IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NO. W89-97636-L(A) IN THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT NO. 5
FROM DALLAS 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 theft and was sentenced to twenty-five years' imprisonment.
Applicant contends that he is being denied credit for time spent released on parole prior to revocation. Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Ex parte Spann, 132 S.W.3d 390 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004). The trial court has obtained an affidavit from Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Parole Division, Review and Release Processing Section, which indicates that Applicant did not receive credit for his period of parole because he did not meet the mid-point of his remaining sentence while on parole. The affidavit pertains to a period of parole beginning on June 4, 2001. The affidavit also notes that Applicant was previously released to parole on March 16, 1992. However, neither the affidavit nor the documents submitted in conjunction with the affidavit indicate if and when Applicant's 1992 parole was revoked. In these circumstances, additional facts are needed. 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 may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 11.07, § 3(d), in that it shall order the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Correctional Institutions Division and Parole Division, to file an additional affidavit and supporting documents showing if and when Applicant's 1992 parole was revoked. The affidavit and documents should show whether Applicant's release in 2001 was a separate parole release, or simply a continuation of his unrevoked 1992 parole. The affidavit should also state whether Applicant is serving a sentence for, or has previously been convicted of, an offense which was listed in Tex. Gov't. Code § 508.149(a) at the time of Applicant's revocation. Finally, the affidavit should indicate whether or not Applicant has submitted his claim to the time credit resolution system of TDCJ, and if so, the date when the claim was submitted.
The trial court may also order depositions, interrogatories or a hearing. 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. C ode Crim. Proc. Art. 26.04.
The trial court shall make findings of fact first as to whether Applicant has properly exhausted his administrative remedies as required by Tex. Gov't. Code § 501.0081(b)-(c). The trial court shall then make findings as to whether Applicant is eligible to earn street time credit, and if so, whether he is entitled to credit for his time spent on release. The trial court shall also make findings as to whether Applicant is receiving the proper amount of time credit for that time. 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: March 12, 2008
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