PD-0289-15

COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Transmitted 4/15/2015 4:49:14 PM

Accepted 4/16/2015 12:16:35 PM

ABEL ACOSTA

CLERK


















No. 13-13-00080-CR

IN THE TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS

13th DISTRICT

AT CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

JESSE TIRADO LOPEZ, Appellant

V.

THE STATE OF TEXAS

DIRECT APPEAL FROM THE

•th 85in DISTRICT COURT OF BRAZOS COUNTY

TRIAL COURT CAUSE NUMBER 12-01541-CRF-85

BRIEF FOR APPELLANT

RECEIVED

IN THE 13TH COURT OF APPEALS

CORPUS CHRIST!

OCT 28 2013

DORIAN E,E. Rf RAMIREZ, MIRE CLERK

BY__

Richard W.B. "Rick" Davis, P.C.

By: Rick Davis

State Bar No. 05539100

504 E. 27th Street.

Bryan, Texas 77803

(979) 779-4357

(888) 435-4080-facsimile

Attorney for Appellant

Jesse Tirado Lopez

ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED

BECE^D

Wb
No. 13-13-00080-CR

IN THE TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS

13th DISTRICT

AT CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

JESSE TIRADO LOPEZ, Appellant

V.

THE STATE OF TEXAS

DIRECT APPEAL FROM THE

85th DISTRICT COURT OF BRAZOS COUNTY

TRIAL COURT CAUSE NUMBER 12-01541-CRF-85

BRIEF FOR APPELLANT

Richard W.B. "Rick" Davis, P.C.

By: Rick Davis

State Bar No. 05539100

504 E. 27th Street.

Bryan, Texas 77803

(979)779-4357

(888) 435-4080-facsimile

Attorney for Appellant

Jesse Tirado Lopez

ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL

APPELLANT:

Appellate Counsel:

Trial Counsel:

APPELLEE:

Appellate Counsel

Trial Counsel:

TRIAL JUDGE:

ii

Jesse Tirado Lopez

Richard W.B. "Rick" Davis, P.C.

By: Rick Davis

504 E. 27th Street Ave

Bryan, Texas 77803

Thomas B. Reed

P.O. Box 9347

College Station, TX 77842-9347

The State ofTexas

Doug Howell

Assistant District Attorney

300 E. 26th Street, Suite 310

Bryan, Texas 77803

John Brick

Assistant District Attorney

300 E. 26th Street, Suite 310

Bryan, Texas 77803

Hon. Dan Beck

(sitting by assignment)
TABLE OF CONTENTS

IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL ii

TABLE OF AUTHORITIES iv

L STATEMENT OF THE CASE 1

II. STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT 2

III. ISSUES PRESENTED 2

IV. STATEMENT OF FACTS 3

V. SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT 12

VI. STANDARD OF REVIEW 13

VII. ARGUMENT '. 14

A. WHETHER APPELLANT RECEIVED EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE

OF COUNSEL GUARANTEED BY THE SIXTH AMENDMENT OF THE

UNTITED STATED CONSITUTION? 14

B. WHETHER APPELLANT'S STATORY RIGHT PER THE TEXAS

FAIR DEFENSE ACT TO REPRESENTATION BY A COMPETENT AND

QUALIFIED ATTORNEY WAS VIOLATED? 24

VIII. CONCLUSION 37

IX. PRAYER 38

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 38

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE PER T.R.A.P. 9.4(i)(3) 39

APPENDIX A 40

in
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES

Cases

Belcher v. State, 93 S.W.2d 593, 595 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2002, pet. dism'd) 20

Bitterman v. State, 180 S.W.3d 139, 142-43 (Tex. Crim. App. -- 2005) 35

Bone v. State, 11 S.W.3d 828, 833 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002) 17, 18, 27, 28

Bulter v. State, 716 S.W.2d 48, 55 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986) 20

Cain v. State, 947 S.W.2d 262, 264 (Tex. Crim. App. -- 1997) 28

Cantu v. State, 930 S.W.2d 594 (Tex.Cr.App. 1996) 30, 31, 32, 36

Castillo v. State, 751 S.W.2d 521,523 (Tex. App. -- San Antonio 1988, no pet.) 17

Chadwickv. Green, 740 F.2d 897 (llthCir. 1984) 23

Cuyler v.Sullivan, 446 U.S. 335,344(1980) 17

Dickerson v. State, 87 S.W.3d 623, 637 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2002, no pet.) 20

Exparte Burns, 601 S.W.2d 370 (Tex. Crim. App. 1980) 21

Exparte Ewing, 570 S.W.2d at 943 21

Ex Parte Menchaca, 854 S.W.2d 128, 131 (Tex. Crim. App. 1993) 18

Flores v. State, 576 S.W.2d 632, 634 (Tex. Crim. App. 1979) 20

Golden v. Newsome, 755 F.2d 1478 (11th Cir. 1985) 23

Green v. Arn, 809 F.2d 1257, 1263 (6th Cir. 1987) 23

Hays v. State ofAlabama, 85 F.3d 1492 (11th Cir. 1996) 23

Hernandez v. State, 126 S.W.2d 53 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986) passim

Jackson v. State, 877 S.W.2d 768, 771 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994) 20

Javorv. United States, 724 F.2d 831 (9th Cir. 1994) 21,22

Manley v. State, 23 S.W.3d 172, 173-74 (Tex. App. Waco -- 2000) 33

McFarlandv. State, 928 S.W.2d 482, 500 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) 18

Pinkston v .State, 744 S.W.2d 329, 333 (Tex. App. -- Houston [1st Dist.] 1988, no pet.)... 19,20

Sneed v. State, 964 S.W.2d 764, 766 (Tex. App. Texarkana 1998, no pet.) 18

Stricklandv. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) passim

Thompson v. State, 9 S.W.3d 808, 813 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999) 20

Tippins v. Walker, 889 F. Supp. 91 (S.D.N.Y. 1995) 22

Statutes

Texas Code ofCriminal Procedure, Art. 26.04 25, 27

Texas Fair Defense Act passim

Texas Penal Code §12.42(d) 4

Texas Penal Code §22.01(b)(2)(A) 4

Constitutional Provisions

U.S. Const, amend. VI 12, 13, 30, 37

U.S. Const, amend. XIV 12, 13, 37

IV
I. STATEMENT OF THE CASE

The State of Texas brought this criminal case against Jesse Tirado Lopez in the

85th District Court ofBrazos County, Texas. Jesse Lopez was charged with Assault

Family/Household Member with a Previous Conviction. On December 4, 2012,

the jury found him guilty of the charge. The 3rd Degree felony was enhanced to

Habitual Offender status since the Appellant had twice before been convicted of

Felony Driving While Intoxicated.

The punishment phase was tried to the Bench. The Honorable Dan Beck,

Visiting Judge Presiding, found the two enhancement paragraphs to be true and

sentenced the Appellant to serve 32 years confinement in the Institutional

Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on the December 5, 2012.

(R.R. Vol. 5, P. 29).

Appellant was indigent and at trial was represented by a lawyer not qualified to

receive court appointments in felony cases of any kind.

Appellant, through counsel retained by his family, timely filed a Notice of

Appeal and a Motion for New Trial. A hearing on the Motion was conducted on

February 1, 2013. The Motion was overruled by operation oflaw. This appeal ensued.
II. STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT

Due to nature ofthe case and the fact that this is apparently the first time that

the Texas Fair Defense Act has been construed, an oral argument would likely

benefit the Court. Oral argument would emphasize and clarify the written

arguments in the brief and aid the Court in analyzing and understanding the facts.

III. ISSUES PRESENTED

A. Whether Appellant received effective assistance of counsel guaranteed by

the Sixth Amendment ofthe United States Constitution?

B. Whether Appellant's statutory right per the Texas Fair Defense Act to

representation by a competent and qualified attorney was violated?
IV. STATEMENT OF FACTS

The underlying facts of this case involve an argument between two people,

Jesse Tirado Lopez and Dora Molina Mendez, who were in a long-term dating

relationship together.

On the night of February 14, 2013 and the early morning hours of February

15, 2013, Mr. Lopez and Ms. Mendez went to a couple of local bars together to

celebrate Valentine's Day. Throughout the course of the night, the couple

consumed several beers. Their night started at a bar called El Toro. Mr. Lopez and

Ms. Mendez were there for approximately two hours and each had at least two

beers while there. From there, the couple went to a bar called Double D's where

they both continued to drink alcohol.

Upon leaving Double D's, the couple began arguing about several things.

The argument escalated to where both parties became physical with each other.

The couple got into Mr. Lopez's truck, and he drove. They traveled to his

nephew's house where the arguing continued.

Once there, Mr. Lopez went into the home, and Ms. Mendez remained in the

truck parked outside. She continually unlocked the door from the interior of the

truck deliberately causing the alarm to go off each time. Shortly thereafter, the

police arrived because ofthe noise disturbance.

The police officer found Ms. Mendez and testified that she appeared

distressed. Ms. Mendez claimed that Mr. Lopez had hit her in the face. The

3
officer took her word for it and arrested Mr. Lopez. Jesse Tirado Lopez, the

Appellant herein, was initially charged with Assault - Family Violence, a Class A

Misdemeanor.

An attorney named Thomas Reed was appointed to represent the Appellant.

Pursuant to a procedure implemented by the Texas Fair Defense Act, Mr. Reed had

been qualified by the five Brazos County elected judges to accept misdemeanor

appointments. He was not qualified to accept appointments on any felony cases,

notwithstanding his two requests in the early 2000's to be so qualified.

Because the Appellant had been previously convicted of Assault - Family

Violence, his new charge was upgraded to a 3rd degree felony pursuant to Texas

Penal Code §22.01(b)(2)(A).

Because the Appellant had twice before been convicted of Felony Driving

While Intoxicated, the felony charge was enhanced to the habitual felony

punishment range pursuant Texas Penal Code §12.42(d). Although Mr. Reed was

not qualified to accept appointments for any felony grade offense, he remained on

Appellant's case through the conclusion of the jury trial and the Court's

punishment hearing.

The Trial Court Proceedings

A. The Non-Voir Dire

The Voir Dire of the jury panel was conducted on Monday, December 3,

2012.
Jury Panelist Palermo said, in response to a question about Assault Family

Violence with prior convictions and whether or not the prior conviction would

cause her to believe the defendant had did what he was accused of in the case on

trial, "I guess. I mean, in my mind it's already making me think he probably did

it." (RR Vol. 3, p. 25) When asked if she could vote "not guilty" and separate a

prior offense from the case on trial, Ms. Palermo also said, "I don't know if I

could." (RR Vol. 3, p. 26).

When asked about Assault Family Violence with prior conviction and the

effect knowledge of a prior conviction would have on her, Jury Panelist Herwald

said, "If it was another person, it would be easier to convict them because different

people say the same thing." (RR Vol. 3, p. 43).

Jury Panelist Hall, when asked his opinion about Assault Family Violence

said, "I think family violence - the first offense should be a felony because your

family's who you trust and love." (RR Vol. 3, p. 45).

When admonished by the Court about the nature of the law and her

obligation to keep an open mind, Jury Panelist Kessel said, "I would like to say he

wouldn't be sitting there if he wasn't guilty." (RR Vol. 3, p. 47).

When Jury Panelist Hall was questioned by prosecutor John Brick as to

whether he could separate his feelings from the case on trial and base his decision

on the evidence, he said, "I don't think I could because I come from a past." (RR

Vol. 3, p. 48).
Jury Panelist Hyland, when asked whether it would hinder her ability to

serve on a jury if she did not know the details of the prior offense said, "I feel as

though my rights are being - if I'm serving on a jury, I should have every right to

know ifthis is a pattern that emerged." (RR Vol. 3, p. 50).

When asked about whether she could base her decision on evidence and not

speculation (and separate it from any prior experience she had), Jury Panelist

Morky said, "No. All of us - we have three quarters of us that raised our hands that

have some family instance ofthis." (RR Vol. 3, p. 53).

When asked as to how she would vote ifshe was on the jury without having

heard any evidence, Jury Panelist Rhea said, "I would say guilty because my sonin-law is a College Station detective and I know how hard he works to bring a case

to the court and so he can't bring a case unless he's got all the evidence there for

the State to win." (RR Vol. 3, p. 63).

After being admonished by the Court about the need to be fair and impartial,

Jury Panelist Yanowski said, "Same with her. Wouldn't have brought up all that

info about knowing these types of laws and all that without some - getting in my

head about it. So I would have to say guilty right now." (RR Vol. 3, p. 64).

When asked if he could be a good juror by Mr. Reed, Jury Panelist

Baldobino said, "No." (RR Vol. 3, p. 79). Likewise Jury Panelists Pfeil, Merchant

and Bartholomew said, "No" when asked the same question. Id. Similarly, when

Mr. Reed asked Jury Panelist Palermo if she could be an impartial juror, she said,

6
"No." (RR Vol. 3, p. 80) Likewise, when asked if she could be an impartial juror

by Mr. Reed panelist Ms. Stahl said, "I don't think so." (RR Vol. 3, p. 81).

Finally, when Jury Panelists Ermis and Mader were asked if they could be

an impartial juror in this kind of case, they said, "No." (RR Vol. 3, p. 81).

The record does not reflect that Thomas Reed made any challenges for cause

- not a single one - notwithstanding the plethora of comments by several jurors

indicating that they had already disqualified themselves because of bias or

prejudice against the Appellant. Mr. Reed, because he made no record of

"agreements" with the State on jury selection, left nothing for review and insulated

himself from scrutiny. Appellant cites this part of the proceeding in detail as

illustrative of the lack of zealous advocacy and, indeed, sloppy representation that

his attorney provided him during jury selection. Through the inaction of

Appellant's attorney, Appellant is precluded from complaining about any error that

may have occurred during jury selection.

B. The Guilt-Innocence Phase

After jury selection and opening statement, the State presented evidence and

rested after calling only three witnesses, Officer Stacy Dowling, the alleged victim

Dora Mendez, and Investigator Greg Silber from the District Attorney's office.

(RR Vol. 4, p. 90). The Defense rested without putting on any evidence and the

State closed behind that. (RR Vol. 4, pp. 92-93).
After both sides rested and closed, the jurors were told to come back in

about an hour and a half, or at 12:30 p.m. Thus, one can infer that the trial

concluded at approximately at 11:00 a.m. on the same morning the State began to

present its evidence. (RR Vol. 4, p. 93)1. The juryconvicted the Appellant.

C. The Punishment Phase

The punishment phase ofthe trial was tried to bench the next day. The State

proved that the Appellant had twice before been convicted of Felony Driving

While Intoxicated. Appellant's attorney did not call any character witnesses in his

defense. Visiting Judge Dan Beck assessed Appellant's punishment at 32 years

confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal

Justice.

D. The Hearing on the Motion for New Trial

Appellant timely filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for New Trial. A

lengthy, comprehensive hearing on Appellant's Motion for New Trial was

conducted on February 1, 2013.

The first substantive witness to testify at the hearing on the Motion for New

Trial was Judge Dana Zachary, the Judge for the Misdemeanor Associate Court in

Brazos County (RR MNT p. 21 -22)2. Associate Judge Glynis Gore presides over

1The hearing on the Motionfor New Trial on February 1, 2013 actually took longer than the

Guilt/Innocence phase ofthe trial.

2The conversation with Judge Zachary begins on page 15. Inasmuch as she is an officer ofthe

Court and a member ofthe judiciary, all of her statements should be considered as ifhaving been

made under oath, notwithstanding the fact that the oath was administered 6 pages later.
the Felony Associate Court in Brazos County {Id. at p. 23). Judge Zachary keeps

and maintains the records for attorneys that apply to be put on the court appointed

attorney list for Brazos County, Texas {Id. at p. 23).

The Brazos County Indigent Defense Plan (promulgated pursuant to the

Texas Fair Defense Act) was admitted as Defendant's Exhibit No. 1 at the hearing

on the Motion for New Trial. Brazos County, Texas has three District Courts and

two County Courts at Law {Id. at p. 22). Admitted as Defendant's Exhibit No. 2 is

an exemplar of the Judge's Evaluation form for attorneys who apply to be placed

on the list of attorneys qualified {Id. at p. 24).

The request form one completes to be placed on the Brazos County

approved Court Appointed Attorney's list is divided by the grade of offense for

which one can qualify to accept an appointment. An attorney can apply to be

qualified to accept appointments in only misdemeanor cases. He or she can also

apply to be qualified to accept appointments on what are called "other Felonies"

{Id. at p. 25). Additionally, the attorney can apply to be qualified to accept "3G"

or "Enhanced" felonies {Id. at p. 25). The three Brazos County District Judges

require that lawyers have greater experience and to have demonstrated greater

proficiency and competence in criminal cases before they are approved to accept

appointments in "3G" or Enhanced felony cases. {Id. at p. 26).

Defendant's Exhibit Number 8, the list of Approved Counsel for

Appointment in Criminal and Juvenile Cases in Brazos County, Texas, was

9
admitted at the hearing on the Motion for New Trial {Id. at p. 27). Thomas Reed is

qualified to accept appointments in misdemeanor cases only {Id. at p. 28). Judge

Zachary initially appointed Mr. Reed to represent Jesse Tirado Lopez because it

initially appeared that he was only charged with misdemeanor Assault Family

Violence {Id. at p. 28).

When he applied to be put on the Brazos County Court Appointed Attorney

List, Mr. Reed applied to be qualified to accept both misdemeanor and felony

appointments {Id. at p. 30). The elected Judges of Brazos County qualified him to

accept misdemeanor cases {Id. at p. 30). He was deemed, however, unqualified to

accept court appointments in felony cases, even 3rd Degree felony cases {Id. at p.

31). In fact, he was even disqualified to accept court appointments to represent

Defendants in State Jail Felony cases {Id. at p. 31). After Mr. Reed's application to

be qualified to accept court appointments in felony cases was rejected, he applied a

second time and was again disqualified {Id. at p. 31).

At the hearing on Motionfor New Trial, the Court received into evidence the

"Complaint" sub-folder that Judge Zachary maintained for Thomas Reed. It also

received into evidence the evaluation form for Mr. Reed that contains the three

District Judge's comments (which contained their opinions why Thomas Reed was

not qualified to handle felonies) {Id. at p. 32). Visiting Judge Beck admitted the

records into evidence but ordered that they be sealed for the Appellate Record {Id.

at p. 32).

10
Judge Zachary confirmed that, in the Court's file for State v. Jesse Lopez,

there existed no certification filed by Mr. Reed confirming that he contacted the

Appellant, Jesse Lopez, within 72 hours of appointment (or, for that matter, at all)

as required by the Brazos County Indigent Defense Plan {Id. at p. 34).

Appellant also called Sara Portillo as a witness at the hearing on Motionfor

New Trial {Id. at p. 37 et seq.) Ms. Portillo testified that she tried to contact

Thomas Reed before the trial on many occasions {Id. at p. 38). She estimated that

she tried to call him four or five times {Id. at pp. 38-39).

Ms. Portillo confirmed that Mr. Reed never told her that she could have

testified during the punishment phase ofthe trial to tell about Jesse Lopez' family

life, the fact that he is a good father, or anything like that {Id. at p. 39). She said

that she would have said favorable things about Jesse had she testified at the

punishment phase of his trial {Id. at p. 39).

Ms. Portillo said that Mr. Reed contacted her about getting clothes for Jesse

Lopez the day before his jury trial {Id. at pp. 39-40). Although he contacted her to

get clothes for the Appellant to wear during the jury trial, Mr. Reed did not have

any interest in talking to Ms. Portillo about Jesse, his case, or how she may have

been able to help with his defense {Id. at p. 40). In fact, Mr. Reed discouraged

Ms. Portillo and their children from even coming to trial {Id. at p. 40).

Ms. Portillo also testified that Mr. Reed never returned her phone calls and

never answered the telephone {Id. at p. 41). She said that Jesse Lopez

11
communicated with her prior to trial and expressed his frustration that his own

attorney (that is, Mr. Reed) would not contact him or come see him in jail {Id. at p.

42).

Ms. Portillo testified that she knew that both of the Mr. Lopez' hands had

been broken before trial {Id. at p. 45), and that it was hard for him to grab things

with his hands after he had injured them {Id. at p. 47). Moreover, she testified that

Jesse could not have punched anyone with his hands broken.

Appellant seeks a new trial.

V. SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT

Appellant argues that his Appellant's 6th Amendment3 right to effective

assistance of counsel and 14th Amendment4 right to due process were violated due

to the inaction of the attorney appointed to represent him. Appellant's attorney's

representation lacked any zeal, lacked thoroughness and lacked any pretrial

preparation. Appellant made repeated requests for his attorney to meet with him.

The meetings did not take place. Several phone calls and letters placed or sent,

respectively, by both the Appellant and the Appellant's family went unanswered.

Appellant's attorney ignored his own client's requests for communication.

Appellant further contends that was deprived of effective assistance of counsel at

trial by the failure of his appointed attorney to notify him of a plea offer.

3U.S. Const, amend. VI

4U.S. Const, amend. XIV

12
Appellant further argues that court appointed attorney Thomas Reed,

although approved for appointment to misdemeanor cases, is and was not a

qualified attorney on the Brazos County Court Appointed Attorney list for felony

cases and thus was not qualified to handle the Appellant's felony case. Appellant

was deprived of his right to representation by an attorney qualified to try felony

cases under the Texas Fair Defense Act. The deprivation of his rights under the

Texas Fair Defense Act also constitutes a per se denial of Appellant's 6th

Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel and 14th Amendment right to

due process.

VI. STANDARD OF REVIEW

The proper standard for attorney performance is that of reasonably effective

assistance. When a convicted defendant complains of the ineffectiveness of

counsel's assistance, the defendant must show that counsel's representation fell

below an objective standard ofreasonableness under prevailing professional norms

and the client was prejudiced by this unreasonable conduct, which was set forth in

Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) and adopted by the Texas Court of

Criminal Appeals ofTexas in Hernandez v. State, 726 S.W.2d 53 (Tex. Crim. App.

1986).5

5Appellant declines to assert substantially identical claims under the Texas Constitution in light

ofthe Court of Criminal Appeals' holding that "... [0]ur constitutional and statutory provisions

do not create a standard in ineffective assistance cases that is more protective of a defendant's

rights than the standard put forward by the Supreme Court in Strickland. Accordingly, we will

13
Appellant urges this Court to hold that the Standard for Review under the

Texas Fair Defense Act (hereinafter, the "FDA") is whether or not counsel

appointed was qualified per the FDA.

VII. ARGUMENT

A. WHETHER APPELLANT RECEIVED EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE

OF COUNSEL GUARANTEED BY THE SIXTH AMENDMENT OF

THE UNTITED STATED CONSITUTION?

This is a case of flagrantly ineffective assistance of counsel. Mr. Thomas

Reed failed to effectively represent Jesse Lopez in the case brought against him for

Assault - Family Violence (Enhanced). The following is an introductory list ofthe

deficiencies of counsel that will be elaborated on hereafter:

1. Mr. Reed was not approved and qualified to be appointed on felony cases in

Brazos County.

2. Not only was Mr. Reed not approved to be appointed to handle "3G" or

Enhanced felonies, he was not even approved and qualified to handle State

Jail Felonies. In fact, his request to be approved to handle any caliber of

felony case was denied twice by the three District Judges of Brazos County,

Texas.

follow in full the Stricklandstandards in determining effective assistance and prejudice resulting

therefrom." Hernandez v. State, 726 S.W.2d 53 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986).

14
3. Mr. Reed failed to visit his client, Jesse Lopez, in jail despite his several

requests to do so from the Appellant, the Appellant's girlfriend and even the

alleged victim.

4. Mr. Reed failed to respond to phone calls placed by Jesse Lopez from jail.

5. Mr. Reed failed to respond to letters sent to him by Jesse Lopez from jail.

6. Mr. Reed acknowledged at the hearing on the Motion for New Trial that he

sent no letter to the Magistrate that appointed him confirming that he had

contacted Jesse Lopez, although such was required by the Brazos County

Indigent Defense Plan.

7. Mr. Reed failed to return several phone calls placed by Sara Portillo, Mr.

Lopez's girlfriend, when she called on his behalf.

8. Mr. Reed only spoke to his client at four, possibly five, brief court hearings

and at the jury trial; never outside of court.

9. Mr. Reed acknowledged that the only work he did on the case occurred in

the court room.

lO.Mr. Reed neglected to inform Ms. Portillo that she could have testified as a

witness on behalf ofMr. Lopez during the punishment phase ofthe trial.

1l.In fact, Mr. Reed actually discouraged Ms. Portillo and their children from

coming to the trial despite the fact that she could have and would have

testified that Mr. Lopez was a good father and a good man.

15
12.Mr. Reed admitted that the only time he contacted Ms. Portillo was to get

clothes for the Mr. Lopez to wear during trial.

13.Mr. Reed failed to ever speak with Dora Mendez, the alleged victim in this

case, despite her numerous attempts to contact Mr. Reed on Mr. Lopez's

behalf before the trial.

14.Mr. Reed admitted that the only time he ever spoke with Dora Mendez was

during cross examination at trial.

15.Mr. Reed never visited the scene where the offense that was the subject of

Mr. Lopez's trial supposedly occurred.

16.Mr. Reed never visited the scene where Appellant was arrested.

17.Mr. Reed failed to call any witnesses in Appellant's defense at trial.

18.In fact, Mr. Reed failed to put on any evidence in Appellant's defense at

trial.

19. Mr. Reed failed to prove to the jury that Appellant's hands were deformed

from a prior injury to the point that he could not possibly have hit the victim

without causing further injury to himself.

20.Mr. Reed failed to properly communicate to Appellant the State's plea offer

and what charge the State was offering to allow him to plead to.6

6 Mr. Reed also failed to sign and return a Motion to Substitute Counsel until the week of

Thanksgiving and almost a month after it was first sent to him, leaving new Counsel without

adequate time to prepare for a trial on December 3, 2012.

16
This is plain error, that is, error that is both apparent on the face of the trial

record and that error clearly had an adverse impact upon the substantial rights of

the Appellant. The ineffectiveness of counsel resulted in the accused not receiving

a fair trial. Thomas Reed, Appellant Jesse Lopez' attorney at trial, was physically

present, but completely absent in effort.7

If counsel entirely fails to subject the prosecution's case to meaningful

adversarial testing, then there has been a denial of Sixth Amendment rights that

makes the adversary process itself presumptively unreliable. Castillo v. State, 751

S.W.2d 521,523 (Tex. App. -- San Antonio 1988, no pet.) The Sixth Amendment

guarantees competent representation. Counsel deprives a Defendant ofthe right to

effective assistance simply by failing to_ render "adequate legal assistance." Cuyler

v. Sullivan, 446 U.S. 335, 344 (1980).

The United States Supreme Court has established a two-part test to

determine whether counsel was ineffective. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S.

668, 687 (1984). Applicant must prove (1) his trial counsel's representation was

deficient and (2) his trial counsel's deficient performance was so serious that it

prejudiced his defense. Id. at 686-687; Bone v. State, 11 S.W.3d 828, 833 (Tex.

Crim. App. 2002). To establish deficient performance, Applicant must prove by a

7Lawyer Brendan Sullivan received international media attention in his role as defense counsel

to Iran-Contra affair figure Oliver North. During the ensuing congressional hearings, chairman

Daniel Inouye suggested that North should speak for himself, because he had wearied of

Sullivan's constant objections to questions put to North. Sullivan responded, "Well, sir, I'm not a

potted plant. I'm here as the lawyer. That's my job." Thomas Reed's representation of Jesse

Lopez will be shown herein to have approached the level of a potted plant.

17
preponderance of the evidence that counsel's representation fell below the

objective standard of prevailing professional norms, and there is a reasonable

probability that, but for counsel's deficiency, the result of the proceeding would

have been different. Id.

Applicant must identify specific acts or omissions of counsel that constitute

the alleged ineffective assistance and affirmatively prove that they fell below the

professional norm for reasonableness. McFarland v. State, 928 S.W.2d 482, 500

(Tex. Crim. App. 1996), overruled on other grounds by Mosley v. State, 983

S.W.2d 249, 263 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998) (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690). The

alleged ineffectiveness must be firmly founded in the record. Bone, 11 S.W.3d at

835. If Applicant fails to satisfy either prong of the test, the court does not need to

consider the remaining prong. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687.

Texas courts adhere to this United States Supreme Court's two pronged

Strickland test to determine whether counsel's representation was inadequate so as

to violate a defendant's Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Hernandez v. State, 726

S.W.2d 53, 55 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). The Defendant must first show that

counsel's performance was deficient, i.e., that his assistance fell below an objective

standard of reasonableness, {see Sneed v. State, 964 S.W.2d 764, 766 (Tex. App.

Texarkana 1998, no pet.); {see also, Ex Parte Menchaca, 854 S.W.2d 128, 131

(Tex. Crim. App. 1993)). Second, assuming Appellant has demonstrated deficient
assistance, it is necessary to affirmatively prove prejudice. Strickland v.

Washington, 466 U.S. 689, 693 (1984).

In other words, Appellant must show a reasonable probability that, but for

counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been

different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine

confidence in the outcome. Hernandez, 726 S.W.2d at 55. This two pronged test is

the benchmark for judging whether counsel's conduct so undermined the proper

functioning of the adversarial process that the trial cannot be relied on as having

produced a reliable and just result. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 686.

Ordinarily, if counsel's errors were so obviously unprofessional, as in the

present case, then there should be no need for an explanation of his subjective

intent. In such situations, Appellant is able to bring a direct appeal and obtain a

judgment by the Appellate Court. See Pinkston v. State, 744 S.W.2d 329, 333

(Tex. App. ~ Houston [1st Dist.] 1988, no pet.). In the instant case, though, to

Appellant's disappointment, the Honorable Trial Judge allowed Appellant's

Motion for New Trial to be overruled by operation of law, he at least allowed an

extremely detailed record at the hearing thereon to be developed.

Judicial scrutiny of counsel's performance must be highly deferential, and

the Court will indulge a strong presumption that counsel was effective. Id. at 689;

8Indeed, the hearing on the Motionfor New Trial lasted about as long as or longer than the entire

guilt/innocence phase ofthe trial.

19
Jackson v. State, 877 S.W.2d 768, 771 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994). The Court will

presume counsel's actions were reasonably professional and motivated by sound

trial strategy. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689 (stating that a fair assessment of attorney

performance requires every effort to eliminate the distorting effect of hindsight and

to evaluate the conduct from counsel's perspective at the time oftrial).

Applicant must overcome this presumption by illustrating why counsel did

what he did. Belcher v. State, 93 S.W.2d 593, 595 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th

Dist.] 2002, pet. dism'd). When evaluating an allegation of ineffective assistance,

the Appellate Court looks to the totality of the representation and the particular

circumstances of each case. Thompson v. State, 9 S.W.3d 808, 813 (Tex. Crim.

App. 1999). The fact that another attorney may have acted in a different manner

will not be sufficient to prove ineffective assistance, and an error in trial strategy

will be considered inadequate only if counsel's actions lack any plausible basis.

Dickerson v. State, 87 S.W.3d 623, 637 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2002, no pet.).

The duty to investigate cannot be delegated to an investigator or to the

prosecutor. Flores v. State, 576 S.W.2d 632, 634 (Tex. Crim. App. 1979); Bulter

v. State, 716 S.W.2d 48, 55 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). Counsel must make an

independent investigation into the facts. See Pinkston v. State, 744 S.W.2d 329,

332 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1988) (attorney has a duty to make an

independent investigation of his client's case; counsel is ineffective if the

consequence is that a viable defense available to the client is not advanced).

20
The next inquiry is prejudice. To determine prejudice, for guidance courts

look again to Strickland, where the United States Supreme Court made it clear that

although the burden upon the Appellant is high, a criminal Defendant "need not

show that counsel's deficient conduct more likely than not altered the outcome in

the case." Strickland, 455 U.S. at 693, 104 S. Ct. at 2068. In fact, "in every case

the court should be concerned with whether, despite the strong presumption of

reliability [of the trial's outcome], the result of the particular proceeding is

unreliable because of a breakdown in the adversarial process that our system

counts on to produce just results." Id. at 696.

An assertion ofineffective assistance of counsel will be sustained only ifthe

record affirmatively supports such a claim. Ex parte Ewing, 570 S.W.2d at 943.

Moreover, matters oftrial strategy will be reviewed only if an attorney's actions are

without a plausible basis. Ex parte Burns, 601 S.W.2d 370 (Tex. Crim. App.

1980). Appellant urges that near complete inaction can never be a sound trial

strategy.

A presumption of prejudice applies where, as here, counsel's actions are the

equivalent of no legal assistance at all.

In Javor v. United States, 724 F.2d 831 (9th Cir. 1994), the court held:

Today we conclude that when an attorney for a criminal defendant

sleeps through a substantial portion of the trial, such conduct is

inherently prejudicial and thus no separate showing of prejudice is

necessary [citations omitted]. Javor's Sixth Amendment right to

counsel was violated not because ofspecific legal errors or omissions

21
indicating incompetence, but because he had no legal assistance

during a substantial portion of his trial....

Prejudice is inherent in this case because unconscious or sleeping

counsel is equivalent to no counsel at all. The mere physical presence

of an attorney does not fulfill Sixth Amendment entitlement to the

assistance of counsel... [A]n attorney's absence prejudices a defendant

more by what was not done than by what was done.

Id. at 833 (emphasis added).

Appellant submits that having an unqualified attorney who committed the

actions and inactions fully delineated above in 20 numbered paragraphs in the

Argument section I. of this brief, was the "equivalent to no counsel at all."

Appellant's unqualified attorney's silence and inaction before and during the trial

prejudiced Appellant more "by what was not done than by what was done".

In Tippins v. Walker, 889 F. Supp. 91 (S.D.N.Y. 1995), the Court granted

the writ of habeas corpus when counsel slept through much ofthe trial:

Accordingly, as the Second Circuit has accepted Javor's holding that

sleeping counsel is tantamount to no counsel at all, this Court holds

that Tirelli's sleeping constituted a per se violation of petitioner's

Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel. The Court

rejects the law espoused by the [lower state courts] that petitioner

must demonstrate that he was prejudiced by the fact of his counsel's

slumber.

Id. at 94.

Likewise, under the unique facts of this case, Appellant should not have to

demonstrate specific prejudice (though, in fact, he has done so). Rather, prejudice

22
must be presumed by counsel's near complete inaction and Appellant is entitled to

a new trial.

Other cases in which courts have held counsel to beper se ineffective

are Hays v. State ofAlabama, 85 F.3d 1492 (11th Cir. 1996) (prejudice presumed

when counsel absent, prevented from assisting during critical state, or if

counsel failed to subject prosecution's case to meaningful adversarial

testing); Golden v. Newsome, 755 F.2d 1478 (11th Cir. 1985) (absence of counsel is

presumptively prejudicial); Green v. Am, 809 F.2d 1257, 1263 (6th Cir.

\9Sl){vacated on other grounds, Am v. Green (1987) 484 U.S. 806) (temporary

absence of counsel during critical stage is prejudicial per se and not subject to

harmless error inquiry); Chadwick v. Green, 740 F.2d 897 (1 l^Cir.

1984) (circumstances which would warrant a presumption of prejudice from

counsel's ineffectiveness are those in which adversary process itself is rendered

presumptively unreliable by the circumstances).

In Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 696 (1984) the United States

Supreme Court concluded its analysis ofineffective assistance of counsel claims

with this caveat:

Although those [foregoing] principles should guide the process of

decision, the ultimate focus of inquiry must be on the fundamental

fairness of the proceeding whose result is being challenged. In every

case the court should be concerned with whether, despite the strong

presumption of reliability, the result of the particular proceeding is

23
unreliable because of a breakdown in the adversarial process that our

system counts on to produce just results.

Strickland, 466 U.S. 696 (emphasis added).

Here, there was just such a breakdown in the adversarial process, rendering

the result of Appellant's trial unreliable. It is difficult to imagine a more egregious

case ofincompetent counsel than the case here.

B. WHETHER APPELLANT'S STATORY RIGHT PER THE TEXAS

FAIR DEFENSE ACT TO REPRESENTATION BY A COMPETENT

AND QUALIFIED ATTORNEY WAS VIOLATED?

The Texas Fair Defense Act (the "FDA"), passed in 2001, for the first time,

required all criminal courts in Texas to adopt formal procedures for providing

appointed lawyers to indigent defendants.

These procedures must be consistent in all courts of the same jurisdiction

within any particular county (e.g., all district (felony) courts in a county

must adopt consistent procedures), and counties may adopt unified

procedures that apply to all criminal courts (felony and misdemeanor) in a

county. ...

Although the FDA gives local officials significant flexibility in establishing

their indigent defense plans, every plan is required to meet minimum

statewide standards and/or specify local procedures in the following areas:

• Prompt appointment of defense counsel

• Methods for selecting defense lawyers eligible to receive court

appointments, including qualification standards

• Methods for selecting defense lawyers for appointment in specific cases

• Methods for determining defendant eligibility for appointment of counsel

(indigence standards)

• Fee schedules for payment of appointed defense lawyers

• Compensation procedures for experts and investigators in cases involving

indigent defendants

24
The FDA also created a new state indigent defense commission, the Task

Force on Indigent Defense, to oversee the implementation of the FDA and

administer a new state program for awarding indigent defense grants to

counties.9

The Texas Fair Defense Act modified several statutes, most notable of

which was the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Texas Code of Criminal

Procedure, Art. 26.04 provides, in pertinent part:

(a) The judges of the county courts, statutory county courts, and district

courts trying criminal cases in each county, by local rule, shall adopt and

publish written countywide procedures for timely and fairly appointing

counsel for an indigent defendant in the county arrested for, charged

with, or taking an appeal from a conviction of a misdemeanor punishable

by confinement or a felony. The procedures must be consistent with this

article and Articles 1.051. 15.17, 26.05, and 26.052. A court shall appoint

an attorney from a public appointment list using a system of rotation,

unless the court appoints an attorney under Subsection (f), (f-1), (h), or

(i). The court shall appoint attorneys from among the next five names on

the appointment list in the order in which the attorneys' names appear on

the list, unless the court makes a finding of good cause on the record for

appointing an attorney out of order. An attorney who is not appointed in

the order in which the attorney's name appears on the list shall remain

next in order on the list.

(b) Procedures adopted under Subsection (a) shall:

(1) authorize only the judges of the county courts, statutory county

courts, and district courts trying criminal cases in the county, or the

judges' designee, to appoint counsel for indigent defendants in the

county;

(2) apply to each appointment of counsel made by a judge or the judges'

designee in the county;

(3) ensure that each indigent defendant in the county who is charged

with a misdemeanor punishable by confinement or with a felony and who

9"Texas Fair Defense Project." Texas Fair Defense Project. Texas Fair Defense Project, n.d. Web. 13 Oct

2013. <http://www.texasfairdefenseproject.org/info/right_to_counsel/texas_fair_defense>

25
appears in court without counsel has an opportunity to confer with

appointed counsel before the commencement ofjudicialproceedings;

(4) require appointments for defendants in capital cases in which the

death penalty is sought to comply with any applicable requirements

under Articles 11.071 and 26.052:

(5) ensure that each attorney appointedfrom a public appointment list

to represent an indigent defendant perform the attorney's duty owed to

the defendant in accordance with the adopted procedures, the

requirements ofthis code, and applicable rules of ethics; and

(6) ensure that appointments are allocated among qualified attorneys in

a manner that is fair, neutral, and nondiscriminatory.

(c) Whenever a court or the courts' designee authorized under Subsection (b)

to appoint counsel for indigent defendants in the county determines for

purposes of a criminal proceeding that a defendant charged with or

appealing a conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor punishable by

confinement is indigent or that the interests ofjustice require representation

of a defendant in the proceeding, the court or the courts' designee shall

appoint one or more practicing attorneys to represent the defendant in

accordance with this subsection and the procedures adopted under

Subsection (a). If the court or the courts' designee determines that the

defendant does not speak and understand the English language or that the

defendant is deaf, the court or the courts' designee shall make an effort to

appoint an attorney who is capable of communicating in a language

understood by the defendant.

(d) A public appointment list from which an attorney is appointed as

required by Subsection (a) shall contain the names of qualified attorneys,

each ofwhom:

(1) applies to be included on the list;

(2) meets the objective qualifications specified by the judges under

Subsection (e);

(3) meets any applicable qualifications specified by the Texas

Indigent Defense Commission; and

(4) is approved by a majority of the judges who established the

appointment list under Subsection (e).

(e) In a county in which a court is required under Subsection (a) to appoint

an attorney from a public appointment list:

(1) the judges of the county courts and statutory county courts trying

misdemeanor cases in the county, by formal action:

(A) shall:

26
(i) establish a public appointment list of attorneys

qualified to provide representation in the county in

misdemeanor cases punishable by confinement; and

(ii) specify the objective qualifications necessary for an

attorney to be included on the list; and

(B) may establish, if determined by the judges to be

appropriate, more than one appointment list graduated

according to the degree of seriousness of the offense, the

attorneys' qualifications, and whether representation will be

provided in trial court proceedings, appellate proceedings, or

both; and

(2) the judges ofthe district courts trying felony cases in the county,

byformal action:

(A) shall:

(i) establish a public appointment list of attorneys

qualified to provide representation infelony cases in the

county; and

(ii) specify the objective qualifications necessary for an

attorney to be included on the list, and

(B) may establish, if determined by the judges to be

appropriate, more than one appointment list graduated

according to the degree of seriousness of the offense, the

attorneys' qualifications, and whether representation will be

provided in trial court proceedings, appellate proceedings, or

both.10

Appellant is mindful that, "[u]nder most circumstances, the record on direct

appeal will not be sufficient to show that counsel's representation was so deficient

and so lacking in tactical or strategic decision-making as to overcome the strong

presumption that counsel's conduct was reasonable and professional." Bone v.

State, 11 S.W.3d 828, 833 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002).

10 Emphasis in Article 26.04 was added by counsel for illustrative purposes.

27
However, in this case, the hearing on the Motion for New Trial that took

place on February 1, 2013 actually took longer than the entire Guilt/Innocence

phase of the trial". Furthermore, Appellant contends that his rights under the

Texas Fair Defense Act were violated, an argument that was not advanced or

considered in Bone.

Appellant's counsel has found a few reported cases that cite the Texas Fair

Defense Act tangentially, but none where a complaint was based on a pellucidly

clear, incontrovertible, flagrant violation of the FDA as this case presents.

Appellant urges this Court to hold that, in enacting the FDA, the Texas legislature

created an objective standard for qualification of and appointment of counsel for

indigent defendants.

Historically, cases analyzed under Strickland have historically been done on

a case by case basis.

In Cain v. State, 947 S.W.2d 262, 264 (Tex. Crim. App. - 1997), the Court

stated, "Except for certain federal constitutional errors labeled by the United States

Supreme Court as "structural," no error, whether it relates to jurisdiction,

voluntariness of a plea, or any other mandatory requirement, is categorically

immune to a harmless error analysis."

11 The length oftime allowed for the hearing on the Motionfor New Trial on February 1, 2013 is

a credit to the patience of and thoroughness ofthe visiting Judge, the Hon. Dan Beck.

28
The result of this analytical approach has been to create an almost

impossible hurdle for Appellants to overcome when complaining about grossly

deficient performance by court appointed counsel unless it is what the Supreme

Court labels "structural." Moreover, many Appellants could meet Strickland's first

prong - that is that counsel's performance was deficient, i.e., that his assistance fell

below an objective standard of reasonableness. But Strickland's second prong -

that is there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors,

the result of the proceeding would have been different is virtually an impossible

burden to meet. Even the qualification that "A reasonable probability is a

probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome" provides little help

since whose confidence must be undermined is not defined and is thus also

subjective. While the first prong speaks of objective standards, the second prong

language is inherently subjective, ephemeral and nebulous. One can never truly

know what may have been.

Appellant urges this Court to hold either that by enacting the FDA, the

legislature has eliminated the need to meet the second prong of Strickland when

court appointed counsel is by judicial pronouncement deemed unqualified, or that

the enactment ofthe FDA necessarily made appointment of an unqualified attorney

to represent an indigent defendant a structural defect which eliminates the harm

analysis that would otherwise be required. In other words, appointment of an

29
unqualified attorney should be considered fundamental error under the Texas Fair

Defense Act.

In Cantu v. State, 930 S.W.2d 594 (Tex.Cr.App.1996), the Court ofCriminal

Appeals reversed this honorable Court when it addressed the issue of whether a

lawyer's suspension for failing to respond to demands from the State Bar

Grievance Committee for information deprived the defendant of his Sixth

Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel.

The Court in Cantu held that, as matters offirst impression: (1) a never been

licensed layman can never be considered "counsel" under Sixth Amendment and

representation by such person will always constitute a denial of counsel; (2) a

suspended or disciplined attorney is incompetent as a matter of law if reasons for

the discipline imposed reflect so poorly upon attorney's competence that it may

reasonably be inferred that attorney was incompetent to represent defendant; and

(3) the defendant's attorney who was suspended for failing to respond to demands

from State Bar Grievance Committee for information was not incompetent as a

matter of law and accordingly, defendant did not establish a complete denial of his

right to counsel.

Appellant urges this Court that his representation by a court appointed

attorney who had been deemed unqualified to accept felony appointments is

virtually identical to the second of three categories defined above. Just as it may

be inferred that an attorney disciplined for incompetence was incompetent to

30
represent a particular defendant, it may and should be inferred that an attorney

found to be unqualified to accept felony appointments for indigent defendants

under the FDA was incompetent and unqualified to represent this Appellant.

Cantu contains an interesting and lengthy discussion of why a per se rule

should exist when a defendant is represented by a non-lawyer even though that was

not the precise issue before the Court. The Court, in addressing judicial reticence

of adoption ofper se rules, observed:

While the competence rationale can support a case-by-case determination of

incompetence as a matter of law, we do not believe that the rationale can

support a per se rule that suspended or disbarred counsel constitutes an

automatic Sixth Amendment violation. The Supreme Court has explained

that per se rules should apply only when they will usually reach the correct

result as an empirical matter:

[Per se rules are] designed to avoid the costs of excessive inquiry

where a per se rule will achieve the correct result in almost all cases.

As we explained in a different context: "Per se rules ... require the

Court to make broad generalizations.... Cases that do not fit the

generalization may arise, but a per se rule reflects the judgment that

such cases are not sufficiently common or important to justify the

time and expense necessary to identify them." [Citation omitted]. Per

se rules should not be applied, however, in situations where the

generalization is incorrect as an empirical matter; the justification for

a conclusive presumption disappears when application of the

presumption will not reach the correct result most ofthe time.

Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 737, 111 S.Ct. 2546, 2558, 115

L.Ed.2d 640 (1991). See also Bellamy, 974 F.2d at 308. Bond, 1 F.3d at 636.

Similar considerations underlie the use of prophylactic rules such as those

announced in Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d

694(1966):

Although recognizing that the Miranda rules would result in the

exclusion of some voluntary and reliable statements, the Court

31
imposed these "prophylactic standards" on the States [citation

omitted] to safeguard the Fifth Amendment privilege against selfincrimination.

Michigan v. Harvey, 494 U.S. 344, 350, 110 S.Ct. 1176, 1180, 108 L.Ed.2d

293 (1990).

Under the competence rationale, a per se rule is appropriate for the neverbeen-licensed layman because we can infer that the rule reaches the correct

result most of the time. Persons who have not passed the threshold

requirements for membership in the bar cannot be expected to provide

competent representation, and it is surely true that most laymen could not in

fact do so. While some laymen may in fact have the requisite knowledge and

skill, the chance that such persons may commit significant errors is great

enough that the courts should not risk the possibility that a layman might

commit prejudicial errors that would escape an appellate court's notice under

a traditional Strickland analysis. A per se rule against never-been-licensed

laymen is essential to safeguarding the Sixth Amendment right to the

effective assistance of counsel.

Cantu v. State, 930 S.W.2d 594, 600-601 (Tex. Crim. App. - 1996).

Holding that the Texas Fair Defense Act requires the adoption of a per se

rule that appointment of counsel in felony case found to be unqualified for such an

appointment constitutes a per se deprivation of effective assistance of counsel

would result in a rule that reaches the correct result not most of the time, but all of

the time.

Consider this: if an attorney who has been deemed qualified by the local

District Judges under the FDA provides marginal or substandard representation to

a defendant, the prospective appellant's complaint for ineffective assistance would

most assuredly have to be made under Strickland v. Washington. It would make no

sense for him to try and argue that the qualified attorney should not have been

32
deemed qualified when the more efficient argument would be to attack his or her

performance at trial under a Strickland analysis.

Appellant's representation by an attorney unqualified under the Texas Fair

Defense Act was also not the result of any knowingly and intelligently made

1 0

decision on his part. " In the first place, Appellant speaks little English. In the

second place, there is no showing that Appellant knew what being qualified to

accept felony appointments meant. See RR MNT p. 139 where Thomas Reed

acknowledged that in the April 25, 2012 hearing, he could hear Jesse Lopez

struggling to understand what Judge Gore was saying.

Arguing by analogy, the Court in Manley v. State, 23 S.W.3d 172, 173-74

(Tex. App. Waco — 2000), when discussing an accused's right to selfrepresentation observed:

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1,

Section 10 of the Texas Constitution provide that a defendant in a criminal

trial has the right to assistance of counsel. U.S. Const. Amend. VI; Tex.

Const. Art. I, §10. However, this right to counsel may be waived, and the

defendant may choose to represent himself at trial. Faretta v. California,

411 U.S. 806, 821, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 2534, 45 L.Ed.2d 562 (1975). Although

the right to self-representation is absolute, a waiver of the right to counsel

will not be "lightly inferred," and the courts will indulge every reasonable

12 At the April 25, 2012 hearing, Associate Judge Glynis Gore, after recognizing that Appellant

needed a translator, told him in English that Mr. Reed was not on the list of attorneys qualified to

accept appointments for felony cases, but that he could agree to keep Mr. Reed as his attorney if

he chose. The Appellant, in the recording ofthe April 25, 2012 hearing which was admitted into

evidence as Exhibit A by the State on February 1, 2013, can be heard to say, "'Es, better." (for

illustrative purposes, counsel is borrowing vernacular utilized by Lupe Tortilla, a restaurant

chain popular in the mid to southeast parts of Texas). For the convenience of the Court, the

uncertified transcript of that hearing is attached as Appendix A. See RR MNT pp. 131-138 for

the Court Reporter's transcription ofthe audio recording ofthe April 25, 2012 hearing.

33
presumption against the validity ofsuch a waiver. George v. State, 9 S.W.3d

234, 236 (Tex.App.—Texarkana 1999, no pet.) (citing Johnson v. Zerbst,

304 U.S. 458, 464, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 1023, 82 L.Ed. 1461 (1938), and Jordan

v. State, 571 S.W.2d 883, 884 (Tex.Crim.App.1978)).

How does a court decide whether a valid waiver of counsel exists? Faretta

requires that (1) the appellant make a "knowing and intelligent" waiver; and

(2) the appellant must be made aware of the "dangers and disadvantages of

self-representation." Id. (citing Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 1.051

(Vernon Supp.1999)); Faretta, 411 U.S. at 835, 95 S.Ct. at 2541. To decide

whether a defendant's waiver is knowing and intelligent, the court must

make an inquiry, evidenced by the record, which shows that the defendant

has sufficient intelligence to demonstrate a capacity to waive his right to

counsel and the ability to appreciate the practical disadvantage he will

confront in representing himself. George, 9 S.W.3d at 237 (citing Archie v.

State, 799 S.W.2d 340, 344 (Tex.App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1990), affd,

816 S.W.2d 424 (Tex.Crim.App.1991)). The court must determine not only

that the defendant wishes to waive his right to counsel, but that he

understands the consequences ofsuch waiver. Id.

Likewise, there was no intelligent waiver of Appellant's rights under the

Texas Fair Defense Act in this case.

Further, as a matter of anticipatory rebuttal, Appellant addresses the

possibility that the State may argue that he waived his complaint that he was not

represented by a qualified attorney in violation of his rights under the Texas Fair

Defense Act. In the first place, such a contention would be disingenuous. The

Appellant speaks little English and was represented by an attorney who does not

speak Spanish. He was also shackled to his court appointed attorney, Thomas

Reed, when Associate Judge Glynis Gore, on November 30, 2013, refused to allow

34
his December 3, 2012 jury trial setting be continued13 so that Appellant could

proceed with an attorney retained by his family.

Moreover, the Appellant asserted his complaint in detail in his Motion for

New Trial and hearing thereon, which was the first logical opportunity for him to

do so. Arguing by analogy, in construing the timeliness of an Appellant's

complaint about a breached plea agreement which was first raised in a motion for

new trail, the Court of Criminal Appeals, in Bitterman v. State, 180 S.W.3d 139,

142-43 (Tex. Crim. App. - 2005) observed:

The State also relies on these cases in its brief, citing them for the

proposition that Appellant should have objected at a time when the trial

court had an opportunity to correct the error. In addition, the State points to

Mendez v. State to support its argument that a defendant must make a timely

objection or he fails to preserve error. However, reliance on this case is

misplaced for two reasons. First, the facts in Mendez involved a defendant,

after a trial by jury and sentencing, who claimed that the trial court should

have sua sponte withdrawn the guilty plea he entered due to new testimony

which raised an issue as to his guilt. This is distinguishable from the case at

hand, which involves not the withdrawal of a plea made by the defendant at

trial, but the withdrawal of a plea agreement after this agreement was

breached by the State.

Secondly, even if this Court were to find Mendez persuasive in this case, the

defendant in Mendez did not raise the issue until his appeal to the court of

appeals. In this case, it is clear from the record that Appellant raised the

issue for the first time at the trial level, at the hearing on the motion for a

new trial. This was the first time that the issue could have been cured, and

thus the first time that it made sense to raise the issue. Even ifthe Appellant

had objected at the time of the breach of the plea agreement, the error could

not have been cured by the trial judge at that time because the prosecutor's

13 The Defendant's Motion for Continuance that Associate Judge Gore denied on November 30,

2012 was his first and only Motion for Continuance. The indictment was filed against the

Defendant on March 22, 2012, eight months and eight days previously. Defendant's case could

not be considered an old case by any reasonable stretch ofthe imagination.

35
recommendation was already before the judge to consider. Objecting at that

point would be similar to asking the judge to forget everything the

prosecutor had just told him and make the sentencing decision based only on

the testimony of the defense. There was no attempt at an "end-run" around

the trial judge straight to the court of appeals. Raising the objection for the

first time at a motion for a new trial gave the trial judge notice ofthe breach,

and gave him an opportunity to correct the error by granting Appellant's

motion for a new trial. Neither the court of appeals nor the State cite any

caselaw requiring a defendant who has pled guilty as part of an agreement

with the State to object at the moment of the breach rather than at a motion

for a new trial. Rather, this Court has simply held, as have a number of

courts of appeals, that in this same fact scenario, the defendant is entitled

either to specific performance or to withdraw his plea if the State has

breached a plea agreement. The Appellant in this case chose to request a

new trial in order to compel specific performance of the agreement into

which he and the State entered.

In light of all of the foregoing, Appellant urges this Honorable Court to

reverse his conviction and remand the case for a new trial.

It has been uniformly recognized that a layman masquerading as an

attorney—that is, one who has never been a licensed attorney in any jurisdiction—

can never be considered "counsel" under the Sixth Amendment regardless of the

skill exercised by the layman. Cantu v. State, 930 S.W.2d 594, 596 (Tex. Crim.

App. 1996).

The Courts acknowledge that representation by one not licensed to practice

law is the same as no representation at all. Appellant urges this Court to hold that

representation by even a licensed attorney who failed to meet the objective

standards established to qualify one to accept court appointments in felony cases

36
under the Texas Fair Defense Act is functionally equivalent to no representation

under either the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution or under the

Texas Fair Defense Act. Indeed, Appellant was represented by a lawyer who was

twice deemed to be unqualified to receive felony appointments by Brazos County's

District Judges.

VIII. CONCLUSION

Issue No. 1: The Appellant's 6th Amendment right to effective assistance of

counsel and 14th Amendment right to due process were violated due to the inaction

of the attorney appointed to represent him. Appellant's attorney's representation

fell below an objective standard of reasonableness under prevailing professional

norms and the client was prejudiced by this unreasonable conduct, which was set

forth in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) and adopted by the Texas

Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas in Hernandez v. State, 116 S.W.2d 53 (Tex.

Crim. App. 1986).

Issue No. 2: Appellant's right to representation by a qualified attorney under

the Texas Fair Defense Act was violated and constitutes reversible error.

This Court should REVERSE Appellant's conviction and grant him a

new trial.

37
IX. PRAYER

WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Appellant prays this honorable

Court reverse and remand this case for a new trial, and to enter any other relief

appropriate under the facts and the law.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard W.B, "Rick" Datfis, P.C.

By: RiclliJavis

State Bar No. 05539100

504 E. 27th Street.

Bryan, Texas 77803

(979) 779-4357

(888) 435-4080 - facsimile

Attorney for Appellant Jesse Tirado Lopez

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, Rick Davis, counsel for Appellant, do hereby certify that a true and correct

copy ofthe foregoing document was hand delivered to counsel for the State, Doug

Howell and Jeff Garon, Assistant District Attorneys, Brazos County, Texas at 300

E. 26th Street, Suite 310, Bryan, Texas, 77803, on this the ^?<"day of October,

2013.

38

Rick Davis

State Bar No. 05539100
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE PER T.R.A.P. 9.4(i)(3)

Word Count -

Statistics:

Pages:

Words:

Paragraphs:

Lines:

38

9,751

199

906

Includes textboxes, footnotes, and endnotes

I certify that the above word count is true and correct to the best ofmy knowledge.

j$yfcv ROBYNE. SEGAL

i%3£P\ Notary Public, State ofTexas

IJWU My Commission Expires «fly July 27, 2016

39

RickD4vis~ <l^~^

SUBSCRIBED and SWORN TO by Rick Davis this 2^_ day ofOctober, 2013.

Notary Pu$ic, Sfete ofTEXAS

My Commission Expires: fjuil Q^l 2Qjty
APPENDIX A

Uncertified Transcript of April 25, 2013 Hearing

40
April 25, 2012 Hearing in State v. Jesse Lopez

Judge Gore: Alright, you are Jesus Lopez

Jesse Lopez: Jesse

Mr. Reed: Your honor we are a little uncertain whether the name is incorrect on the

indictment or he...

Judge Gore: I'm going to get to that

Judge Gore: It says here Jesus Lopez also known as Jesse Rodriguez (something is said

followed by Rodriguez again)

Jesse Lopez: No my name is Jesse Lopez

Judge Gore: I'll get to that in just a minute

Judge Gore: Cause number 12-01541-CRF-85 you have been charged by indictment with

assault family member with previous convictions and enhancements that will truly make

this a habitual offender case

Judge Gore: Your name is spelt two different ways here - I'm going to ask you to look at the

indictment and tell me is one of these correct, do you go by Jesse Rodriguez

Jesse Lopez: I've never gone by Jesse Rodriguez, like I told you can go in now -

Judge Gore: How do you say what is your name?

Jesse Lopez: Jesse Lopez Rodriguez -

Judge Gore: Lopez - Jesse Lopez

Jesse Lopez: the Rodriguez has nothing to do with though, see right here no

Judge Gore: Jesse Lopez is what your name is

Jesse Lopez: My name is Jesse Lopez Tirado, like I told him right here now

Judge Gore: How do you spell Jesse? J-E-S-S-E?

Jesse Lopez: Un huh, like I told him right here now, - right here -this is not my license

number, I can give my social security number

Judge Gore: Your name is Jesse? J-e-s-s-e
Jesse Lopez: Uh huh

Judge Gore: Yes or no please

Judge Gore: J-e-s-s-e Lopez L-o-p-e-z

Jesse Lopez: yes ma'am

Judge Gore: and did you say another name?

Jesse Lopez: Tirado

Mr. Reed: Tirado- I believe is his middle name your honor

Judge Gore: Just his middle name - alright

Judge Gore: Jesse Lopez is now corrected

Jesse Lopez: - what is the

Judge Gore: Also known as Jesse Rodriguez - the state may leave that if they choose to do

so, they have to prove one name or another

Judge Gore: Ok,that is up to them as long as the name - you are being arraigned today your

saying your name is Jesse Lopez -

Jesse Lopez: Lopez Tirado

Judge Gore: Check what I have there - is it correctly spelt?

Jesse Lopez: Jesse Lopez - it ain't got no no Rodriguez no

Judge Gore: I got all that - so Tirado is your middle name?

Jesse Lopez: My momma's name

Judge Gore: ok so Jesse Lopez is your correct name?

Jesse Lopez: Yes ma'am

Judge Gore: Alright, Mr. Lopez you have been charged as Istated with these charges is it

necessary to have these read to you out loud?

Judge Gore: Do you understand what you are [Mr. Reed: No your honor] charged with

Jesse Lopez: No I don't
Judge Gore: Do you understand what you are charged with?

Jesse Lopez: No

Judge Gore: I'm not asking you if you agree, I'm asking you if you understand

Jesse Lopez: Well see, but, because they they they they case

Judge Gore: Sir let me explain something to you, this is arraignment, you don't want to tell

me about your case because this is a prosecutor and anything you say to me can be used

against you in trial, I just need to know do you understand what you are being charged with

and do I need to have it read to you out loud?

Mr. Reed: Do you understand they are charging you with the assault case - [Lopez: no] -

the assault bodily injury - that's what she is asking, do you know what your charge is - or

does she

Judge Gore: You know what - do you speak English?

Jesse Lopez: Not really

Judge Gore: Do you need this read to you in Spanish?

Jesse Lopez: It's better

Judge Gore: We'll reset it for an interpreter case - and the interpreter uh, because the

interpreter will read it to you in Spanish so that he fully understands - well reset it as soon

as we can - maybe do we have another date next week? That the interpreter can be

here? I'll see ifshe can be here

Judge Gore: The other thing I do want to adivse you about... Mr. Reed were you appointed

on Misdemeanors on his case?

Mr. Reed: Um, I believe when it was initially filed, uh, as the initial assault case, I believe I

was appointed at that time.

Judge Gore: Mr. Reed is not on the felony appointment list so he will remain your attorney

by your consent, do you wish to have Mr. Reed stay on your case?

Jesse Lopez: that' (inaudible]

Judge Gore: Alright we will reset this for next Wednesday and we will try I'll send a

notice to jail. When you come back to court we will have an interpreter.
Post Office Box 1206

Bryan, Texas 77806-1206

Richard W. B. "Rick" Davis, P.C.

ATTORNEY AT LAW

Former Judge, 272nd District Court

Former Judge, Brazos County Court at Law No. 2

Telephone (979) 779-4357

Tefefax (888) 435-4080

E-mail: RDavis@AttomeyRickDavis.com

October 25, 2013

VIA CERTIFIED MAIL: 7012 1640 0001 5253 1240

Dorian E. Ramirez

Clerk ofthe Thirteenth Court ofAppeals

Nueces County Courthouse

901 Leopard, 10th Floor

Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

RE: Court ofAppeals Number:

Trial Court Case Number:

13-13-0080-CR

12-01541-CRF-85

504 E. 27lhStreet.

Bryan, Texas 77803

STYLE: Jesse Tirado Lopez v. The State ofTexas

Dear Mr. Ramirez,

Enclosed please find for filing in the above-entitled and numbered matter the original

Appellant's Brief along with five copies. By copy of this letter, both Counsel for Appellee and

the Appellant are being advised ofthis filing and provided with a copy ofsame.

Please return the file/received stamped copy ofthe Letter in the enclosed self addressed stamped

envelope. Thank you for your courtesy and assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

RD/res

Enclosures

RECEIVED

IN THE 13TH COURT OF APPEALS

CORPUS CHRISTI

OCT 28 2013

DORIAN E. RAMIREZ, CLERK

BY

RECEIVED

OCT 28 2013

13th GGURT OF APPEALS
cc:

VIA HAND DELIVERY

Doug Howell III

Assistant District Attorney

Brazos County, TX

VIA REGULAR MAIL

Jesse Tirado Lopez, #01826705

Larry Gist State Jail

3295 FM 3514

Beaumont, TX 77705
RIW

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OF THE RETUHN ADDRESS, FOLD AT DOTTED UNE

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PS00I
 CASE NO. 13-13-00080-CR

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS 

THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 

_____________________________________________________________ 

JESSE TIRADO LOPEZ 

VS. 

THE STATE OF TEXAS 

____________________________________________________________ 

ON APPEAL FROM THE 85TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT 

BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXAS 

NO. 12-01541-CRF-85

_____________________________________________________________ 

STATE’S BRIEF 

_____________________________________________________________ 

 JARVIS PARSONS 

 DISTRICT ATTORNEY 

 BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXAS 

 Jessica Escue 

 Assistant District Attorney 

 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 310 

 Bryan, Texas 77803 

 (979) 361-4320 

 (979) 361-4368 (Facsimile) 

 State Bar No. 24059726 

 jescue@brazoscountytx.gov 

ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED 

ACCEPTED

13-13-00080-CR

THIRTEENTH COURT OF APPEAL

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

1/24/2014 3:30:40 PM

DORIAN RAMIREZ

CLERK

 FILED IN 13th COURT OF APPEALS CORPUS CHRISTI/EDINBURG, TEXAS 1/24/2014 3:30:40 PM DORIAN E. RAMIREZ Clerk
ii

IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL

APPELLANT: Jesse Tirado Lopez

Trial Counsel: Thomas B. Reed

P.O. Box 9347

College Station, Texas 77842-9347

Appellate Counsel: Rick Davis

504 E. 27th Street Ave

Bryan, Texas 77803

THE STATE OF TEXAS: Jarvis Parsons

District Attorney

Trial Counsel: John Brick and Jessica Escue

Assistant District Attorneys

300 E. 26th Street, Suite 310

Bryan, Texas 77803

Appellate Counsel: Jessica Escue

Assistant District Attorney

300 E. 26th Street, Suite 310

Bryan, Texas 77803

jescue@brazoscountytx.gov

Trial Judge: Hon. Dan Beck (Visiting Judge)
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IDENTITIES OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL ........................................................ ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................... iii

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES................................................................................. iv-v

STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT ...............................................1

STATEMENT OF THE CASE..................................................................................2

STATEMENT OF FACTS ........................................................................................3

SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT ......................................................................22

STATE’S RESPONSE TO APPELLANT’S POINT OF ERROR ONE................23

Appellant has failed to demonstrate that his trial counsel provided 

ineffective assistance or that any such errors produced a harmful result from 

the jury.

STATE’S RESPONSE TO APPELLANT’S POINT OF ERROR TWO...............40

Appellant failed to preserve his argument that Reed was not on the 

felony appointment list; Reed was appointed when the instant case 

was a misdemeanor offense, and any error was harmless.

PRAYER..................................................................................................................46

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ................................................................................47

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH TEX. R. APP. P. 9.4 ........................47
iv

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

CASES

Bass v. State, 713 S.W.2d 782 (Tex. App. -- Houston [14th Dist.] 1986) ........ 38-39

Butler v. State, 872 S.W.2d 227 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994)........................................41

Charles v. State, 146 S.W.3d 204 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004).....................................26

Childs v. State, No. 05-93-01612-CR, 1995 WL 44686 (Tex. App.--Dallas Feb. 2, 

1995, no pet.) ..................................................................................................... 41-42

Craig v. State, 825 S.W.2d 128 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) ........................................33

Duncan v. State, 717 S.W.2d 345 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986).........................28, 32, 38

King v. State, 935 S.W.2d 266 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997).........................................44

Little v. State, 758 S.W.2d 551 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988). ........................................42

United States v. Mullins, 315 F.3d 449 (5th Cir. 2002)............................................39

Narvaiz v. State, 840 S.W.2d 415 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992).........................24, 30, 38

Ramos v. State, 819 S.W.2d 939 (Tex. App.--Corpus Christi 1991, pet. ref’d)..........

............................................................................................................................ 41-42

Rico v. State, 707 S.W.2d 549 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986) ..........................................27

Starz v. State, 309 S.W.3d 110 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2009, pet. ref’d)....

..................................................................................................................................26

Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) ................................................ 25-40

STATUTES

Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04 ....................................................................... 42-44
v

RULES

Tex. R. App. P. 21.8(a)..............................................................................................2

Tex. R. App. P. 33.1 .........................................................................................30, 41
1

CASE NO. 13-13-00080-CR

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

_____________________________________________________________

JESSE TIRADO LOPEZ

VS.

THE STATE OF TEXAS

____________________________________________________________

ON APPEAL FROM THE 85TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXAS

NO. 12-01541-CRF-85

_____________________________________________________________

STATE’S BRIEF

_____________________________________________________________

TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS:

COMES NOW, the State of Texas, by and through its District Attorney, and 

files this brief in response to the points of error alleged by Appellant, and would 

respectfully show the Court the following:

STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT

Appellant requested oral argument. The State also requests oral argument

only if granted to Appellant.
2

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Appellant, Jesse Lopez was charged by indictment with Assault Family 

Violence with a Previous Conviction. (CR 1). This charge was enhanced with 

Appellant’s two prior prison trips to habitual offender status. (CR at 1). On 

November 29, 2012, the Thursday prior to trial, Appellant’s appellate counsel, 

Rick Davis, filed a Conditional Motion to Substitute Counsel and a Motion for 

Continuance. (CR 17, 19). In these motions, Appellant sought to substitute Rick 

Davis for his trial counsel, Thomas Reed. (CR at 17; 2 RR 3-8). After a hearing, 

the trial court denied the Motion for Continuance. (2 RR 8). On December 4, 2012,

Appellant pled not guilty to the offense, and a jury trial was held. (4 RR 1, 10). At 

the conclusion of the trial, the jury found Appellant guilty of Assault Family 

Violence with a Previous Conviction. (4 RR 119). After a subsequent punishment 

hearing, the trial court found the enhancement paragraphs true and sentenced 

Appellant to thirty-two years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department 

of Criminal Justice. (5 RR 29).

On December 17, 2012, Appellant filed a Motion for New Trial alleging that 

he was denied effective assistance of counsel. (CR at 46). A hearing on 

Appellant’s Motion for New Trial was held on February 1, 2013. (7 RR 1). 

Appellant’s Motion for New Trial was overruled by operation of law on February 

18, 2013. TEX. R. APP. P. 21.8(a).
3

Notice of Appeal was filed December 17, 2012. (CR 45).

STATEMENT OF FACTS

State’s Evidence – Guilt/Innocence Phase

Officer Stacey Dowling (Bryan Police Department) testified that, on 

February 15, 2012 at around 12:53 a.m., she responded to a noise complaint 

reported at the 700 block of North Washington in Bryan, Texas. (4 RR 13, 17-18). 

When she arrived on scene she saw a truck whose alarm was continuously going 

off. (4 RR 19-20). Dowling saw that there was an individual sitting in the 

passenger seat of the truck whose alarm was going off and approached the 

individual to speak with her about the alarm. (4 RR 20). When Dowling 

approached, she saw that the passenger was a female who was looking down and 

would not come out of the vehicle. (4 RR 20). 

Dowling shined her flashlight towards the female in the passenger seat and 

saw that she was shaking and had dried blood on her lips, on her shirt, and inside 

her mouth. (4 RR 20-22). It appeared to Dowling that this female, later identified 

as Dora Mendez, had been punched in the mouth. (4 RR 25). Dowling started 

talking with Dora, who told Dowling that she and her boyfriend, Appellant, got 

into an argument at a bar in downtown Bryan because he was intoxicated and she 

did not want him to drive. (4 RR 22). During this argument, Appellant grabbed her 

glasses, bent them, and then punched her in the face with his right fist and then his 
4

left fist. (4 RR 22). During the conversation, Dora was very emotional, fighting 

back tears and covering her face as if to hide it from law enforcement. (4 RR 25). 

Dora stated that Appellant was inside the house behind where the truck was 

parked. (4 RR 22). 

Dowling knocked on the door to the house, but the residents denied that 

Appellant was there. (4 RR 23). Dowling called out an additional officer, and 

then searched the house for Appellant. (4 RR 23). Dowling found Appellant 

inside the bed of a truck parked in the backyard of the house, asleep. (4 RR 24). 

Dowling woke Appellant up and discovered that he was intoxicated. (4 RR 27). 

Appellant did not appear to have any injuries. (4 RR 27). At the end of her 

investigation, Dowling arrested Appellant for Assault—Family violence. (4 RR 

27).

On cross-examination, Dowling conceded that Appellant mostly spoke with 

Officer Bravo, who spoke Spanish. (4 RR 29). Appellant told Dowling and Bravo 

that Dora punched him in the shoulder and that the broken glasses were his. (4 RR 

40-41). Dowling also conceded that her conversations with Appellant and Dora 

were not recorded and she was recalling what Dora stated based on her report and 

her independent memory. (4 RR 33-34). Finally, Dowling stated that she 

identified Appellant as “Jesus” in her report because that is the name he gave her. 

(4 RR 29).
5

Dora Mendez (victim) testified that she and Appellant dated each other for 

approximately six years. (4 RR 44). During that time, Dora moved in with 

Appellant and was living with him. (4 RR 44). On February 14, 2012, Dora 

wanted to go out and do something for Valentine’s Day. (4 RR 47). Dora and 

Appellant went to Groesbeck and then went to El Toro, a bar in downtown Bryan. 

(4 RR 48). 

Once they arrived at El Toro, Appellant started drinking heavily and began 

fighting with Dora’s daughter via text message. (4 RR 48). Dora contacted her 

daughter and asked her to stop texting Appellant. (4 RR 49). Dora stated that she 

and Appellant drank at El Toro for a couple of hours. (4 RR 50).

Around eight that night, a friend of Dora’s, with whom Appellant did not get 

along, came up to Dora and gave her a hug in front of Appellant. (4 RR 50). 

Appellant became even more angry when he saw Dora’s friend; he and Dora left 

the bar shortly thereafter. (4 RR 51). When they left El Toro, they decided to go 

to another bar and Dora asked Appellant if he wanted her to drive because of the 

amount of alcohol he had consumed. (4 RR 52). Appellant refused to let Dora 

drive. (4 RR 52).

At the second bar, Dora saw a few of her family members and went and 

spoke with them. (4 RR 53). Appellant became angry that Dora was not sitting 

next to him and paying attention to him so he told Dora that he did not want her 
6

talking to anyone else at the bar. (4 RR 54). During this time, Dora and Appellant 

both continued to drink alcohol, with Appellant consuming more than Dora. (4 RR 

54). Appellant refused to speak with Dora after she sat back down next to him. (4 

RR 55). 

Appellant finally told Dora it was time for them to leave and got up and 

walked out of the door. (4 RR 55). Once they were outside the bar, Appellant hit 

Dora in the face with a closed fist, breaking her glasses and causing her mouth to 

begin bleeding. (4 RR 55-57). Appellant then walked away from Dora to his 

nephew’s house which was down the street. (4 RR 57-58). 

Eventually, Appellant came back to the truck and drove the truck to his 

nephew’s house. (4 RR 59). On the drive to his nephew’s house, Appellant 

grabbed Dora by the hair and Dora responded by hitting him on the shoulder, 

pushing his head, and hitting him in the face. (4 RR 61). Appellant then got out of 

the truck and walked inside his nephew’s house, leaving Dora in the vehicle. (4 

RR 59-60). When Dora opened the door, the alarm to the truck started going off. 

(4 RR 63). Appellant shut the alarm off, but Dora continued to cause the alarm to 

go off because she was angry at Appellant for leaving her outside and assaulting 

her. (4 RR 63).
7

Soon after, the police arrived and Dora told the officers everything that had 

happened that night. (4 RR 64). Dora stated that she broke up with Appellant 

after this incident and has lived with her father since that time. (4 RR 66). 

On cross-examination, Dora admitted that both she and Appellant were 

drinking that night. (4 RR 67). Dora reiterated on cross-examination that the only 

reason Appellant got angry was because she hugged her friend in front of him and 

spoke with her cousin at the second bar instead of sitting next to him. (4 RR 69). 

Dora also stated that, after they left the second bar, she asked Appellant if she 

could drive because she felt that he was too intoxicated, but he refused to speak 

with her. (4 RR 72). Instead, when they got into the car, Appellant grabbed her 

hair and started the second physical altercation. (4 RR 73). Finally, Dora 

conceded that Appellant broke both his arms in June of 2011, but stated that he did 

not have any bandages on his arm that night. (4 RR 75). 

Greg Silber, an investigator with the Brazos County District Attorney’s 

Office, testified that he had been a fingerprint examination expert for over ten 

years and had over five hundred hours of training in the area of fingerprint 

identification. (4 RR 82-84). Silber testified that he took Appellant’s fingerprints 

and compared it to the fingerprints on the judgment in cause number 08-0667-

CRM-CCL1 convicting Jesse Lopez for the misdemeanor offense of Assault—

Family Violence. (4 RR 88-90). The fingerprints on the misdemeanor judgment 
8

matched those of Appellant. (4 RR 90). Silber testified that, in his expert opinion, 

Appellant was the same Jesse Lopez that was convicted of assault family violence 

in cause number 08-0667-CRM-CCL1. (4 RR 90). 

State’s Evidence – Punishment Phase

Greg Silber was recalled by the State during the punishment phase of trial. 

He compared Appellant’s fingerprints to that contained in State’s Exhibits 15-33 

(judgments) and opined that Appellant was the same Jesse Lopez that was 

convicted of the offenses listed in those exhibits. (4 RR 6-9). The judgments 

showed Appellant had the following convictions:

 A misdemeanor conviction for Driving While Intoxicated-2

nd

Offense on November 9, 1987.

 A misdemeanor conviction for Resisting Arrest on July 18, 1988.

 A misdemeanor conviction for Driving While License Suspended on 

May 18, 1992.

 A felony conviction for Driving While Intoxicated-3

rd

or more on 

April 15, 1992.

 A second felony conviction for Driving While Intoxicated 3rdor more 

on October 15, 1994.

 A misdemeanor conviction for Criminal Trespass—Property on 

September 1, 2000.

 A third felony conviction for Driving While Intoxicated-3

rd

or more 

on November 19, 2004.

 A misdemeanor conviction for Fleeing a Police Officer on January 24, 

2007.

 A fourth felony conviction for Driving While Intoxicated 3rdor more 

on July 21, 2009.

 A second charge for Resisting Arrest which Appellant pled guilty to 

and was taken into consideration in punishment for his fourth felony 

conviction of Driving While Intoxicated 3rdor more.

(4 RR 10-12). 
9

Appellant’s Punishment Evidence

Appellant testified that he had six children that were ages 13, 15, 16, 17, 32, 

and 35 and that he had always provided for them and had good relationships with 

them. (5 RR 14). Appellant stated that, in the past, he had always pled guilty to 

the offenses he was charged with and that this was the first case he had taken to a 

jury trial. (5 RR 15). Appellant testified that he had a drinking problem that he 

had a hard time controlling. (5 RR 16). Appellant stated that he had tried to give 

up alcohol in the past, but every time he tried he always ended up drinking again. 

(5 RR 16). Appellant stated that if he was given a sentence which would allow 

him to get out of jail, he felt that he could be a law-abiding citizen, especially for 

the sake of his children. (5 RR 16). 

Appellant admitted on cross-examination that when he drinks he tends to 

assault people and cannot control his behavior. (5 RR 17). Appellant also 

admitted that, in addition to the judgments entered in the State’s case, he also has a 

conviction for Public Intoxication out of Tom Green County and two other 

convictions for Driving While Intoxicated out of Robertson County. (5 RR 19). 

Appellant also stated he did not disagree with the jury’s verdict in the case. (5 RR 

19). 

Appellant claimed that the argument in the truck started because Dora 

wanted to drive, but stated that Dora lied on several points during her testimony. 
10

(5 RR 20-21). Appellant denied that he was passed out in a second truck in the 

back yard of his nephew’s home, but claimed that he fell asleep waiting on the 

police to arrive. (5 RR 21). Finally, Appellant admitted that he was on parole at 

the time for Driving While Intoxicated and that it was a condition of parole that he 

was not to consume alcohol. (5 RR 23). 

Appellant’s Evidence — Motion for New Trial hearing

Magistrate Judge Dana Zachary testified that part of her duties as a 

Brazos County magistrate judge is to appoint attorneys to handle misdemeanor 

cases for indigent defendants. (7 RR 23). Also part of her duties is to retain the 

records of attorneys that request to be on the court appointment list for indigent 

defendants. (7 RR 23). In order for an attorney to be placed on the courtappointed felony list, one of the three district judges must approve or deny the 

attorney. (7 RR 25). In addition to the general felony list, there is also a list for 

felony offenses listed under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 42.12 § 3G and a list for 

felony appellate work. (7 RR 26). 

Thomas Reed was not on the felony appointment list at the time he was 

appointed in the instant case. (7 RR 28). However, if the offense originally came 

in as a misdemeanor charge, it was possible that Mr. Reed could have been 

appointed to the case. (7 RR 28). Over ten years prior to the motion for new trial 

hearing, Reed requested to be put on both the misdemeanor and felony 
11

appointment list. (7 RR 30). Reed was not approved to be on the felony 

appointment list but was approved to be on the misdemeanor appointment list. (7 

RR 31). Reed later applied to be on the felony appointment list and was again 

denied. (7 RR 31). Zachary stated that appointed counsel are supposed to inform 

their clients within seventy-two hours of their appointment. (7 RR 34). 

Sarah Portillo, the mother of Appellant’s children, testified that she tried to 

contact Thomas Reed four or five times prior to trial and that he never returned her 

call. (7 RR 39). Portillo stated that if she had been called as a witness at trial, she 

would have testified that Appellant is a good father who helps financially with the 

children. (7 RR 39). Portillo also could have testified that, before the instant 

offense, Appellant broke his middle finger on his right hand. (7 RR 45). Although 

she conceded that Appellant received proper medical attention for his hands, 

Portillo testified Appellant could not grip objects well and would have trouble 

punching someone. (7 RR 47). 

Portillo stated that the day before trial, Reed contacted her to try and get 

clothes brought up for Appellant. (7 RR 39). During that conversation, Portillo 

asked what was going to happen in the case, and Reed responded that he did not 

know yet. (7 RR 40). Portillo then asked if it would be okay for her to come up to 

court, and Reed replied that it was not necessary at this time. (7 RR 40). Portillo 

admitted she was not sure of the dates she attempted to call Reed. (7 RR 44).
12

Dora Mendez testified that, prior to trial, she attempted to contact Thomas 

Reed several times about Appellant’s defense, and he never called her back. (7 RR 

50).

Rick Davis (appellate counsel for Appellant) testified that he was originally 

contacted by Appellant to see if he could represent him at the trial phase of this 

case. (7 RR 58). Ultimately, Appellant hired Davis on October 26, 2012. Upon 

being hired, Davis faxed a copy of the Motion to Substitute Counsel to Thomas 

Reed. (7 RR 58). Reed faxed back the signed motion on November 20, 2012, but 

Davis was on vacation that week. (7 RR 59). Davis ultimately received the signed 

motion on November 27, 2012 – six days before Appellant was scheduled for trial. 

(7 RR 59). Davis filed a Conditional Motion to Substitute into Appellant’s case, 

which was conditioned on him not having to try Appellant’s case on December 3, 

2012. (7 RR 59). 

On cross-examination, Davis admitted that, in his practice, he has not spent 

the amount of time each client wants him to on every single case. (7 RR 61). 

Davis also admitted that his office has not returned every single call to every single 

client. (7 RR 62). Finally, Davis admitted that the District Attorney’s Office sent 

him notice on November 12, 2012 that Mr. Lopez’s trial was scheduled for 

December 3, 2012. (7 RR 66). 
13

Sgt. Anna Sifuentes, the custodian of records with the Brazos County Jail 

introduced the visitor jail log of the Brazos County Jail for the length of time that 

Appellant had been incarcerated. (7 RR 70-72). Sgt. Sifuentes testified it is 

possible for attorneys to come visit their clients and not sign in on the visitor log if 

they talk to them via closed circuit video. (7 RR 73). 

Thomas Reed (Appellant’s trial counsel) testified that he was a solo 

practitioner attorney that practiced family law, criminal defense, and general 

practice work. (7 RR 76). Reed’s primary work was in the area of criminal 

defense. (7 RR 76). Reed graduated from St. Mary’s University Law School in 

1998 and was admitted to the bar in November of 1998. (7 RR 108). Reed stated 

he had tried approximately thirty misdemeanor jury trials, with at least six in the 

prior year. He had also tried four felony jury trials. (7 RR 108, 110). Two of his 

felony jury trials were enhanced felonies. (7 RR 110). Reed had handled 

numerous Assault—Family Violence cases in his career. (7 RR 109). 

Reed was initially appointed on Appellant’s case when Appellant was 

arrested on the underlying misdemeanor case in the instant offense. (7 RR 76). 

This case was later enhanced to a habitual felony offense based on Appellant’s 

prior criminal convictions. (7 RR 78). Reed stated that he was not on the felony 

appointment list at the time of his appointment to Appellant’s case, but stated that 

he has accepted felony appointments in Brazos County in the past and has been 
14

appointed at least on one occasion to an enhanced felony case. (7 RR 78). Reed 

also had represented clients on a number of occasions where he was originally 

appointed on a misdemeanor charge they had pending and, during the 

representation, the client picked up a felony offense. (7 RR 158). When this 

occurred, the client often requested that the trial court allow Mr. Reed to represent 

them in the felony case as well. (7 RR 158). With the client’s consent, the trial 

court would allow Reed to be appointed on the felony case as well. (7 RR 158).

Reed believed he informed Appellant at the first court appearance that he 

was not on the felony appointment list. (7 RR 93). A recording of this first court 

appearance was entered into evidence. (7 RR 131). In this recording, the 

magistrate judge informed Appellant of his assault charge and discussed 

Appellant’s options with him. (8 RR State’s Exhibit A). During the hearing, 

Appellant indicated that his name was not correct on the indictment, his social 

security number was incorrect in the paperwork, and asked questions that the judge 

could not legally answer about his charges. (8 RR State’s Exhibit A). Appellant 

was also informed on the record that Reed was not on the felony appointment list 

and the magistrate judge specifically asked Appellant if he wanted new counsel or 
15

wished to keep Mr. Reed. (8 RR State’s Exhibit A). Appellant stated on the 

record that he wished to keep Mr. Reed. (7 RR 138; 8 RR State’s Exhibit A). 1 

During the time he represented Appellant, Reed met with him on April 24, 

2012; May 16, 2012; May 23, 2012; June 27, 2012; August 1, 2012; and 

November 30, 2012. (7 RR 91-93, 98-99, 101). Appellant could speak broken 

English, and Reed could communicate with him. However, in order to 

communicate effectively and make sure that Appellant understood everything, 

Reed used a translator in his communications. (7 RR 119, 139). Still, Appellant 

wrote Reed three different letters in English requesting to meet with him. (7 RR 

159). Since a translator was not available at the jail, Reed used the court hearings 

where an interpreter was available to meet with Appellant. (7 RR 119).

During these meetings, Reed would talk at length with Appellant about the 

facts of the case and the evidence against him. (7 RR 112). In addition, Reed also 

discussed Appellant’s version of events as well as Appellant’s concerns that the 

indictment in the case did not list his correct name, that Dora did not want to 

prosecute the case, and that Appellant did not believe he committed the Driving 

 

1 Appellant constructed an uncertified transcript and attached this as Appendix A to his 

brief. (Appellant’s brief, p. 40). However, the State disagrees that Appellant’s answer to the 

question of whether or not he wished Mr. Reed to remain on this case is inaudible. In the 

recording, you can clearly hear Appellant state, “That’s fine”. (8 RR State’s Exhibit A). The 

trial court reporter transcribed the conversation in the reporter’s record and also recorded his 

answer as “That’s Fine.” (7 RR 138). This answer is also clearly backed up by the magistrate’s 

entry in the docket sheet from that date which states, “Needs an interpreter – Reset arraignment. 

He understands English—But it needs to be read to him in Spanish – He wants Thomas Reed to 

stay on the case.” (CR 50). 
16

While Intoxicated offense that was used to enhance the punishment range. (7 RR 

112-13). Reed also discussed with Appellant the fact that this was a Class A 

misdemeanor offense which was enhanced with his prior convictions all the way to 

a habitual offender status. (7 RR 115). Reed explained to Appellant that this meant 

his punishment range was twenty-five years to life in prison. (7 RR 115). 

Appellant seemed confused at first that he was charged with assault and explained 

to Reed that he assaulted Dora when she fought him for control of the wheel as 

they were driving. (7 RR 116).

Reed brought Appellant’s concerns up to the prosecution and confirmed that 

Appellant was in fact the same individual who committed the two offenses used to 

enhance him. (7 RR 113). Reed also conferred with parole to find out the 

consequences to Appellant’s parole if he received a conviction in the instant case. 

(7 RR 114). Reed received from the State the photographs in the case, the probable 

cause statement, and the police reports. (7 RR 111). On August 1, 2012, the State 

made an offer of twenty years prison and to waive one of the enhancement 

paragraphs, and Reed discussed this plea offer with Appellant. (7 RR 100). 

Reed’s strategy going forward at trial was to undermine the investigation 

that the officers did and to point out that the witness statement in the case was only 

one sentence. (7 RR 116). Reed felt that the investigation was not properly done 

as there were no audio statements made by police, and Dora’s witness statement 
17

consisted of one sentence. (7 RR 117). Reed also hoped to show the jury that 

Appellant’s actions were prompted by Dora’s behavior in the vehicle and to show 

the jury that Appellant was simply trying to maintain control of the car that night. 

(7 RR 116-17). 

Appellant informed Reed that he broke his hands several months prior to the 

assault incident with Dora. (7 RR 146). Reed asked about his injuries, but 

Appellant indicated that they did not have any relation to the incident and Reed 

stated that it did not appear that he was still suffering from the injury. (7 RR 146, 

164). 

Reed confirmed that he received the Motion to Substitute Counsel on 

October 26, 2012, but was unable to send it back to Davis because his fax machine 

needed to be repaired. (7 RR 77). When it was repaired, he sent the signed motion 

back to him. (7 RR 77). However, Reed testified that there was no requirement 

that he sign off on the Motion to Substitute before Davis could file it with the trial 

court and was surprised that Davis did not do so. (7 RR 149-50). 

Prior to trial, Reed spoke with Appellant about possible witnesses he could 

call in his defense. (7 RR 102). Appellant mentioned Sara Portillo, the mother of 

his children, his sister— Carolina Arriola, and Dora Mendez— the victim of the 

offense. (7 RR 101). Portillo tried to call Reed on one prior occasion, but no other 

family members or friends ever tried to make contact with Reed other than the 
18

victim, Dora Mendez. (7 RR 101). When Portillo tried to contact him, Reed tried 

to return her call, but was initially unable to get in touch with her. (7 RR 102). 

Reed specifically checked his phone records and denied that Portillo ever tried to 

contact him more than once. (7 RR 105). 

Reed stated that right before trial began, he talked with Portillo twice about 

what was going on in the case and also called to request Portillo bring clothes for 

Appellant to wear at trial. (7 RR 106). Reed gave specific instructions to Portillo 

about how to get Appellant street clothes to him prior to trial. (7 RR 124). 

However, Portillo did not follow through and did not bring Appellant clothes. (7 

RR 125). When he called Portillo about the missing clothes the morning of trial, 

Portillo indicated that she did not have a way to get clothes for him, but she would 

contact Arriola about it. (7 RR 125). Reed made clear that Portillo could call him 

back with any questions about the trial or if they had problems with the clothes. (7 

RR 126). Neither Arriola nor Portillo ever appeared at the courthouse with clothes 

or called him back about the trial or the clothes. (7 RR 126). 

Reed could not remember if (1) he tried to return Dora’s call and was unable 

to get in touch with her or if (2) he did not try and contact her because of concerns 

about a witness tampering accusation. (7 RR 102-04). Reed attempted to contact 

Carolina Arriola at a number Appellant gave him and left a voicemail, but she did 

not call him back. (7 RR 123). 
19

Reed tried the instant case on December 3-5

th of 2012. (7 RR 76). During 

trial, Reed asked Appellant if he wished for him to again try and contact his sister 

or Portillo to come and testify on his behalf. (7 RR 107). Appellant stated that he 

did not wish to call either of those witnesses to testify either in the guilt/innocence 

phase or during the punishment phase. (7 RR 107, 127). Reed explained that 

neither Arriola nor Portillo had any actual knowledge of the event and anything 

else they said would not be admissible at least during the guilt/innocence phase. (7 

RR 126). However, Reed also asked Appellant whether he would like to have 

Portillo or any other members of his family testify during the punishment phase of 

trial and Appellant stated that he did not. (7 RR 127). 

Reed considered calling Appellant as a witness in the guilt/innocence phase 

of trial, but stated that Appellant’s extensive criminal history along with the fact 

that he was on parole would likely come into evidence if Appellant testified. (7 

RR 128). Furthermore, because Appellant did not speak English and some of the 

translators Reed used to communicate with Appellant expressed concern and 

confusion about Appellant’s side of the story, Reed was concerned that Appellant 

would not be able to effectively communicate with the jury. (7 RR 129). After 

explaining the pros and cons of testifying to Appellant, Appellant decided not to 

testify in the guilt/innocence phase of trial. (7 RR 129, 144). During the 

punishment phase, Appellant still did not want to testify, but Reed explained that 
20

this was his only opportunity to present anything on his side since he did not want 

any other witnesses to testify on his behalf. (7 RR 130). As a result, Appellant 

was the only witness during the punishment phase of trial. (7 RR 130). 

Reed conceded that he did not go to the bar that Appellant visited the night 

of the offense or visit the back yard of the home where he was arrested. (7 RR 83). 

Reed also admitted that he did not visit Appellant in jail while he was incarcerated. 

(7 RR 89). However, Reed visited Appellant on numerous occasions both before 

and after court appearances throughout his case. (7 RR 90). 

Appellant testified that he heard the recording of his first court appearance 

after indictment that was played as part of State’s Exhibit A and confirmed that 

English is not his first language. (7 RR 172). Appellant stated that, at his first 

court appearance after indictment, he did not understand what the magistrate was 

talking about when she asked if he wanted Reed to remain on his case. (7 RR 

173). Appellant denied writing the three letters which were sent to Reed, instead 

stating that he had someone else write the letters for him. (7 RR 174). 

Appellant stated that Reed never communicated the State’s offer of twenty 

years in prison on the assault case to him. Instead, Reed told him that if he wanted 

to plead guilty to Driving While Intoxicated he could get a plea deal of twenty 

years in prison. (7 RR 177). Appellant stated that Reed was confused and thought 
21

that Appellant was charged with Driving While Intoxicated during the case. (7 RR 

177). 

Appellant stated that, around eight months prior to the offense, he broke his 

hands falling off a ladder and had to be put into casts. (7 RR 178). When he broke 

his hands, the doctor told him he needed surgery to correct the break, but Appellant 

did not have the money. (7 RR 178). When Appellant would drive, he would use 

his forearms because of the break in his hands. (7 RR 179). 

Appellant stated that Reed never informed him that he could have Portillo or 

his children come and testify on his behalf during the punishment phase of trial. (7 

RR 181). Appellant was also never informed that he could call Dora and ask her to 

come and ask for leniency on his behalf. (7 RR 182). 

On cross-examination, Appellant agreed that, during his direct-examination 

testimony in the Motion for New Trial hearing, he was sometimes answering the 

defense attorney’s questions in English prior to the translator translating the 

questions into Spanish. (7 RR 183). Appellant also conceded he was mostly upset 

with Reed because he did not call Appellant’s family and report back to Appellant 

on how they were doing. (7 RR 187). Appellant also conceded that he told Reed 

not to call his children to testify on his behalf but at trial, but insisted that he told 

Reed that he could call his sister Carolina or Portillo as witnesses. (7 RR 188). 
22

Appellant vehemently denied that he had been having conversations with the 

bailiff in English throughout his trial. (7 RR 190). 

State’s Evidence –Motion for New Trial hearing

John Brick (State’s trial counsel) stated that for months prior to trial, Reed 

repeatedly told him that Davis was supposed to substitute in the case but had failed 

to do so. (7 RR 200). During the course of this case, Brick had several 

communications with Reed about the facts of the case; in the month of November 

before the December trial date, he also gave Reed all the discovery in the case as 

well as Tex. R. Evid. 404(b) notice. (7 RR 201). 

SUMMARY OF THE STATE’S ARGUMENT

Appellant claims in his first point of error that the trial court erred in 

denying Appellant’s Motion for New Trial as he did not “receive effective 

assistance of counsel [as] guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States 

Constitution.” (Appellant’s Brief, p. 14). Appellant lists twenty instances in which 

he claims his trial counsel was ineffective. (Appellant’s brief, p. 14-16). However, 

under each sub-point Appellant fails to demonstrate how Mr. Reed’s alleged 

failures constituted deficient performance under the first prong of Strickland v. 

Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). Additionally, Appellant fails to demonstrate in 

any way how these alleged failures are “sufficient to undermine confidence in the 
23

outcome” of either the trial or the punishment hearing. Id. at 694. As a result, 

Appellant’s first point of error is without merit and should be denied. 

Appellant claims in his second point of error that his statutory rights under 

the Texas Fair Defense Act codified under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04 were 

violated when an attorney who was not on the court appointment list for felonies 

was allowed to represent him. (Appellant’s brief, p. 24). However, Appellant 

failed to properly preserve this point of error as he did not object at any time 

during the proceedings. Furthermore, Reed was appointed when the instant 

offense was a Class A misdemeanor and before it was enhanced to a habitual felon 

punishment range due to Appellant’s prior convictions. Consequently, the trial 

court did not err in allowing Reed to remain on the case with Appellant’s consent 

as Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04(a) does not require an attorney on an 

underlying misdemeanor to withdraw if the case is enhanced to a felony offense. 

Finally, even if the trial court erred in appointing Thomas Reed, any error was 

harmless as it did not deny Appellant of a substantial right.

STATE’S RESPONSE TO APPELLANT’S POINT OF ERROR ONE

Appellant has failed to demonstrate that his trial counsel provided 

ineffective assistance or that any such errors produced a harmful result 

from the jury.

Appellant claims in his first point of error that the trial court erred in 

denying Appellant’s Motion for New Trial as he did not “receive effective 
24

assistance of counsel [as] guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States 

Constitution.” (Appellant’s Brief, p. 14). Appellant lists twenty instances in which 

he claims his trial counsel was ineffective:2

1. Mr. Reed was not approved and qualified to be appointed on 

felony cases in Brazos County.

2. Not only was Mr. Reed not approved to be appointed to handle 

“3G” or Enhanced felonies, he was not even approved and 

qualified to handle State Jail Felonies. In fact, his request to be 

approved to handle any caliber of felony case was denied twice 

denied by the three District Judges of Brazos County, Texas.

3. Mr. Reed failed to visit his client, Jesse Lopez, in jail despite his 

several requests to do so from the Appellant, the Appellant’s 

girlfriend and even the alleged victim.

4. Mr. Reed failed to respond to phone calls placed by Jesse Lopez 

from jail.

5. Mr. Reed failed to respond to letters sent to him by Jesse Lopez 

from jail.

6. Mr. Reed acknowledged at the hearing on the Motion for New 

Trial that he sent no letter to the Magistrate that appointed him 

confirming that he contacted Jesse Lopez, although such was 

required by the Brazos County Indigent Defense Plan.

7. Mr. Reed failed to return several phone calls placed by Sarah 

Portillo, Mr. Lopez’s girlfriend when she called on his behalf.

8. Mr. Reed only spoke to his client at four, possibly five, brief court 

hearings and at the jury trial; never outside of court.

9. Mr. Reed acknowledged that the only work he did on the case 

occurred in the courtroom.

10.Mr. Reed neglected to inform Ms. Portillo that she could have 

testified as a witness on behalf of Mr. Lopez during the 

punishment phase of trial.

 

2 Appellant’s argument contains no citations to the record. (Appellant’s brief, p. 14-16). 

Thus it is inadequately briefed and the State argues Appellant’s argument is waived for 

noncompliance with Tex. R. App. Proc. 38(i). See Narvaiz v. State, 840 S.W.2d 415, 428-29 

(Tex. Crim. App. 1992) (defendant’s failure to cite any place in the record where his argument 

was made and ruled upon by the trial court waived the error for appellate review). 
25

11.In fact, Mr. Reed actually discouraged Ms. Portillo and their 

children from coming to the trial despite the fact that she could 

have and would have testified that Mr. Lopez was a good father 

and a good man.

12.Mr. Reed admitted that the only time he contacted Ms. Portillo was 

to get clothes for the Mr. Lopez [sic] to wear during trial.

13.Mr. Reed failed to ever speak with Dora Mendez, the alleged 

victim in the case, despite her numerous attempts to contact Mr. 

Reed on Mr. Lopez’s behalf before trial.

14.Mr. Reed admitted that the only time he ever spoke with Dora 

Mendez was during cross[-]examination at trial.

15.Mr. Reed never visited the scene where the offense that was the 

subject of Mr. Lopez’s trial supposedly occurred.

16.Mr. Reed never visited the scene where Appellant was arrested.

17.Mr. Reed failed to call any witnesses in Appellant’s defense at 

trial.

18.In fact, Mr. Reed failed to put on any evidence in Appellant’s 

defense at trial

19.Mr. Reed failed to prove to the jury that Appellant’s hands were 

deformed from a prior injury to the point that he could not possibly 

have hit the victim without causing further injury to himself.

20.Mr. Reed failed to properly communicate to Appellant the State’s 

plea offer and what charge the State was offering to allow him to 

plead to.

(Appellant’s brief, p. 14-16). 

However, under each sub-point Appellant fails to demonstrate how Mr. Reed’s 

alleged failures constituted deficient performance under the first prong of Strickland v. 

Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). Additionally, Appellant fails to demonstrate in any 

way how these alleged failures are “sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome” 

of either the trial or the punishment hearing. Id. at 694. 
26

Standard of Review

A trial court’s ruling on a Motion for New Trial is reviewed under an abuse 

of discretion standard. Starz v. State, 309 S.W.3d 110, 118 (Tex. App.—Houston 

[1st Dist.] 2009, pet. ref’d). Therefore, ineffective assistance of counsel issues 

which are raised in a Motion for New Trial are also reviewed under an abuse of 

discretion standard. Id. (holding the trial court’s application of the Strickland test 

in a Motion for New Trial is reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard); 

Charles v. State, 146 S.W.3d 204, 208 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004) (holding 

appropriate standard of review claim for ineffective assistance claim brought forth 

in a Motion for New Trial is abuse of discretion). Consequently, a court of appeals 

may only reverse the trial court’s determination of ineffective assistance if the trial 

court’s decision “is arbitrary or unreasonable, viewing the evidence in the light 

most favorable to the ruling.” Starz, 309 S.W.3d at 118; Charles, 146 S.W.3d at 

208.

Applicable Law

The Supreme Court established a two part test for the analysis of claims of 

ineffective assistance of counsel in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). 

The Court stated:

First, the defendant must show that counsel’s performance was 

deficient. This requires showing that counsel made errors so 

serious that counsel was not functioning as the “counsel” 

guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. Second, the defendant must 
27

show that the deficient performance prejudiced the defense. This 

requires showing that counsel’s errors were so serious as to deprive 

the defendant of a fair trial, a trial whose result is reliable.

Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687. 

In applying the two-prong test the Supreme Court noted:

...a court need not determine whether counsel’s performance was 

deficient before examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant 

as a result of the alleged deficiencies. The object of an 

ineffectiveness claim is not to grade counsel’s performance. If it is 

easier to dispose of an ineffectiveness claim on the ground of lack 

of sufficient prejudice, which we expect will often be so, that 

course should be followed....

Id. at 697.

The fact that a defendant was not accorded “reasonably effective” assistance 

of counsel does not warrant setting aside the conviction if the error had no effect 

on the proceedings. Rico v. State, 707 S.W.2d 549, 556 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). It 

is the defendant’s burden to prove prejudice—that is, that there is a reasonable 

probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional error, the result of the 

proceedings would have been different. Id. In making this showing, the defendant 

must overcome a strong presumption that counsel’s conduct falls within the wide 

range of reasonable professional assistance. Strickland, 466 U.S. 698. 

Attorney Reed’s Appointment

Appellant claims in his first and second sub-grounds that Reed’s 

performance was deficient because he was not approved to be on the felony 
28

appointment list. (Appellant’s brief, p. 14). However, Appellant was aware of this 

fact and told the trial court that he wanted Reed to remain on his case:

JUDGE [GORE]3: Okay. Mr. Reed is not on the felony 

appointment list, so he will remain your attorney by your consent. 

Do you wish to have Mr. Reed stay on the case?

THE DEFENDANT: That’s fine. That’s fine. That’s fine.

(7 RR 138).

Consequently, because Appellant knew that Mr. Reed was not on the felony 

appointment list and chose for Mr. Reed to stay on the case, he cannot complain 

now on appeal that Mr. Reed was not on the felony appointment list. See Duncan 

v. State, 717 S.W.2d 345, 347 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986) (holding that if a defendant 

insists that a particular trial strategy be followed, he may not later complain that 

such a strategy constituted ineffective assistance). Furthermore, Appellant fails to 

demonstrate in any way or how Mr. Reed’s failure to be on the felony appointment 

list constituted deficient performance under the first prong of Strickland or any 

harm under the second prong of Strickland. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687; 690.

Jail Communication

Appellant claims in his third and fifth sub-grounds that “Mr. Reed failed to 

visit ...[Appellant] in jail..” and “failed to respond to letters [from Appellant] from 

 

3

The Reporter’s Record incorrectly states that the magistrate judge conducting 

arraignment was Judge Dana Zachary when it was actually Associate Judge Glynnis Gore who 

conducted arraignment.
29

jail.” (Appellant’s brief, p. 15). However, in the Motion for New Trial, Reed 

explained that in order to effectively communicate with Appellant, he needed to 

have a translator present and no translator was available at the jail. (7 RR 119, 

139). Reed further explained at the time he received the letters, it would be 

quicker to wait for the next court hearing than to hire an interpreter to go out with 

him to the jail: 

Q. [Mr. Davis] So the reason you never went out to jail to see Mr. 

Lopez was because you don’t speak Spanish?

A. [Mr. Reed] That was one of the difficulties in visiting [in] the 

jail without having a translator. If I didn’t have a translator, it was 

going to make it more difficult to speak with him. The other thing 

was whether there was information that I specifically needed or 

needed to get from him. So there were times when I was – he had 

written me when he was able to visit with him in court quicker than to 

be able to in time it would take to go visit in jail.

(7 RR 143-44). 

Appellant’s pretrial and status hearings were frequently held in the months 

between his indictment and his trial, occurring five different times in eight months. 

(7 RR 91-93, 98-99, 101). These hearings had translators and a significant time for 

Appellant to meet with Reed. (7 RR 112-19). Consequently, Appellant cannot 

demonstrate any deficiency under the first prong of Strickland or any harm under 

the second prong of Strickland in Reed’s decision not to meet with his client in the 

jail or communicate with him via letters. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687; 690.
30

Appellant’s Phone Calls

Appellant states in his fourth sub- ground that “Mr. Reed failed to respond to 

phone calls placed by Jesse Lopez from jail.” (Appellant’s brief, p. 15). However, 

this sub-ground contains no citations to the record. As a result, this sub-issue is 

inadequately briefed and should be denied. Narvaiz v. State, 840 S.W.2d 415, 428-

29 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) (defendant’s failure to cite any place in the record 

where his argument was made and ruled upon by the trial court waived the error 

for appellate review). Moreover, the record does not reveal that this issue was ever 

raised or discussed in the Motion for New Trial. Thus it is deemed waived. TEX.

R. APP. P. 33.1 

Notice to Magistrate

In Appellant’s sixth sub-ground, Appellant states that Reed failed to send a 

letter to Judge Dana Zachary confirming that he had contacted Jesse Lopez within 

seventy-two hours as required. (Appellant’s brief, p. 15). However, Appellant 

fails to state how the failure to send Judge Zachary the required notice constituted 

deficient performance in Appellant’s case or how the failure to send the notice to 

Judge Zachary prejudiced the outcome of the case. Consequently, Appellant has 

failed to demonstrate how his counsel was ineffective under the either prong of 

Strickland. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 691-94.
31

Communication with Portillo

Appellant claims in his seventh, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth sub-points that 

Reed’s performance was deficient in the method and frequency of his 

communication with the mother of Appellant’s children, Sarah Portillo. 

(Appellant’s brief, p. 15-16). Specifically, Appellant claims that Reed failed to 

return phone calls to Portillo, failed to inform Portillo that she could testify as a 

witness in the punishment phase of trial, discouraged Portillo from coming to trial, 

and only contacted Portillo to get clothes for Appellant to wear at trial. 

(Appellant’s brief, p. 15-16). 

However, during the Motion for New Trial, Reed stated that his phone 

records indicated that Portillo only contacted him on one occasion and that he 

attempted to get back in touch with her but could not. (7 RR 101). Furthermore, 

Reed also stated that, immediately prior to trial, he contacted her multiple times to 

inform her about what was going on with trial and to ask that she procure clothes

for Appellant to wear at trial. (7 RR 106, 124). Portillo never procured clothes 

despite multiple phone requests. (7 RR 106, 124-25). 

Reed also testified that it was Appellant’s specific request not to call Portillo 

as a witness at trial and in fact informed the trial court of that specific request:

Q. [Ms. Escue] And Mr. Davis mentioned about the fact that you 

never called either Carolina or Sara as witnesses in this case. Can you 

tell us about the decision not to call them as witness[es] in the case?
32

A. [Mr. Reed] At least from the guilt/innocence stage of the trial, 

neither – well, at least when speaking with Ms. Portillo, she did[n’t] 

indicate she had any actual knowledge of the event.

Q. Did Mr. Lopez indicate to you either one of them had actual 

knowledge of the event? 

A. No, he didn’t.

Q. Keep going.

A. So at least as far as that stage of the trial, there was nothing they 

could really testify about that would be admissible as far as 

knowledge about the specific event that happened.

Q. And during the punishment phase of the trial, did Mr. Lopez

indicate to you that he did not want any family member called?

A. Yes, he did. I did ask him if he wanted me to call his sister or 

mother of his children or any other family members. He indicated he 

didn’t want me to call them.

Q. In fact, did he tell the Court he did not want you to call any 

family members during the punishment phase of the trial?

A. That is my recollection.

(7 RR 126-27). 

Consequently, since Appellant specifically requested that Portillo not be 

used as a witness in the instant case and the record reveals that Reed attempted to 

contact Portillo multiple times prior to trial, Appellant has failed to demonstrate 

any deficiency under the first prong of Strickland. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687; 

Duncan v. State, 717 S.W.2d 345, 347 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986) (holding that if a 
33

defendant insists that a particular trial strategy be followed, he may not later 

complain that such a strategy constituted ineffective assistance).

Furthermore, even if this Court finds that Appellant’s trial counsel fell below 

an objective standard of reasonableness, Appellant must still demonstrate under the 

second prong of Strickland that “but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result 

of the proceeding would be different.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694; Craig v. State, 

825 S.W.2d 128, 129 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992). This probability must be “sufficient 

to undermine confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694. If Appellant 

fails to demonstrate that the decision reached by the jury would have been different 

but for the errors of his trial counsel, the trial court’s decision is affirmed despite 

the error. Id. 

Portillo’s potential testimony that Appellant was a good father who helps the 

family financially was already testified to by Appellant during the punishment 

phase of trial. (5 RR 14). In contrast, the State presented evidence during the 

punishment phase that this was Appellant’s fifth felony conviction and twentythird criminal charge related to his alcohol abuse. (4 RR 10-12, 19). Appellant 

only received thirty-two years out of a possible punishment range of twenty-five 

years to life in prison. (5 RR 29). Consequently, Appellant has failed to 

demonstrate any harm to Appellant under the second prong of Strickland. 

Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694.
34

Preparation for Case

Appellant claims in his eighth and ninth sub-grounds that “Mr. Reed 

acknowledged that the only work he did on the case occurred in the courtroom”

and “Mr. Reed only spoke to his client at four, possibly five brief court hearings 

and at the jury trial; never outside of court.” (Appellant’s brief, p. 15). However 

the record demonstrates that Reed did a significant amount of work both inside and 

outside the courtroom including:

 Meeting with Appellant and a translator to help with 

communication on numerous occasions both before and after court 

appearances. (7 RR 91-93, 98-99, 101). 

 Researching whether Appellant’s cases were properly enhanced 

with the correct individual. (7 RR 113).

 Communicating with parole about the effect of a conviction on

Appellant’s parole status. (7 RR 114).

 Receiving discovery from the State and communicating with 

Appellant about the evidence contained therein. (7 RR 114).

 Obtaining a plea offer from the State and communicating with 

Appellant about it. (7 RR 100).

 Communicating with Appellant’s family about the status of the 

case and attempting to get him clothes for the trial. (7 RR 106, 

125). 

An accurate review of the record demonstrates that Appellant’s contention --

that the only work Reed did in the instant case only occurred in the courtroom 

during a few brief court hearings -- is not true. Furthermore, as previously 

discussed, Reed needed a Spanish interpreter when he communicated with 

Appellant in order to make sure Appellant completely understood what Reed was 
35

telling him, and the best opportunity for this was before and after the court 

hearings where translators were provided. (7 RR 112-19, 139). Consequently, 

Appellant has failed to demonstrate how his counsel was ineffective under the first 

prong of Strickland through the location of his preparation work in the instant case

or that the result of the proceeding would have been different under the second 

prong of Strickland. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 691-94.

Communication with Mendez

Appellant claims in his thirteenth and fourteenth sub-points that Reed was 

ineffective because he failed to communicate with the victim, Dora Mendez, prior 

to trial. (Appellant’s brief, p. 16). However, Appellant fails to state at all how this 

failure harmed him in any way or how the result of the trial would have been 

different if Reed had spoken with Dora. As a result, Appellant has failed to 

demonstrate the required harm under the second prong of Strickland. Strickland, 

466 U.S. at 694.

Scene Visit

Appellant claims in his fifteenth and sixteenth sub-points of error that 

Reed’s performance was deficient because he did not visit the crime scene or the 

scene of Appellant’s arrest. (Appellant’s brief, p. 16). Appellant does not point 

out any unknown information that visiting the scenes would have revealed or to 

any possible mitigating evidence which might have been found at either location. 
36

Thus, Appellant fails to state how this failure harmed him in any way or how the 

result of the trial would have been different if Reed had visited the crime scene and 

the scene of the arrest. As a result, Appellant has failed to demonstrate the 

required harm under the second prong of Strickland. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691-

94.

Defense Witnesses and Evidence

Appellant claims in his seventeenth and eighteenth sub-points that Mr. 

Reed’s performance was deficient because he failed to call any witnesses in 

Appellant’s defense at trial and failed to put on any evidence in Appellant’s 

defense at trial. (Appellant’s brief, p. 16). However, Reed explained at length that 

the only witnesses to the offense were Appellant and Dora and calling Appellant 

was fraught with risks:

Q. [Ms. Escue] And the only witnesses in this case were Ms. 

Mendez and Mr. Lopez; is that correct?

A. [Mr. Reed] Yes.

Q. Did you have concerns with calling Mr. Lopez as a witness 

during the guilt/innocence phase of the trial?

A. Yes, I did.

Q. Can you explain that to the Court?

A. I certainly gave some consideration to the idea of calling him as 

a witness. In cases like these when it’s one party saying one thing 

happened and another party saying something else happened, 

especially in assault cases and family violence cases that I have 
37

noticed over the years, lots of times you are [dealing] with the 

problem of [the] statement given by the victim and sign[s] of injury 

and only one explanation. So I did have a concern about that.

My concern about calling Mr. Lopez as a witness is that he had 

an extensive criminal history that would end up coming in if he 

testified. He had [a] prior misdemeanor assault which, although the 

jury was made aware of something because the nature of the charge, 

that could have been brought into a lot more detail. He also had a 

number of DWIs that could have been brought in that would have 

caused a great deal of concern. The fact that he was on parole at the 

time for a driving-while-intoxicated case and there was testimony 

from Ms. Mendez that he was out drinking and was even driving at 

the time had some cause for concern because the jury could view that 

as him, you know, you know not only have[ing]...prior DWIs but he’s 

violating his parole again. So those all causes of concern. 

I did have some concern about how clearly he’d be able to 

communicate consistently his side of the story. I know in speaking 

with one of the translators she had concern[s] about some confusion 

over some of the things he was trying to say. So certainly if I had [a] 

concern about whether he was going to be able to clearly 

communicate his side of the story, that would also be a problem. If 

that – if he wasn’t able to clearly do that, even if the jury got beyond 

all the past criminal history, that might hurt his credibility.

Q. Did you explain these concerns to Mr. Lopez?

A. Yes, I did.

Q. And what was his decision about whether or not to testify in his 

case?

A. His decision was that he did not want to testify. I will say I –

regardless of my concerns or the pros and cons, I left it up to Mr. 

Lopez to determine whether he wanted to testify. 

(7 RR 127-29).

Furthermore, as previously discussed Appellant did not wish to call any 

family or friends to testify on his behalf during the punishment phase. (7 RR 126-
38

27). Thus, Reed’s strategy going forward was to undermine the investigation by 

pointing out that this was a he said/she said situation and that the police did not 

adequately investigate or document their findings in the case. (7 RR 116-17). 

Because Mr. Reed was pursuing a valid trial strategy dictated by Appellant in his 

decision not to call any other witnesses in trial, Appellant cannot show deficient 

performance under the first prong of Strickland. Duncan, 717 S.W.2d at 347; Bass 

v. State, 713 S.W.2d 782, 785 (Tex. App. -- Houston [14th Dist.] 1986, no pet.) (an 

appellate court will not review the wisdom of a trial tactic unless it lacks a 

plausible basis.).

Injuries to Appellant’s Hands

Appellant claims in his nineteenth sub-point that “Mr. Reed failed to prove 

to the jury that Appellant’s hands were deformed from a prior injury to the point 

that he could not possibly have hit the victim without causing further injury to 

himself.” (Appellant’s brief, p.16). However, contrary to Appellant’s assertion, 

there is absolutely no evidence in the record to suggest that Appellant’s hands were 

injured “to the point he could not possibly have hit the victim without causing 

further injury to himself” and Appellant fails to cite to any location in the record 

where the injuries to Appellant’s hands are described that way. As a consequence, 

this sub-issue is inadequately briefed and should be denied. Narvaiz v. State, 840 

S.W.2d 415, 428-29 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) (defendant’s failure to cite any place 
39

in the record where his argument was made and ruled upon by the trial court 

waived the error for appellate review).

Contrary to Appellant’s assertion, Reed did ask both witnesses in the trial 

about the condition of Appellant’s hands. (4 RR 41-42, 75-77). Both witnesses 

stated there was little or no discernable injury to Appellant’s hands the night of the 

offense. (4 RR 41-42, 75-77). Furthermore, the record in the Motion for New 

Trial shows that although Appellant broke his hands approximately eight months 

prior to the assault against Dora, Reed’s observations of Appellant and 

conversations with him indicated that it had little or no effect on his ability to have 

assaulted Dora. (7 RR 146, 164). Reed’s decision not to dwell unnecessarily on 

injuries, which his observations and questions showed were not a viable defense,

was pursuant to a valid trial strategy. (7 RR 146, 164). Consequently, Appellant 

fails to show how Reed’s performance on this issue was deficient under the first 

prong of Strickland. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687; See United States v. Mullins, 315 

F.3d 449, 456, fn. 24 (5th Cir. 2002) (hindsight analysis not permitted in 

determining whether trial strategy was sound); Bass, 713 S.W.2d at 785.

Plea Offer

Appellant claims in his twentieth sub-ground that “Mr. Reed failed to 

properly communicate to Appellant the State’s plea offer and what charge the State 

was offering to allow him to plead to.” (Appellant’s brief, p. 16). However, Reed 
40

testified in the Motion for New Trial that he in fact communicated the plea offer in 

the Assault Family Violence case to Appellant and he was not interested in the plea 

offer. (7 RR 114). Furthermore, Appellant himself testified at the Motion for New 

Trial that Reed communicated the twenty year plea offer to him, but stated it was 

for Driving While Intoxicated, not Assault Family Violence. (7 RR 177).4 An 

accurate review of the record demonstrates that Appellant’s contention -- that Reed 

failed to communicate the State’s plea offer and the charge that State was allowing 

him to plead to -- is not true. Consequently, Appellant has failed to demonstrate 

how his counsel was ineffective under the first prong of Strickland. Strickland, 

466 U.S. at 687.

Appellant’s first point of error is without merit and should be denied.

STATE’S RESPONSE TO APPELLANT’S POINT OF ERROR TWO

Appellant failed to preserve his argument that Reed was not on 

the felony appointment list; Reed was appointed when the instant 

case was a misdemeanor offense, and any error was harmless.

Appellant claims in his second point of error that his statutory rights under 

the Texas Fair Defense Act codified under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04 were 

violated when an attorney who was not on the court appointment list for felonies 

 

4

The record demonstrates that Appellant repeatedly insisted that he thought he should be 

charged with Driving While Intoxicated, not Assault Family Violence. When Appellant was 

charged with Assault Family Violence, Appellant repeatedly expressed confusion about why he 

was not charged with Driving While Intoxicated, including at arraignment to the magistrate 

judge (8 RR State’s Exhibit A; 7 RR 136-37) and during Appellant’s testimony during the 

punishment hearing after his trial. (5 RR 15-17). 
41

was allowed to represent him. (Appellant’s brief, p. 24). However, Appellant 

failed to properly preserve this point of error as he did not object at any time 

during the proceedings. Furthermore, Reed was appointed when the instant 

offense was a Class A misdemeanor and before it was enhanced to a habitual felon 

punishment range due to Appellant’s prior convictions. Consequently, the trial 

court did not err in allowing Reed to remain on the case with Appellant’s consent 

as Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04(a) does not require an attorney on an 

underlying misdemeanor to withdraw if the case is enhanced to a felony offense. 

Finally, even if the trial court erred in appointing Thomas Reed, any error was 

harmless as it did not deny Appellant of a substantial right.

Failed to Object and Preserve Error

A timely and reasonably specific objection is required to preserve error for 

appellate review. TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1(a); Butler v. State, 872 S.W.2d 227, 236 

(Tex. Crim. App. 1994). Furthermore, if the defendant later abandons or waives a 

proper objection, he fails to preserve that issue for appellate review. Ramos v. 

State, 819 S.W.2d 939, 942 (Tex. App.--Corpus Christi 1991, pet. ref’d); Childs v. 

State, No. 05-93-01612-CR, 1995 WL 44686 at *2 (Tex. App.--Dallas Feb. 2, 

1995, no pet.) (not designated for publication) (“If a defendant creates the 

impression he is abandoning an objection, he waives the right to complain of that 

alleged error on appeal”). If no objection is made, the defendant waives any error, 
42

including any error concerning a constitutional right. Little v. State, 758 S.W.2d 

551, 563 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988).

In the instant case, Appellant’s appellate counsel, Rick Davis, appeared at a 

pretrial hearing the Friday before trial to request to be substituted in as Appellant’s 

trial counsel. (2 RR 3-8). Neither Reed nor Davis objected to Reed’s status as 

appointed counsel under art. 26.04. (2 RR 3-8). In fact, throughout the course of 

Reed’s representation of Appellant no objection was ever made to Reed’s 

representation under art. 26.04 or the Texas Fair Defense Act. 

Furthermore, as previously stated Appellant affirmatively agreed to allow 

Reed to remain on his case despite the fact that he was not on the court appointed

list: 

JUDGE [GORE]: Okay. Mr. Reed is not on the felony 

appointment list, so he will remain your attorney by your consent. 

Do you wish to have Mr. Reed stay on the case?

THE DEFENDANT: That’s fine. That’s fine. That’s fine.

(7 RR 138).

As a result, Appellant has failed to preserve this issue for appellate review. 

Ramos, 819 S.W.2d at 942; Childs, 1995 WL 44686 at *2.

Applicable Law

TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 26.04 requires:

(a) The judges of the county courts, statutory count courts and district 

courts trying criminal cases in each county, by local rule shall 
43

adopt and publish written countywide procedures for timely and 

fairly appointing counsel for an indigent defendant in the county 

arrested for, charged with, or taking an appeal from a conviction of 

a misdemeanor punishable by confinement or a felony...A court 

shall appoint an attorney from a public appointment list using a 

system of rotation...The court shall appoint attorneys from among 

the next five names on the appointment list in the order in which 

the attorneys’ names appear on the list, unless the court makes a 

finding of good cause on the record for appointing an attorney out 

of order...

TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 26.04(a).

A county is required to make two separate appointment lists, one for 

misdemeanor offenses and one for felony offenses. TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 

26.04(e). Criminal trial courts are required to select attorneys off these lists. TEX.

CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 26.04(a). In the instant case, Appellant was only on the 

Brazos County misdemeanor appointment list when he was appointed on the 

underlying offense in this case, Assault Family Violence. (7 RR 28). Because of 

Appellant’s prior Assault Family Violence conviction, as well as his two prior 

felony prison trips for Driving While Intoxicated, this offense was later enhanced 

to a habitual offender felony. (7 RR 76). However, the underlying offense 

remained a Class A misdemeanor offense. (7 RR 76). Article 26.04 does not 

require an attorney who is initially appointed on a misdemeanor offense to be 

recused or required to withdraw because the offense is later enhanced to a felony. 

TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 26.04. Thus because the underlying offense was a 

misdemeanor and Reed was initially appointed when the offense was still a 
44

misdemeanor, there was no error in allowing Reed to represent Appellant under 

TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 26.04.

Harmless Error

However, even if the trial court violated Article 26.04 by allowing Reed to 

remain the appointed attorney in the instant case after the State enhanced it to a 

felony offense, the error is subject to a harmless error analysis under Tex. R. App. 

P. 44.2(b) because it concerns a statutory right. Tex. R. App. P. 44.2. Under this 

rule, Appellant must show that the violation of a statute had a substantial and 

injurious effect or influence on the jury’s verdict. King v. State, 935 S.W.2d 

266,271 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997). 

Appellant fails to state in any specific way how Reed’s appointment harmed 

his case, instead concluding that Reed’s appointment to the case was “the 

equivalent to no counsel at all.” (Appellant’s brief, p. 22). Appellant then argues 

that this Court should find that the appointment of an attorney not listed on the 

felony appointment list to a felony offense is fundamental error. (Appellant’s 

brief, p. 30). However, since a possible violation of Article 26.04 is statutory, 

Appellant must show that Appellant’s representation had a substantial and

injurious effect on the jury’s verdict. King, 935 S.W.2d at 271.
45

Contrary to Appellant’s assertion, the record reveals that Reed did a 

substantial amount of work both before trial and during trial to establish 

Appellant’s defense including:

 Meeting with Appellant and a translator to help with 

communication on numerous occasions both before and after court 

appearances. (7 RR 91-93, 98-99, 101). 

 Researching whether Appellant’s cases were properly enhanced. (7 

RR 113).

 Communicating with parole about the effect of a conviction on

Appellant’s parole status. (7 RR 114).

 Receiving discovery from the State and communicating with 

Appellant about the evidence contained therein. (7 RR 114).

 Obtaining a plea offer from the State and communicating with 

Appellant about it. (7 RR 100).

 Communicating with Appellant’s family about the status of the 

case and attempting to get him clothes for the trial. (7 RR 106, 

125). 

 Planning out and executing a valid trial strategy which included 

pointing out the flaws in the police investigation of the offense. (7 

RR 116)

 Researching and explaining to Appellant the pros and cons of him 

testifying to the jury and recommending that he not because of his 

prior criminal history and possible problems communicating with 

jury. (7 RR 129).

 Questioning Dora about the injuries to Appellant’s hands and 

pointing out her level of intoxication the night of the offense. (4 

RR 67)

 Making an effective opening and closing statement of the 

weaknesses of the investigation and inconsistencies in the 

testimony. (4 RR 107-14).

 Making an effective closing statement in the punishment phase of 

trial pointing out Appellant’s problems with alcohol and asking for 

an opportunity for Appellant to be rehabilitated. (5 RR 23-26).
46

As a result, Appellant cannot show any harm which resulted from 

Appellant’s appointment to the instant case. Tex. R. App. P. 44.2(b).

Appellant’s Second Point of Error is without merit and should be denied.

PRAYER

Wherefore, premises considered, the State of Texas respectfully prays that 

Appellant’s points of error be denied, and that the conviction be in all things 

affirmed.

Respectfully submitted,

 

/s/ Jessica Escue

Jessica Escue

Assistant District Attorney 

State Bar No. 24059726

jescue@brazoscountytx.gov
47

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I do hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing 

State’s Brief was emailed to Rick Davis, attorney for Appellant, at 

attorneyrickdavis@yahoo.com, on this the _24th__ day of __January__, 2014.

/s/ Jessica Escue 

Jessica Escue

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH TEX. R. APP. P. 9.4

I certify that the foregoing document has a word count of 11,127 based on 

the word count program in Word 2010.

/s/ Jessica Escue 

Jessica Escue
NUMBER 13-13-00080-CR

COURT OF APPEALS

THIRTEENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS

CORPUS CHRISTI - EDINBURG 

 

JESSE TIRADO LOPEZ, Appellant,

v.

THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee.

 

On appeal from the 85th District Court

of Brazos County, Texas.1

 

MEMORANDUM OPINION

Before Justices Rodriguez, Benavides, and Perkes

Memorandum Opinion by Justice Perkes

Appellant Jesse Tirado Lopez appeals his conviction of assault—family violence, 

a third-degree felony enhanced to habitual offender status.

2

 See TEX. PENAL CODE ANN.

 

1 Pursuant to a docket-equalization order issued by the Supreme Court of Texas, the appeal has 

been transferred to this Court from the Tenth Court of Appeals in Waco, Texas. See TEX. GOV'T. CODE 

ANN. § 73.001 (West, Westlaw through 2013 3d C.S.).

2 During the punishment phase, judgments were admitted that showed appellant had the following 
2

§§ 12.42(d), 22.01(b)(2)(A) (West, Westlaw through 2013 3d C.S.). After a jury found 

appellant guilty, the trial court assessed punishment at thirty-two years’ confinement in 

the Texas Department of Corrections, Institutional Division. By two issues, appellant 

argues (1) he received ineffective assistance of counsel, and (2) his rights under the 

Texas Fair Defense Act were violated. We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

Officer Stacey Dowling, while responding to a noise complaint, arrived on scene 

to find a pickup truck with a blaring alarm. When Dowling approached, she saw Dora 

Mendez in the passenger seat, shaking and with dried blood on her lips, shirt, and mouth. 

Mendez told Dowling that she and her boyfriend, appellant, got into an argument at a bar 

because she did not want him to drive while he was intoxicated. As they left the bar, 

appellant punched Mendez in the face. 

After being found guilty of assault and sentenced, appellant filed a motion for new 

trial alleging ineffective assistance of counsel. After the hearing, the motion was 

overruled by operation of law. See TEX. R. APP. P. 21.8(a). This appeal ensued. 

II. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL

By his first issue, appellant argues that he did not receive effective assistance of 

counsel and asserts that his sixth amendment right to effective assistance of counsel and 

 

prior convictions: (1) November 9, 1987 misdemeanor conviction for driving while intoxicated (second 

misdemeanor offense); (2) July 18, 1988 misdemeanor conviction for resisting arrest; (3) May 18, 1992 

misdemeanor conviction for driving while license was suspended; (4) April 15, 1992 felony conviction for 

driving while intoxicated (first felony offense); (5) June 20, 1995 felony conviction for driving while 

intoxicated (second felony offense); (6) September 1, 2000 misdemeanor conviction for criminal trespass—

property; (7) November 19, 2004 felony conviction for driving while intoxicated (third felony offense): 

(8) January 24, 2007 misdemeanor conviction for fleeing a police officer; and (9) July 21, 2009 felony 

conviction for driving while intoxicated (fourth felony offense) (included guilty plea for charge of resisting 

arrest). 
3

fourteenth amendment right to due process were violated. Appellant lists twenty

separate complaints in his argument section,

3 which generally fall into four categories: 

(1) trial counsel’s qualifications; (2) lack of communication; (3) trial investigation and 

preparation; and (4) defense witnesses and evidence.

4

 

A. Standard of Review and Applicable Law

To prevail on an ineffective assistance claim, appellant must show: (1) counsel’s 

representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness; and (2) the deficient 

performance prejudiced the defense. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 689 

(1984); Lopez v. State, 343 S.W.3d 137, 142 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011); Jaynes v. State, 

216 S.W.3d 839, 851 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2006, no pet.). Our review of counsel’s 

representation is highly deferential, and we will find ineffective assistance only if appellant 

rebuts the strong presumption that his counsel’s conduct fell within the wide range of 

reasonable professional assistance. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689; Okonkwo v. State, 398 

S.W.3d 689, 691 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013) (explaining that the focus of appellate review is

the objective reasonableness of counsel's actual conduct in light of the entire record). 

When, as here, ineffective assistance was first urged in a motion for new trial, we 

review the two Strickland prongs through the prism of the abuse of discretion standard. 

See Cueva v. State, 339 S.W.3d 839, 857 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2011, pet. denied); 

 

3 Appellant identified various complaints, but has failed to specifically incorporate his complaints 

into his discussion or otherwise cite case authority with respect to each complaint.

4

In appellant’s “Statement of Facts,” he complains that trial counsel did not make “any challenges 

for cause—not a single one—notwithstanding the plethora of comments by several jurors indicating that 

they had already disqualified themselves because of bias or prejudice against the Appellant.” Appellant, 

however, did not include any jury voir dire argument in his “Argument” section. Appellant has inadequately 

briefed and waived any challenge regarding jury voir dire. TEX. R. APP. P. 38(i). 
4

State v. Gill, 967 S.W.2d 540, 542 (Tex. App.—Austin 1998, pet. ref’d). A trial court 

abuses its discretion when no reasonable review of the record could support the trial 

court’s ruling. McQuarrie v. State, 380 S.W.3d 145, 150 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012).

B. Analysis

1. Trial Counsel’s Qualifications

Appellant argues trial counsel’s performance was ineffective because trial counsel 

was not approved for appointment in felony cases. The record shows that appellant was 

aware that trial counsel was not on the felony appointment list, but that he expressly 

informed the trial court that he wanted trial counsel to be his attorney. 5 Further, 

appellant’s argument assumes that if an attorney is not included on the felony 

appointment list, the attorney is unqualified to represent a defendant in a felony matter. 

Appellant has not cited any case authority in support of his argument, and has not shown

that trial counsel was unqualified to represent him in this case. To the contrary, the 

record shows that trial counsel had previous trial experience in felony cases. We reject 

appellant’s argument that because trial counsel was not on the felony appointment list,

his performance necessarily fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. See 

Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688. 

 

5 During arraignment, the following transpired, after discussion: 

[JUDGE]: Okay. [Defense counsel] is not on the felony appointment list, so he will remain 

your attorney by your consent. Do you wish to have [defense counsel] stay on 

the case?

[DEFENDANT]: That’s fine. That’s fine. That’s fine. 
5

2. Communication

Appellant complains trial counsel failed to visit him in jail, failed to respond to phone 

calls and letters from him, failed to respond to phone calls from Sara Portillo, the mother 

of appellant’s children, and Dora Mendez, the “complainant”, failed to send a letter to the 

magistrate confirming that trial counsel contacted him, and failed to properly communicate 

the State’s plea offer to him. Appellant further complains that trial counsel only spoke 

with him four or five times after brief court hearings and at trial, but never outside of court. 

These allegations presume appellant’s version of facts is correct and disregards 

trial counsel’s testimony at the motion for new trial hearing. Trial counsel testified that 

he met appellant several times before trial and discussed the case with him and informed 

appellant of the plea offer. In regards to the letter trial counsel allegedly failed to send 

to the magistrate, appellant’s brief fails to explain how this failure falls below an objective 

standard of reasonableness. The purpose of the letter is to verify to the magistrate that 

a court-appointed attorney is meeting with his client within seventy-two hours of 

appointment. Because trial counsel does not speak Spanish, and appellant speaks 

limited English, trial counsel chose to meet with appellant at the courthouse in order to 

make use of the court’s translator. Given the linguistic challenges, we consider this 

course of action acceptable and within an objective standard of reasonableness. See,

e.g., Campos v. State, 927 S.W.2d 232, 237 (Tex. App.—Waco 1996, no pet.) (holding 

that defense counsel's alleged failure to correctly advise defendant as to possibility of 

deferred adjudication, ineffective communication with defendant, who spoke Spanish, 
6

and failure to review photographs of victim's injuries prior to plea hearing did not constitute 

ineffective assistance of counsel). 

Appellant and trial counsel testified at the hearing on appellant’s motion for new 

trial. During the hearing, there was contradictory and moderating testimony regarding 

the contacts between appellant and trial counsel, the communications between trial 

counsel and Portillo, and the delivery of the plea offer. Trial counsel acknowledged 

receiving phone calls from the complainant but never speaking with her. Trial counsel 

explained his reluctance to speak with the complainant stemmed from fear of a possible 

accusation of witness tampering. Moreover, the record does not indicate what, if any,

information trial counsel would have elicited from the complainant to help advance a 

viable defense. The trial court was free to believe appellant’s trial counsel rather than 

appellant. See Dewberry v. State, 4 S.W.3d 735, 747 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999). 

We conclude that appellant has failed to overcome the presumption that trial 

counsel’s performance fell within the broad range of reasonable professional assistance. 

See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688.

3. Case Investigation and Preparation

Appellant claims the only work trial counsel performed on his case occurred in the 

courtroom. Again, trial counsel’s testimony contradicts appellant’s claims. According to 

trial counsel, he met with appellant before and after court appearances with a translator;

researched appellant’s criminal history and enhancements; communicated with 

appellant’s parole officer regarding the effect of a conviction on appellant’s parole status;

received discovery from the State; communicated with appellant about the State’s 
7

evidence; obtained a plea offer from the State and communicated the offer to appellant;

communicated with appellant’s family about the status of the case; and requested 

appellant’s trial clothes from the family. Again, the trial court was free to believe 

appellant’s trial counsel rather than appellant. See Dewberry, 4 S.W.3d at 747.

Appellant also argues trial counsel was ineffective for failing to visit the scene of 

the crime and scene where appellant was arrested. Trial counsel explained that his 

strategy, based on conversations with appellant, was to present through crossexamination appellant’s contention that any contact between appellant and complainant 

was defensive. Appellant fails to state what particular knowledge trial counsel would 

have garnered from visiting the scenes, or how visiting the scenes would have aided the 

defensive theory. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691 (explaining that when facts that 

support a certain potential line of defense are generally known to counsel because of 

what defendant has stated, the need for further investigation may be considerably 

diminished or eliminated altogether). 

4. Defense Witnesses and Evidence

Appellant contends counsel’s performance was deficient because he failed to call 

any witnesses, failed to put on any evidence, and failed to inform Portillo that she could 

have testified during the punishment phase of the trial. Aside from Portillo, appellant has 

not identified any other testimony or evidence that could have been presented. Trial 

counsel's failure to call such witnesses would be “irrelevant absent a showing that such 

witnesses were available and appellant would benefit from their testimony.” King v. 

State, 649 S.W.2d 42 (Tex. Crim. App. 1983) (en banc). In regards to Portillo, she
8

testified at the new trial hearing that she could have talked about appellant’s life, that he 

was a good father, and generally about unidentified favorable things. Trial counsel 

stated, however, that appellant instructed him not to call his girlfriend to testify during the 

punishment phase and that appellant elected not to take the stand during the guiltinnocence phase. Without additional witnesses for the defense, trial counsel used crossexamination to develop the defense theory of the case. See Duncan v. State, 717 

S.W.2d 345, 347 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986) (en banc) (holding that if defendant insists on a 

particular trial strategy, he may not later complain that such a strategy constitutes 

ineffective assistance). The trial court was free to believe trial counsel’s version of 

events rather than appellant’s. See Dewberry, 4 S.W.3d at 747. 

Finally, appellant complains trial counsel failed to prove that appellant’s hands 

were deformed from a prior injury to the extent that he could not have hit complainant 

without further injuring himself. Contrary to appellant’s assertions, the trial record shows 

that the jury heard testimony about appellant’s previously broken arms. See Duncan, 

717 S.W.2d at 347. The responding police officer and complaining witness both testified 

at trial that there was no discernable injury to appellant’s hands on the night of the offense. 

The complaining witness testified that approximately nine months before the incident, 

appellant broke both arms, but that he was not wearing “bandages” and was able to drive 

at the time of the incident. 

5. No Showing Performance Prejudiced Defense

Rather than apply the second prong of Strickland to show how the alleged deficient 

performance prejudiced the defense, appellant argues that the cumulative errors are 
9

“equivalent to no legal assistance at all,” and that therefore a presumption of prejudice 

applies. Appellant analogizes his trial counsel’s performance to presumed-harm cases 

in which trial counsel either slept or failed to appear for trial to this case. See Javor v. 

United States, 724 F.2d 831 (9th Cir. 1994) (holding that a presumption of prejudice exists 

where attorney for defendant sleeps through a substantial portion of trial); Tippins v. 

Walker, 889 F. Supp. 91 (S.D.N.Y. 1995) (same); Hays v. Alabama, 85 F.3d 1492 (11th

Cir. 1996) (holding presumed prejudice when counsel absent, prevented from assisting

during a critical phase, or failed to subject prosecution’s case to meaningful adversarial 

testing), Burdine v. Johnson, 262 F.3d 336, 341 (5th Cir. 2001) (same). 

Here, trial counsel was present and awake, conducted voir dire, gave legitimate 

opening and closing statements, pursued a trial strategy, and examined witnesses. See 

Ex Parte McFarland, 163 S.W.3d 743 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005) (en banc) (holding that no 

presumption of prejudice exists despite lead counsel sleeping during trial because cocounsel was an awake, active, and zealous advocate in the adversarial testing of the 

prosecution's case). We decline appellant’s invitation to extend presumed-harm cases 

in which trial counsel either slept or failed to appear for trial to the facts in this case. 

Appellant fails to show how any of the alleged deficiencies changed the outcome of his 

trial. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691. 

6. Summary

Appellant fails to rebut the presumption that trial counsel’s conduct falls within the 

wide range of acceptable performance and fails to present record evidence satisfying the 

second prong of Strickland. See id. (appellant must show deficient performance 
10

prejudiced defense to prevail on ineffective assistance of counsel claim). Appellant’s 

ineffective assistance claim fails under both prongs of Strickland. Therefore, appellant 

has failed to show the trial court’s ruling on the motion for new trial constituted an abuse 

of discretion. See State v. Herndon, 215 S.W.3d 901, 906 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007). We 

overrule appellant’s first issue. 

III. TEXAS FAIR DEFENSE ACT

By his second issue, appellant argues that his statutory right under the Texas Fair 

Defense Act (TFDA) to representation by a competent and qualified attorney was violated, 

thereby depriving him of effective assistance of counsel. Appellant argues that because 

trial counsel was not on the public appointment list for felony cases, trial counsel rendered 

ineffective assistance of counsel. In reaching that conclusion, appellant urges this Court 

to hold that a violation of the TFDA eliminates the need to meet the second prong of 

Strickland and that the appointment of an attorney not included on the list to represent 

misdemeanor and felony defendants is fundamental error. 

The Texas Fair Defense Act was enacted in 2001 and focuses on the appointment 

procedures for counsel for indigent defendants. TEX. CRIM. PROC. CODE ANN. §§ 1.051, 

26.04 (West, Westlaw through 2013 3d C.S.). Specifically, the TFDA governs the 

appointment of counsel for indigent defendants in certain criminal misdemeanor and 

felony cases, and authorizes local judges to establish a public appointment list of 

attorneys qualified to provide representation in misdemeanor and felony cases in the 

county and to specify the objective qualifications necessary for an attorney to be included 

on the list. Subsection (b), in applicable part, requires the judges to: 
11

(3) ensure that each indigent defendant in the county who is 

charged with a misdemeanor punishable by confinement or 

with a felony and who appears in court without counsel has an 

opportunity to confer with appointed counsel before the 

commencement of judicial proceedings;

. . . . 

(5) ensure that each attorney appointed from a public appointment 

list to represent an indigent defendant perform the attorney's 

duty owed to the defendant in accordance with the adopted 

procedures, the requirements of this code, and applicable rules 

of ethics;

. . . . 

Subsection (d) thereafter states that a public appointment list from which an attorney is 

appointed shall contain the names of qualified attorneys, each of whom:

(1) applies to be included on the list;

(2) meets the objective qualifications specified by the judges under 

Subsection (e);

(3) meets any applicable qualifications specified by the Texas 

Indigent Defense Commission; and

(4) is approved by a majority of the judges who established the 

appointment list under Subsection (e).

Id. § 26.04 (b), (d). 

The TFDA instituted a mechanism for establishing a public appointment list. The 

statute does not address what happens in the event a lawyer is appointed to represent a 

defendant in a misdemeanor or felony case when the lawyer’s name is not included on 

the public appointment list. Appellant has not cited any TFDA case authority to support 

any of his propositions. 
12

The question in this case is whether the absence of trial counsel’s name from the 

public appointment list caused appellant a complete denial of the right to counsel. See

Cantu v. State, 930 S.W.2d 594, 596 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) (en banc) (citing Strickland, 

466 U.S. at 692 (where a defendant suffers the “actual or constructive denial of counsel 

altogether” then prejudice is presumed). In this regard, we are not prepared to hold that 

representation by a person whose name does not appear on the list, for whatever reason, 

would be a per se violation of the TFDA or the right to counsel under the 6th Amendment. 

We decline appellant’s invitation to abandon Strickland and to create a new category of 

fundamental error when a lawyer’s name does not appear on a public appointment list. 

Appellant’s reliance on Cantu v. State is misplaced. In Cantu, the court of appeals 

held that the defendant’s counsel’s suspension from the practice of law before trial 

constituted a per se violation of the right to counsel. Id. at 595. The Texas Court of 

Criminal Appeals opined that “a suspended or disbarred attorney is incompetent as a 

matter of law if the reasons for the discipline imposed reflect so poorly upon the attorney's 

competence that it may be reasonably inferred that the attorney was incompetent to 

represent the defendant in the proceeding in question.” Id. at 602. The court thereafter 

held, however, that because the suspension in that particular case did not relate to the 

trial attorney’s performance in the courtroom, the suspension did not render counsel

incompetent as a matter of law, and did not cause the defendant a complete denial of the 

right to counsel. Id. at 603. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals remanded the case 

to the court of appeals to address the defendant’s ineffective assistance claim under 

Strickland. Id. at 603. 
13

Although appellant likens his representation in this case to being represented by 

an unlicensed layman, we reject this analysis. As noted in Cantu, the courts have held

that admission to the bar permits a presumption of competence. See Cantu, 930 S.W.2d 

at 600. Moreover, even where the reasons for suspension or disbarment relate to 

competence to practice law, courts have generally refused to impose a per se rule of 

ineffective assistance as a matter of law. Id. at 601. 

Appellant’s trial counsel, having been licensed to practice law, is presumed to have 

met the threshold requirements to provide competent legal representation. Whether trial 

counsel‘s actual representation in a particular trial is competent is determined by looking 

to the acts or omissions of counsel established by the record. See Strickland, 466 U.S. 

at 690. As previously noted, appellant has failed to overcome the presumption that trial 

counsel provided effective assistance with respect to his trial. We overrule appellant’s 

second issue.

IV. CONCLUSION

We affirm the judgment of the trial court. 

GREGORY T. PERKES

Justice

Do not publish.

TEX. R. APP. P. 47.2(b).

Delivered and filed the 

12th day of February, 2015.