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Ex Parte Diaz

Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
Aug 22, 2007
Nos. WR-68,073-01 through 04 (Tex. Crim. App. Aug. 22, 2007)

Opinion

Nos. WR-68,073-01 through 04.

Delivered: August 22, 2007. DO NOT PUBLISH.

On Applications for a Writ of Habeas Corpus Cause Nos. 905107, 905108, 905109, 905110 in the 337th District Court from Harris 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 writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex.Crim.App. 1967). Applicant received three convictions for aggravated sexual assault of child, and one for indecency with a child by contact. He was sentenced to seventy-five years' imprisonment on each aggravated sexual assault of a child conviction, and twenty years' imprisonment on the conviction for indecency with a child by contact. The First Court of Appeals affirmed his convictions. Diaz v. State, Nos. 01-02-01094/01095/01096/01097-CR (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.], delivered December 18, 2003, pet. ref'd). Applicant has raised, inter alia, nine separate allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel at trial, and one that the State's suppression of evidence denied the him due process of law. 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. 1997), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact. The trial court shall provide Applicant's trial counsel, and the State, with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, and the improper suppression of exculpatory evidence. 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. In addition, the trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether the Applicant was denied due process because the State improperly suppressed evidence. 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 claims for habeas corpus relief. These applications 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.


Summaries of

Ex Parte Diaz

Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
Aug 22, 2007
Nos. WR-68,073-01 through 04 (Tex. Crim. App. Aug. 22, 2007)
Case details for

Ex Parte Diaz

Case Details

Full title:EX PARTE FERNANDO DELEON DIAZ, Applicant

Court:Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas

Date published: Aug 22, 2007

Citations

Nos. WR-68,073-01 through 04 (Tex. Crim. App. Aug. 22, 2007)