Court Opinion

ID: 2939354
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-15 20:07:55.430953+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:40:38.220144
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-66,986-01

EX PARTE LAMONT L. DEWBERRY, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 241-1649-04 IN THE 241ST DISTRICT COURT

FROM SMITH 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 a writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte
Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of aggravated assault
and sentenced to seventy-five years' imprisonment. The Twelfth Court of Appeals dismissed his
appeal. Dewberry v. State, No. 12-05-00276-CR (Tex. App.-Tyler, delivered September 30, 2005,
no pet.). 
	Applicant contends that counsel rendered ineffective assistance because he failed to timely
file a notice of appeal. In its findings of fact, the trial court concluded that Applicant was denied his 
right to appeal because of counsel's inability to timely file notice of appeal. There is, however, no
affidavit from counsel in the record. We believe that counsel should have an opportunity to respond
to Applicant's allegation. 
	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 counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's claim of ineffective assistance
of counsel on appeal. The trial court may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art.
11.07, § 3(d).   	
	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 Applicant was denied his right to a
meaningful appeal because Applicant's counsel failed to timely file a notice of appeal. 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:  March 21, 2007
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