Opinion
No. WR-69,808-01
Delivered: May 14, 2008. DO NOT PUBLISH.
On Application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus Cause No. 4083-A in the 271st Judicial District Court, appeal from Jack 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 this application for writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex.Crim.App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of intoxication manslaughter and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. Applicant contends, inter alia, that he was denied adequate notice that he would be considered for release on mandatory supervision by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles under the discretionary mandatory-supervision statute, Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 42.18, § 8(c). Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Ex parte Retzlaff, 135 S.W.3d 45 (Tex.Crim.App. 2004). 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 may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3(d), in that it shall order the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Office of General Counsel to file an affidavit stating if and when Applicant was provided with written notice that he would be considered for release on mandatory supervision. 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 Applicant was afforded adequate notice that he would be considered for release on mandatory supervision by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles under the discretionary mandatory-supervision statute. Ex parte Retzlaff, 135 S.W.3d 45 (Tex.Crim.App. 2004). If Applicant was given the appropriate notice, the trial court shall supplement the habeas record with copies of any such notice. 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.