Court Opinion

ID: 2938996
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-15 20:02:40.275127+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:40:39.827346
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-67,563-01

EX PARTE JAVIER FRANCISCO CASILLAS, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 11727-A IN THE 118TH DISTRICT COURT

FROM HOWARD COUNTY

 Per curiam.
 
O R D E R

	Pursuant to the provisions of Article 11.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the clerk of
the trial court transmitted to this Court this application for writ of habeas corpus.  Ex parte Young, 418
S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967).  Applicant pleaded guilty to a jury and was convicted of
evading arrest and sentenced to ten (10) years' imprisonment.  He did not appeal his conviction.
	Applicant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel: (a)  failed
to subpoena witnesses requested by Applicant, stating there was not enough time; (b) did not move for
continuance or request warrants when eyewitnesses who had been subpoenaed failed to appear; and (c)
failed to investigate and present booking video which would have confirmed Applicant's assertions that
police officers had injured him and jabbed a gun into his ear and his side during the arrest.  
	Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief.  Strickland v. Washington, 466
U.S. 608 (1984); Ex parte Lemke, 13 S.W.3d 791,795-96 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000).  In these
circumstances, additional facts are needed.  As we held in Ex parte Rodriguez, 334 S.W.2d 294, 294
(Tex. Crim. App. 1997), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact.  The trial court shall
provide Applicant's trial counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's claim of ineffective
assistance of counsel.  The trial court may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07,
§ 3(d).  In the appropriate case, the trial court may rely on its personal recollection.  Id.
	If the trial court elects to hold a hearing, it shall determine whether Applicant is indigent.  If
Applicant is indigent and wishes to be represented by counsel, the trial court shall appoint an attorney to
represent Applicant at the hearing.  Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04. 
	The trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether the performance of Applicant's trial attorney
was deficient and, if so, whether counsel's deficient performance prejudiced Applicant.  The trial court shall
also make any other findings of fact and conclusions of law that it deems relevant and appropriate to the
disposition of Applicant's claim for habeas corpus relief.
	This application will be held in abeyance until the trial court has resolved the fact issues.  The issues
shall be resolved within 90 days of this order.  If any continuances are granted, a copy of the order granting
the continuance shall be sent to this Court.  A supplemental transcript containing all affidavits and
interrogatories or the transcription of the court reporter's notes from any hearing or deposition, along with
the trial court's supplemental findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be returned to this Court within
120 days of the date of this order.  Any extensions of time shall be obtained from this Court. 

Filed:  June 20, 2007
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