Opinion
No. AP-75,437
Delivered: June 14, 2006. DO NOT PUBLISH.
On Application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, Trial Court Cause No. 2000-CR-311-B, in the 138th Judicial District Court from Cameron County.
OPINION
This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus which was transmitted to this Court pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07. Applicant was convicted of the offense of murder, and punishment was assessed at confinement for life. Applicant's judgment of conviction was affirmed. Claudio v. State, 922 S.W.2d 126 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2001, no pet.). Applicant contends that his attorney rendered ineffective assistance because he failed to timely file a petition for discretionary review after promising Applicant he would do so. Counsel submitted an affidavit admitting that he told Applicant he would file a petition for discretionary review, but later decided not to do so. Counsel claims to have kept Applicant's family informed about the status of the appeal, but he does not recall when he advised Applicant. He cannot find documentation that he timely notified Applicant his judgment of conviction was affirmed on direct appeal, or, that he informed Applicant of his right to file a pro se petition for discretionary review. He never alleges he notified Applicant about his right to file a pro se petition for discretionary review. The trial court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law in which it found counsel did not provide deficient performance as required for a finding of ineffective assistance of counsel, and recommended that an out-of-time petition for discretionary review be denied. We disagree. Counsel has a duty to notify Applicant that his judgment of conviction was affirmed on direct appeal, and if counsel elects not to pursue discretionary review, to notify Applicant of his right to file a pro se petition for discretionary review. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 608 (1984); Ex parte Wilson, 956 S.W.2d 25 (Tex.Crim.App. 1997); Ex parte Crow, 180 S.W.3d 135 (Tex.Crim.App. 2005). Relief is granted. Applicant is entitled to an out-of-time petition for discretionary review in cause number 2000-CR-311-B in the 138th Judicial District Court of Cameron County. This cause is returned to that point in time at which Applicant may file a pro se petition for discretionary review. For purposes of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, all time limits shall be calculated as if the court of appeals' judgment was rendered on the date that the mandate of this Court issues. We hold that should applicant desire to prosecute a pro se petition for discretionary review, he must take affirmative steps to see that his petition is filed within thirty days after the mandate of this Court has issued.