Court Opinion

ID: 2881897
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-07 16:05:59.538158+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:36:06.974310
License: Public Domain

In The
Court of Appeals
Sixth Appellate District of Texas at Texarkana

______________________________

No. 06-04-00029-CR
______________________________

DANIEL E. SMITH, Appellant
 
V.
 
THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee

                                              

On Appeal from the 71st Judicial District Court
Harrison County, Texas
Trial Court No. 03-0316X

                                                 

Before Morriss, C.J., Ross and Carter, JJ.
Memorandum Opinion by Chief Justice Morriss

MEMORANDUM OPINION

            On December 30, 2003, Daniel E. Smith waived a jury trial and pled guilty to unauthorized
use of a motor vehicle.  After admonishing Smith regarding the punishment range applicable in this
case (up to two years' confinement in a state jail facility), the trial court accepted Smith's guilty plea. 
There was no negotiated plea agreement regarding punishment in this case.  The trial court then
heard evidence and argument regarding punishment, ultimately sentencing Smith to confinement in
a state jail facility for a period of two years.  Smith then appealed the trial court's judgment.
            On July 12, 2004, Smith's appellate counsel filed an Anders
 brief in which he professionally
discussed the record, described the issues reviewed, and concluded there were no arguable grounds
for appeal.  As required by Anders, he also filed a motion to withdraw.  Counsel sent Smith a copy
of the appellate brief and informed Smith of his right to file a pro se response and of his right to
review the record. 
            We informed Smith at that time his response, if any, was due by August 11, 2004.  As of this
date, we have not received a pro se response.  
            We have independently reviewed the record and the brief filed by counsel in this appeal, and
we agree there are no arguable issues that would support an appeal in this case.  Smith's guilty plea
was knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily given.  The trial court assessed punishment within the
range provided for by statute.  See Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 12.35 (Vernon 2003).  The record
indicates Smith was satisfied with the performance of his court-appointed counsel.  Though Smith
had a history of mental illness, the record affirmatively supports trial counsel's assessment that Smith
was competent to stand trial, as Smith's answers to the trial court's questions indicate both an ability
to understand the proceedings against him and an ability to assist trial counsel in his defense.  In
short, the record supports counsel's assessment there were no errors in the court below that would
require reversal.
            We affirm the trial court's judgment.
 
                                                                                    Josh R. Morriss, III
                                                                                    Chief Justice
 
Date Submitted:          September 22, 2004
Date Decided:             September 23, 2004

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