IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NO. 19594 IN THE 12TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM WALKER 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 indecency with a child and after a period of deferred adjudication, his guilt was adjudicated and he was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. He did not appeal his conviction.
Applicant contends that his trial counsel at the original plea for deferred adjudication rendered ineffective assistance by informing him that he would be able to be released from community supervision after serving only one-third of his time as long as he paid his fees and restitution and completed his community service requirements. He also alleges that counsel misinformed him that he would only have to comply with the sexual offender registration requirements for the period during which he was on community supervision.
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. 1960), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact. The trial court shall obtain a response from Applicant's trial counsel regarding his 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 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 findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be returned to this Court within 120 days of the date of this order. The clerk's office shall also supplement the record with copies of the indictment, judgments, admonishments, judicial confessions, and plea papers in this cause. Any extensions of time shall be obtained from this Court.
Filed: April 28, 2010
Do not publish