CAUSE NO.

03-14-00288-CR

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IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE

THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS

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Ex parte BRIAN STANLEY GRANADOS, Appellant

V.

STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee

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Appeal From the 22nd Judicial District Court

Cause No. CR-11-0311-A

Hays County, Texas

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STATE'S BRIEF

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Angie D. Roberts-Huckaby

Asst. Criminal District Attorney

Hays County Justice Center

712 South Stagecoach TraO, Ste. 2057

San Marcos, Texas, 78666

512-393-7600

Angie.roberts@co.hays.tx.us

State Bar No. 24081797

Attorney for the State of Texas

Oral Argument Not Requested

ACCEPTED

03-14-00288-CR

3617278

THIRD COURT OF APPEALS

AUSTIN, TEXAS

12/30/2014 2:18:31 PM

JEFFREY D. KYLE

CLERK

 FILED IN 3rd COURT OF APPEALS AUSTIN, TEXAS 12/30/2014 2:18:31 PM JEFFREY D. KYLE Clerk
Appellant:

Attorneys for

the State:

At trial:

On appeal:

Attorneys for

Appellant:

At trial:

On appeal:

Trial Judge

NAMES OF PARTIES

Brian Stanley Granados

Sherri K. Tibbe, Criminal District Attorney

Hays County Government Center

712 South Stagecoach Trail, Ste. 2057

San Marcos, Texas 78666

John Couch, ADA

Angie D. Roberts-Huckaby, ADA

Leonard Martinez

812 San Antonio, Suite 104

Austin, Texas 78701

Leonard Martinez

812 San Antonio, Suite 104

Austin, Texas 78701

Hon. Jack Robison
TABLE OF CONTENTS

NAMES OF PARTIES i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

TABLE OF AUTHORITIES iii

ISSUES PRESENTED 1

STATEMENT OF THE CASE 1

STATEMENT OF FACTS 3

L To prevail on a post-conviction writ of habeas corpus, the applicant bears

the burden of proofthat the facts entitle him to relief and the trial court, as the

fact-fmder, is the exclusive judge ofwitness credibility 3

CONCLUSION & PRAYER 6

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 7

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE 7

APPENDIX A : 8

n
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES

Federal Cases

Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) 7

State Cases

State V. Guerrero, 400 S.W.3d 576 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013) 7

State Statutes

Tex. R. Civ. P. 1.02 (a)(3) 9

111
ISSUES PRESENTED

To prevail on a post-conviction writ ofhabeas corpus, the applicant bears the

burden of proofthat the facts entitle him to relief; the trial court, as the fact-finder,

is the exclusive judge of witness credibility. Here, Granados himself gave the sole

testimony supporting his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel and failed to

call trial counsel to testify. Did the trial court abuse its discretion by denying the

post-conviction writ of habeas corpus when the trial court is the exclusive judge of

credibility?

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Brian Stanley Granados ("Granados") was indicted for the offense of

Possession of Marijuana-fifty pounds or less but more than five pounds, a third

degree felony, on April 14, 2011.^ Granados signed a plea bargain agreement that

probated two years of confinement in TDCJ to five years of community

supervision, a fine and fees, treatment and counseling, and 200 hours of

^(CR 4).
community service restitution.^ On September 29, 2011, Granados waived his right

to appeal as part of the plea bargain agreement.^ Granados was convicted and

sentenced to the terms set forth in the plea bargain agreement."^ On October 11,

2012, the State filed a Motion to Revoke Community Supervision and Impose

Sentence against Granados for violating the terms and conditions of his community

supervision.^

Granados filed for Writ of Habeas Corpus on January 7, 2014 and the State

responded on March 11, 2014.^ The court recommended denying the writ on

March 13, 2014.^ On April 23, 2014, Granados filed a Notice of Appeal.^ The

Texas Court of Appeals, Third District, at Austin handed down an order and

memorandum opinion regarding Granados's appeal and the appeal was abated.^

The State filed Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, which the trial

court adopted on May 27, 2014, denying the application for Writ of Habeas

Corpus.

^(CR 5).

^(CR 12).

"^(CR 13-14).

^(CR 15-17).

^(CR 18-27).

^(CR 39).

^(CR 43).

^(CR 49-50).

(CR 59-63).
STATEMENT OF FACTS

During the period of said community supervision, Granados violated the

terms and conditions of his community supervision by testing positive for

marijuana twice, failing to report to his supervision officer twice, and failing to

complete other terms and conditions.^^ The State filed a Motion to Revoke

Community Supervision and Impose Sentence as a result of the failed terms and

conditions/^ Granados filed a Writ of Habeas Corpus, alleging that his plea was

not entered knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily as a result of the ineffective

assistance of counsel/^

I. To prevail on a post-conviction writ of habeas corpus, the applicant

bears the burden of proof that the facts entitle him to relief and the trial

court, as the fact-finder, is the exclusive judge of witness credibility.

Granados attacks the validity of his prior guilty plea as reflected in the written

judgment claiming ineffective assistance of counsel;'"^ however, he cannot

overcome the presumption that the plea recitals written in the judgment are

(CR 15-17).

(CR 15-17).

(CR18).

''^Granados did not overcome the strong presumption that, "trial counsel's actions fell within [a]

wide range of reasonable professional assistance." Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 689

(1984). He simply did not show sufficient evidence that trial counsel's performance was

defective. He did not prove the two-step Strickland test. The test requires a two-step analysis: 1)

Did the attorney's representation fall below an objective standard of reasonableness under

prevailing professional norms? 2) If so, is there a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's

unprofessional errors, the result would have been different?

3
correct.'^ Written recitals "are binding in the absence of direct proof of their

falsity."''

In an Article 11.072 habeas proceeding, the trial judge is the sole finder of

fact.'^ Appellate courts afford almost total deference to a trial court's factual

findings when supported by the record, especially when those findings are based

upon credibility and demeanor.'^

At the writ hearing, the only witness called was Granados. The only evidence

presented supporting his allegation was his own testimony. Trial counsel's

affidavit discredits his allegations.'^ Trial counsel had lengthy and extensive

conversations with Granados regarding the case.'^ The court has the discretion to

believe or disbelieve Granados's testimony; therefore, it was within the court's

discretion to not believe his testimony and base its ruling that trial counsel was not

ineffective on the affidavit submitted by trial counsel.

Granados also complains that trial counsel did not; conduct a proper and

independent investigation, challenge the evidence in the case, or provide

meaningful plea negotiations based on the lack of evidence supporting Granados's

State V. Guerrero, 400 S.W.3d 576, 583-84 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013).

Id.

Id.

(CR 32-34).

(CR 32-34).
guilt. It is true; trial counsel does have an obligation to conduct an investigation, or

to make a reasonable decision that makes the particular investigations

on

unnecessary. Here, Granados did not offer trial counsel "any innocent

explanation for where the money or money bag came from, nor did he ever suggest

that there was a legitimate reason for him to have the money or the money bag

with him." Rather, he explained to trial counsel that additional felony charges

filed against Granados in Travis County had a major influence on his decision to

enter into a plea agreement, even after lengthy conversations and informing him of

his rights.

Therefore, trial counsel was obligated to abide by Granados's decision to enter

a plea, after reviewing discovery and advising him on the case. Moreover, trial

counsel's strategic choices, if made after a less than complete investigation of the

law and facts are reasonable on a claim of ineffective assistance because

reasonable professional judgments support limitations on the investigation due to

Strickland. 466 U.S. at 691.

33); See Hays County Narcotic's Task Force Report ofInvestigation, Appendix A.

Interestingly, Granados claims that a serious mistake in the trial counsel's affidavit was to say

that Granados was in possession of a money bag and that scales were in plain view; however,

both assertions are clearly in the police report, which is not part of the appellate record. The

money is reported as /being in a "money bag" in his pocket and the scales are reported as clearly

in plain view in the police report.

(CR 33).

^^Tex. R. Civ. P. 1.02 (a)(3) (stating that "a lawyer shall abide by a client's decisions ... [i]n a

criminal case, after consultation with the lawyer, as to a plea to be entered, whether to waive jury

trial, and client will whether the testify.").

5
Granados's choice to enter into the plea bargain.^"^ The trial court's ruling should

be affirmed.

CONCLUSION & PRAYER

Wherefore, premises considered, the State respectfully prays that the Court

overrule Appellant's issues, AFFIRM the trial court, and grant the State all reliefto

which it is justly entitled.

24 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690-91.

Respectfully submitted

Angie D. Roberts-Huckaby

Asst. Criminal District Attorney

State Bar No. 24081797

Hays County Government Center

712 South Stagecoach Trail

Angie.roberts@co.hays.tx.us

San Marcos, Texas, 78666

Telephone: 512-393-7600

Facsimile: 512-393-2246

Counsel for the State of Texas
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing instrument has

been served on by e-mail to Leonard Martinez at Martinez.leonard@sbcglobal.net

in accordance with Rule 9.2 & 9.5 ofthe Texas Rules on Appellate Procedure, on

this 30'^ day ofDecember, 2014.

Angie D. Roberts-Huckaby

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

I hereby certify, pursuant to Rule 9.4 (i) (2) (B) and rule 9.4 (i) (3) of the

Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure that the instant brief is computer-generated

using Microsoft Word for Mac and said computer program has identified that there

are no more than 1,581 words within the portions of this brief required to be

counted by Rule 9.4 (i) (1) & (2) ofthe Texas Rules ofAppellate Procedure.

Angie D. Roberts-Huckaby

7
Appendix A
HAYS COUpixY NARCOTICS IaSK FORCE

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION

BY: Det. Ronnie Verette

File Number: TFll-034-1 Case Title:

Date Prepared: 03-03-11 113 Crest Hill Causeway

Related Files (Agency): Kyle, TX, 78640

Other Officers: Sgt. Bartsch, Det. Cormier,

Det. Mallow, Det. Taylor

Report Regarding: Search Warrant Executed 02-22-11,113 Crest Hill Causeway, Kyle

SYNOPSIS;

On 02-22-11, members ofthe Hays County Narcotics Task Force executed a court authorized search and arrest

warrant at 113 Crest Hill Causeway, Kyle, Hays County, TX. The investigation began with an anonymous tip

of bundles ofmarihuana being unloaded into the residence, and ended with the execution of a search warrant

and the seizure of approximately 15.3 pounds of marihuana. 5 persons in the residence were arrested, charged

with Possession ofMarihuana over 51bs a 3"^*^ degree felony.

DETAILS:

On 02-22-2011 Detective Verette, via Sgt. Bartsch, received an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen who

advised that bundles of marihuana were being unloaded at a house in the green pastures neighborhood. The

concerned citizen, herein referred to as CC wished to remain anonymous for reasons of personal safety. CC

advised that he / she had observed large bags ofmarihuana being carried into the home.

Detective Verette along with other members of the Hays County Narcotics Task Force traveled to the location

provided by CC. CC had described the suspect location and vehicles in the driveway. Detective Verette notes

that the description ofthe home and the vehicles described by CC, matched personal observations of Detective

Verette and other members ofHCNTF.

Detective Verette along with Jayson Cormier knocked at the front door of the home. Detective Verette was

advised by Detective Jayson Cormier, a member ofthe HCNTF and San Marcos Police Detective that the odor

of fresh marihuana was detectable before the front door was opened. Bertin Castillo opened the door and

stepped out onto the front porch leaving the door open. Detective Verette observed the front of Castillo's shirt

to be covered in small pieces ofmarihuana.

Detective Verette identified himself by displaying his Sheriffs Office issued badge and announcing his name

and title as detective. Castillo attempted to re-enter the front door and close the door behind him. Detective

Cormier and Detective Verette stepped forward, blocked the door, and directed Castillo to stop so they could

place him under arrest, but Castillo continued. Both Detective Cormier and Detective Verette entered the living

Detective Signature: K ^Date: O ~ O \

Approving Signature: //La fci- u Date: ^^
(" <" " HAYS COUNTY NARCOTICS TASK FORCE

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION

BY: Det. Ronnie Verette

Page 2

room to apprehend Castillo. If not immediately apprehended, Detective Verette believed that Castillo would

escape and destroy evidence.

Detective Verette entered the living room, apprehended Castillo and observed a large black trash bag lying on

the floor. The bag was half open and large bundles of marihuana were visible in plain view. Detective Verette

called out for other persons in the hometo come to the living room. Two persons were located on the couchin

the living room and two otherswere inside of a laundry room on the left side of the home in close proximity to

other marihuana in plain view.

Detective Verette determined that Bertin Castillo was the home owner. Verette asked Castillo for consent to

search the home. Castillo advised "whatever, do what you are going to do". Castillo would not give a straight

yes or no answer. Detective Verette determined consentwas not being given. DetectiveVerette observed the

marihuanain plain view and left the scene to submit an affidavitfor search and arrest warrant to Judge Robert

Updegrove CCL-1.

Detective Verette submitted the affidavit to Judge Updegrove, and received a search and arrest warrant at

approximately 1528hours. Verette telephoned Sgt. Bartsch, who was still on scene, to advise that a warranthad

been issued. Bertin Castillo 08-29-92, Emilio Gomez 11-30-89, Brian Granadoa 08-27-89, Laurentina Garcia

02-21-91, and Esmeralda Vallejo 09-01-92, were arrested and transported to the Hays County Jail, charged with

possession ofmarihuana over 51bs.

The marihuana that was in plain view was located in a large black trash bag lying half open on the floor

between the living room and dining room. This bag had a total of 3Lbs ofmarihuana in one pound bags. A

second large trash bag was lying unopened on the floor next to it, and when searched his bag contained two

large bundles of compressed marihuana wrapped in plastic. Each bundle weighed 5Lbs for a total of lOLbs in

the second bag. Also in plain view were two digital scales with marihuana residue on top. They were located

on a small table in the dining room. One ounce ofmarihuana was in plain view in the laundry room where

Granados and Gomez were hiding when Detective Verette called them out to the living room.

After the search warrant was signed, an additional 2.27 pounds ofmarihuana were seized from the cabinets in

the dining room. A third digital scale was also located in the cabinets ofthe dining room. $800.00 ofU.S.

Currencv wasseized from the rear pocket of BrianGranados. He hadthemoney inside of a moneybag. The

rtl^oej^as seized for forfeitraB" as drug proceeHs!

Photographs were taken ofthe residence and the evidence as it was located, by Detective Laray Taylor.

Detective Verette gathered the evidence and transported it back to the San Marcos Police Dept. for processing.

It was placed into a safe in the narcotics offices until being weighed and logged into evidence.

On 03-02-11, Detective Verette submitted an affidavit for seizure to David Mendoza ofthe Hays County

District Attorney's Office. David Mendoza took possession ofthe $800.00 U. S. Currency. A copy ofthe

affidavit is submitted with this report.

SUSPECT(S^:

Castillo, Bertin Yoshio

W/M 08-29-92
HAYS COUNTY NARCOTICS TASK FORCE

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION

BY: Det. Ronnie Verette

Page 3

636-23-8766

508-135

Blk-Bro

Gomez, Emilo

W/M 11-30-89

TX-07182223

510-200

Blk-Bro

Granados, Brian

Granadoa, Brian

W/M 08-27-89

TX-62684691

630-09-1882

510-180

Blk-Bro

Garcia, Laurentina

W/F 01-21-91

TX-28724453

503-120

Blk-Bro

Vallejo, Esmeralda Yaneli

W/F 09-01-92

501-115

Blk-Bro

DESCIPTION AND CUSTODY OF EVIDENCE;

Item# Description ofItem Location Item Found

#1 black plastic bag w 2 bundles of marihuana lOLbs living room / dining room

#2 black plastic bag w 3 bags ofmarihuana 3Lbs dining room

#3 2 digital scales w marihuana residue dining room on small table ^

#4 .4grams marihuana in sandwich bag dining room on top of digital scale

#5 3 bags ofmarihuana 243grams dining room inside top cabinet

#6 1 bag ofmarihuana 333 grams dining room inside top cabinet

#7 1 bag marihuana 110 grams dining room inside bottom cabinet

#8 1 bag marihuana 335 grams dining room bottom cabinet in plastic

tub and zip loc bag

#9 $800.00 U.S. Currency money bag in rear pocket Brian Granados

#10 digital scale dining room table bottom cabinet

#11 marihuana 28 grams laundry room on top shelf

#12 afflink Emma Ramos dining room bar

#13 afflink Bertin Castillo BR#1 floor
HAYS COUNTY NARCOTICS i ASK FORCE

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION

BY: Det. Ronnie Verette

Page 4

#14 afflink Bertin Yoshio Castillo Nakamura BR#1 closet shelf