Opinion
No. WR-64,090-01
April 26, 2006. DO NOT PUBLISH.
On Application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, Cause No. 88-407,845 in the 137th District Court, Lubbock County.
ORDER
This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus which was transmitted to this Court by the clerk of the trial court pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art 11.07. Applicant was convicted of aggravated sexual assault, and punishment was assessed at thirty (30) years' confinement. Applicant's conviction was affirmed on appeal. Delacruz v. State, No. 07-90-0234-CR (Tex.App.-Amarillo, delivered, August 28, 1990, no pet.). Applicant contends that he received ineffective assistance of counsel on appeal, in that counsel filed his notice of appeal too late and so Applicant was denied the right to appeal. The trial court has entered an order concluding "that there are no controverted, previously unresolved facts material to the legality of the applicant's confinement." However, we disagree. Applicant has stated facts requiring resolution. Because this Court cannot hear evidence, it is necessary for the matter to be remanded to the trial court for resolution. This trial court shall resolve the factual issues as set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art 11.07, § 3 (d), in that it may order affidavits, depositions, or interrogatories from counsel and the State's attorney, or it may hold a hearing. In the appropriate case, the trial court may rely on personal recollection. If the trial court elects to hold a hearing, the court shall first decide whether Applicant is indigent. If the court finds that Applicant is indigent and Applicant desires to be represented by counsel, the trial court will then, pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04, appoint an attorney to represent him at the hearing. Following receipt of additional information, the trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether counsel filed the notice of appeal too late, and if so, why; whether Applicant received effective assistance of counsel on appeal; and whether Applicant was denied the right to appeal. The trial court shall also make any further findings of fact and conclusions of law it deems relevant and appropriate to the disposition of the application for writ of habeas corpus. Because this Court does not hear evidence, Ex Parte Rodriguez, 169 Tex.Cr.R. 367, 334 S.W.2d 294 (Tex.Crim.App. 1960), this application for a post-conviction writ of habeas corpus will be held in abeyance pending the trial court's compliance with this order. The trial court shall resolve the issues presented within ninety (90) days of the date of this order. A supplemental transcript containing all affidavits, the transcription of the court reporter's notes from any interrogatories or hearings held, along with the trial court's findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be returned to this Court within one hundred twenty (120) days of the date of this order. IT IS SO ORDERED.
In the event any continuances are granted, copies of the order granting the continuance shall be provided to this Court.
Any extensions of this time period shall be obtained from this Court.