IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
CAUSE NO. CR10722 IN THE 355TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM HOOD 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 a writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of sexual assault and assault and sentenced to imprisonment for life and 99 years, respectively. The Second Court of Appeals affirmed his convictions. Neal v. State, No. 02-08-00266-CR (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 2009, pet. ref'd).
Applicant contends, among other things, that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance, the State failed to disclose exculpatory and impeachment evidence, and the State presented false evidence and testimony.
Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984); Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963); Ex parte Fierro, 934 S.W.2d 370 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). 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 order trial counsel to respond to each of Applicant's ineffective assistance of trial counsel claims. The trial court may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3(d).
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 him at the hearing. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04.
The trial court shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law as to whether the performance of Applicant's trial counsel was deficient and, if so, whether counsel's deficient performance prejudiced Applicant. The trial court shall also determine whether the State violated Applicant's due process rights by failing to disclose exculpatory and impeachment evidence and presenting false evidence and testimony. 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 claims 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. 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 forwarded to this Court within 120 days of the date of this order. Any extensions of time shall be obtained from this Court.
Filed: October 24, 2012
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