Opinion
No. WR-42,056-05
Delivered: March 16, 2011. DO NOT PUBLISH.
On Application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus Cause No. 366-81187-95 in the 366th District Court from Collin County.
ORDER
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 aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to imprisonment for life. The Fifth Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction. Sepeda v. State, No. 05-96-01922-CR (Tex. App.-Dallas Aug. 14, 1998, pet. ref'd). Applicant contends, among other things, that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance. 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 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 first make findings of fact as to whether trial counsel's signature on the affidavit and letter Applicant forwarded with the record is authentic. If the trial court finds that his signature is authentic, it shall make conclusions of law as to whether the affidavit and letter are a new factual basis, Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 4, and whether trial counsel was ineffective. 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.