IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NO. CR-25023-A IN THE 159TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
FROM ANGELINA 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 pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and one count of indecency with a child by contact, and was sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment. He did not appeal his conviction.
Applicant contends, inter alia, that his plea was involuntary because the prosecutor improperly threatened to prosecute Applicant's wife for tampering with evidence if Applicant did not plead guilty. The record does not contain copies of the plea documents, the admonishments, or a response from the State. Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. 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 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 first supplement the habeas record with copies of the plea documents, including the admonishments, and any waivers and judicial confession signed by Applicant. The trial court shall then make findings of fact and conclusions of law in regard to Applicant's claim that his plea was involuntary. 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: September 10, 2008
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