Opinion ID: 27763
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: State Habeas Proceedings and Appeal

Text: 13 On February 4, 1999, the 230th District Court of Harris County, Texas, Judge Belinda Hill, adopted the State's proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order and recommended that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals deny Ogan's application for habeas relief. The state district court concluded that Ogan had failed to demonstrate ineffective assistance of his trial counsel with regard to counsel's failure to employ a mitigation specialist and with regard to counsel's alleged failure to investigate Ogan's history in an effort to discover mitigating evidence. The court also found that Ogan had failed to demonstrate that his conviction was unlawfully obtained. 14 On April 28, 1999, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denied Ogan's petition for habeas relief. In a brief order, the court stated: 15 In the instant cause, applicant presents a single allegation challenging the validity of his conviction and resulting sentence. The trial court has entered findings of fact and conclusions of law recommending the relief sought be denied. This court has reviewed the record. The findings and conclusions entered by the trial court are supported by the record and upon such basis the relief sought by the applicant is denied. 16