes before entering the courtroom that she would not argue his case because he had not paid her. Applicant also alleges that counsel failed to subpoena two vital defense witnesses.
The trial court has entered general findings of fact, recommending that relief be denied. However, the trial court's findings are not sufficient to address Applicant's claims. The habeas record is unclear as to whether Applicant pleaded guilty or not guilty, and whether he was found guilty in a bench trial, or pleaded guilty pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement. There is also nothing in the habeas record to indicate whether counsel negotiated a plea bargain on Applicant's behalf, or whether evidence was presented in his defense at a bench trial.
Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 608 (1984); Ex parte Lemke, 13 S.W.3d 791,795-96 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000). In these circumstances, additional facts are needed. As we held in Ex parte Rodriguez, 334 S.W.2d 294, 294 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact. The trial court shall provide Applicant's trial counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. The trial court may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3(d). In the appropriate case, the trial court may rely on its personal recollection. Id.
If the trial court elects to hold a hearing, it shall determine whether Applicant is indigent. If Applicant is indigent and wishes to be represented by counsel, the trial court shall appoint an attorney to represent Applicant at the hearing. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04.
The trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether Applicant pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement, or whether he pleaded not guilty and was found guilty after a bench trial. If Applicant pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement, the trial court shall supplement the record with copies of the plea documents. If Applicant did not plead guilty, the trial court shall make findings as to what evidence, if any, was presented on Applicant's behalf. The trial court shall make findings as to whether the performance of Applicant's trial attorney was deficient and, if so, whether counsel's deficient performance prejudiced Applicant. The trial court shall also make any other findings of fact and conclusions of law that it deems relevant and appropriate to the disposition of Applicant's claim for habeas corpus relief.
This application will be held in abeyance until the trial court has resolved the fact issues. The issues shall be resolved within 90 days of this order. If any continuances are granted, a copy of the order granting the continuance shall be sent to this Court. 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. Any extensions of time shall be obtained from this Court.
Filed: August 22, 2007
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