Opinion
Nos. WR-69,505-01; WR-69,505-02; WR-69,505-03; WR-69,505-04; WR-69,505-05; WR-69,505-06; WR-69,505-07; WR-69,505-08; WR-69,505-09.
Filed: April 2, 2008. DO NOT PUBLISH.
On Applications for Writs of Habeas Corpus Cause Nos. 2005-408493; 2005-408513; 2005-408597; 2005-408971; 2005-408972; 2005-409072; 2005-409074; 2005-409564; 2005-409565, in the 140th District Court from Lubbock 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 these applications for writs of habeas corpus. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex.Crim.App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of nine felonies. He pleaded guilty to four cases of possession of controlled substance, three of which were punished with twenty years' imprisonment, and one with sixty years' imprisonment. He pleaded guilty to four cases of forgery, three of which were punished with twenty years' imprisonment, and one with sixty years' imprisonment. He also pleaded guilty to one case of fraudulent use of identification and was sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment. The Seventh Court of Appeals affirmed his convictions. Tijerina v. State, Cause Nos. 07-06-0018-CR; 07-06-0019-CR; 07-06-0020-CR; 07-06-0021-CR; 07-06-0022-CR; 07-06-0023-CR; 07-06-0024-CR; 07-06-0025-CR; 07-06-0026-CR (Tex.App.-Amarillo, delivered December 5, 2006). Applicant contends, inter alia, that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because he failed to convey a plea bargain offer. 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 provide Applicant's trial counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's 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 make findings as to whether an offer from the State existed and, if so, whether that offer was conveyed to 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 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.