Court Opinion

ID: 9645974
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 21:41:16.833215+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:11:33.591416
License: Public Domain

BUTTS, Justice,
concurring.
I agree that the plea in bar is a valid one. This case is closely analogous to May v. State, 726 S.W.2d 573 (Tex.Crim.App.1987), so close in fact that just a few changes need be made in the recitation of facts and names in the instant case for it to coincide exactly with May. That this is a case where the plea in bar is a valid one is not really in dispute.
The real question is whether the accused must wait until appeal from the case on the merits, in the event of conviction, to resolve the matter. Because the habeas corpus term “application” and not “relief” is employed throughout the pleadings and in the order of the court, is it required that this Court rule that we lack jurisdiction? In other words, is this a proper statutory appeal as authorized by former TEX.CODE CRIM.PROC.ANN. art. 44.34, now TEX.R. APP.P. 44?
I would rule that a proper appeal has been taken. The record contains a statement of facts reflecting a full hearing on the plea. To require this accused to wait until time for appeal on the merits to resolve the issue is to do a useless and costly thing. Therefore, I concur in the majority disposition of the case.