Opinion ID: 435251
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Admissibility of Byrd's 1964 Conviction and Probated Sentence

Text: 25 Byrd maintains he was denied due process when the jury learned of his 1964 felony conviction and probated sentence, even though the jury did not learn that the probation was later revoked at a hearing in which Byrd allegedly was not represented by counsel. It is well settled that a defendant has a constitutional right to counsel at a joint parole revocation/sentencing proceeding. See, Mempa v. Rhay, 389 U.S. 128, 88 S.Ct. 254, 19 L.Ed.2d 336 (1967), held retroactive by, McConnell v. Rhay, 393 U.S. 2, 89 S.Ct. 32, 21 L.Ed.2d 2 (1968). As the magistrate's opinion notes, however, Byrd exhausted the instant claim--that he was deprived of due process when the jury learned of the 1964 conviction and probated sentence--in his most recent state habeas corpus action, (cause number 13,754) obtaining an adjudication on the merits that there had been no denial of counsel at the 1964 proceeding. See, Record, Vol. I at 9. After conducting an evidentiary hearing, the state trial court entered fact findings that Byrd was advised of his right to counsel, but waived his right at the parole revocation hearing. These findings must be afforded a presumption of correctness under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2254(b). See, Marshall v. Lonberger, --- U.S. ----, 103 S.Ct. 843, 74 L.Ed.2d 646 (1983); Sumner v. Mata, 455 U.S. 591, 102 S.Ct. 1303, 71 L.Ed.2d 480 (1982). Accordingly, Byrd has failed to demonstrate, as a factual matter, that he did not waive his right to counsel. 26 Nevertheless, it was established that Byrd was represented by counsel at his 1964 prosecution and conviction. The law is clear that Byrd's 1964 conviction could be brought to the attention of the jury, even if the subsequent revocation of the probated sentence was invalid. The conviction remained valid for impeachment purposes under Texas law; see 3A Tex.Code Crim.Pro. Sec. 37.07(3)(a) (Vernon 1974), and no due process problem arose through the introduction of the conviction and probated sentence. See, Langston v. Estelle, 544 F.2d 1331 (5th Cir.1977).