IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NO. CR2001-019-1 IN THE 22ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
FROM COMAL 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 forgery, and originally received deferred adjudication community supervision. His guilt was later adjudicated, and he was sentenced to three years' imprisonment.
Applicant contends that he was denied adequate notice that he would be considered for release on mandatory supervision by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles under the discretionary mandatory-supervision statute, Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 42.18, § 8(c). Specifically, Applicant alleges that he was considered for, and denied release on a date prior to his projected release date. See Ex parte Geiken, 28 S.W.3d 553, 560 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000); Ex parte Retzlaff, 135 S.W.3d 45, 47 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004). Applicant also alleges that he has not received written notice of the reasons for the decision to deny release. Greenholtz v. Inmates of Neb. Penal & Correctional Complex, 442 U.S. 1, 16 (U.S. 1979).
The trial court originally recommended denying relief because Applicant has not submitted his claim to the time credit resolution system of TDCJ. However, the exhaustion requirement for time credit claims is not applicable in this case. Applicant's claim is not a time credit claim, but one of denial of due process. Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief.
This Court remanded to the trial court to obtain findings of fact and supplemental information addressing Applicant's claim. After remand, this Court received a copy of a judgment nunc pro tunc granting credit for pre-sentencing jail time. However, additional facts are needed relevant to Applicant's due process claim.
As we held in Ex parte Rodriguez, 334 S.W.2d 294, 294 (Tex. Crim. App. 1960), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact. The trial court shall order the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Office of General Counsel to file an affidavit stating when Applicant became eligible for release to mandatory supervision, if and when he was informed that he was in the review process, when he was reviewed for mandatory supervision, and when he was informed of the decision to deny release. The affidavit shall also state whether Applicant was provided with written notice of the reasons for the decision to deny release. The affidavit shall be accompanied by copies of any notices sent to Applicant informing him that he was in the review process, notifying him of his ability to submit materials on his own behalf, and/or notifying him of the Board's decision. The trial court may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3(d), in that it may also order depositions, interrogatories or a hearing.
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 was afforded adequate notice that he would be considered for release on mandatory supervision by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles under the discretionary mandatory-supervision statute. Ex parte Retzlaff, 135 S.W.3d 45 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004). The trial court shall also make findings as to whether Applicant received written notice of the reasons for denying release to mandatory supervision, if in fact such a decision was made. 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 30 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 60 days of the date of this order. Any extensions of time shall be obtained from this Court.
Filed: March 19, 2008
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