Opinion
No. WR-48,087-06
Delivered: June 28, 2006. DO NOT PUBLISH.
On Application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, Cause No. 10,468 in the 21st District Court, from Bastrop County.
ORDER
This is a post-conviction application for a writ of habeas corpus filed pursuant to Article 11.07, § 3, TEX. CODE CRIM.PROC. A jury convicted Applicant of criminally negligent homicide. The court assessed punishment at confinement for seven years after finding a deadly weapon was used. No appeal was taken. Applicant contends that his trial counsel withdrew without filing notice of appeal after Applicant said he wanted to appeal, and that Applicant filed timely notice of appeal pro se, but that no appeal was processed. The State has filed no response and the trial court has made no findings of fact. It is the Court's opinion that additional facts need to be developed and that the trial court is the appropriate forum. Therefore, the trial court is ordered to obtain an affidavit from Applicant's trial counsel addressing Applicant's factual allegations, and to allow Applicant an opportunity to tender any other affidavits to support his allegations. Alternatively, the trial court may conduct an evidentiary hearing at which Applicant would have an opportunity to prove his allegations, and the trial court is not limited to the above issues if the court believes other facts relevant to the legality of Applicant's confinement should be determined. The trial court should then make findings of fact as to specifically what Applicant's trial counsel advised him as to his appellate rights, whether Applicant ever indicated a desire to appeal this conviction, whether Applicant ever filed notice of appeal pro se, whether any appeal was processed, and the dates any notice of appeal was filed or any appeal was affirmed. The court may also make findings of fact as to any other matters the court deems relevant to the legality of Applicant's confinement. If an evidentiary hearing is conducted, and Applicant is found to be indigent at the time of the hearing, the trial court shall ensure that Applicant is represented by counsel unless such is affirmatively waived. Since this Court does not hear evidence, Ex parte Rodriguez, 334 S.W.2d 294 (Tex.Cr.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. Any hearing conducted pursuant to this order shall be held within 90 days of the date of this order. The trial court's findings of fact, any affidavits or transcription of the court reporter's notes, and any other supplementation of the record shall be returned to this Court within 120 days of the date of this order.
In the event any continuances are granted, copies of the order granting the continuance should be provided to this Court.
Any extensions of this time period should be obtained from this Court.