IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NO. CR05-00021A IN THE 294TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM VAN ZANDT 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 aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to life imprisonment. The Twelfth Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction. Massey v. State, AP-12-06-00266-CR, (Tex. App. -- Tyler, 2007, pet. ref'd.) (not designated for publication).
Applicant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel failed to introduce any evidence at the adjudication proceeding and that the trial judge therefore imposed a life sentence which was the maximum sentence allowed by law. Specifically, Applicant alleges that counsel should have presented evidence that he had never been in serious trouble with the law before and only had two prior misdemeanor convictions. Also, counsel should have presented evidence of a proposed rehabilitation plan. Finally, counsel should have objected to the introduction of polygraph evidence.
Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 608 (1984). 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 shall provide Applicant's trial counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in that it shall order counsel to file an affidavit addressing: (1) whether counsel introduced any evidence at the adjudication proceeding and, if not, why counsel decided not to introduce evidence; (2) whether counsel introduced evidence showing that Applicant had never been in serious trouble with the law before and, if so, what evidence counsel introduced; (3) whether counsel introduced evidence of a proposed rehabilitation plan and, if so, what evidence counsel introduced; and, (4) whether counsel objected to the admission of polygraph evidence and, if not, why counsel did not believe that it was necessary to object. The trial judge shall also supplement the record with a copy of a transcription of the court reporter's notes from the adjudication proceeding. 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 the performance of Applicant's trial attorney was deficient and, if so, whether counsel's deficient performance prejudiced Applicant. Specifically, the trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether counsel introduced any evidence at the adjudication proceeding and, if not, why counsel decided not to introduce evidence. The trial court shall also make findings of fact as to whether counsel introduced evidence showing that Applicant had never been in serious trouble with the law before and, if so, what evidence counsel introduced. The trial court shall also make findings of fact as to whether counsel introduced evidence of a proposed rehabilitation plan and, if so, what evidence counsel introduced. Finally, the trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether counsel objected to the admission of polygraph evidence and, if not, why counsel did not believe that it was necessary to object. 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 11, 2009
Do not publish