Opinion
NO. WR-85,645-02
12-07-2016
EX PARTE MICHAEL DEAN, Applicant
ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS CAUSE NO. 15F0673-005-B IN THE 5TH DISTRICT COURT FROM BOWIE COUNTY
Per curiam. OPINION
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 theft of property < $1500, with two prior convictions, and sentenced to twelve years' imprisonment.
Applicant contends that he was denied the opportunity to file an appeal. The trial court determined that, through no fault of his own, Applicant did not have the opportunity to file an appeal. We conclude that there was a breakdown in the system. Ex parte Riley, 193 S.W.3d 900, 902 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006).
The trial court has recommended that Applicant be granted relief. We find that Applicant is entitled to the opportunity to file an out-of-time appeal of the judgment of conviction in Cause No. 15F0673-005 from the 5th District Court of Bowie County. Applicant is ordered returned to that time at which he may give a written notice of appeal so that he may then, with the aid of counsel, obtain a meaningful appeal.
It appears that Applicant is represented by counsel. Within ten days of the issuance of this opinion, the trial court shall determine if Applicant is represented by counsel, and if not, whether Applicant is indigent. If Applicant is indigent and wishes to be represented by counsel, the trial court shall immediately appoint an attorney to represent Applicant on direct appeal.
All time limits shall be calculated as if the sentence had been imposed on the date on which the mandate of this Court issues. We hold that, should Applicant desire to prosecute an appeal, he must take affirmative steps to file a written notice of appeal in the trial court within 30 days after the mandate of this Court issues.
Copies of this opinion shall be sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Correctional Institutions Division and Pardons and Paroles Division. Delivered: December 7, 2016
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