Court Opinion

ID: 9961932
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-04-21 17:12:29.018729+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:19:23.513453
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
                         OF TEXAS
                                        NO. WR-95,393-01

                         EX PARTE MELVIN MITCHELL, Applicant

                 ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
                 CAUSE NO. 1367435-A IN THE 339TH DISTRICT COURT
                              FROM HARRIS COUNTY

       Per curiam. MCCLURE, J., did not participate.

                                           OPINION

       Applicant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and

was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. Applicant did not file a direct appeal. Applicant filed

this application for a writ of habeas corpus in the county of conviction, and the district clerk

forwarded it to this Court. See TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 11.07.

       Applicant has discharged this sentence. The habeas court finds credible Applicant’s

assertion that he continues to suffer consequences arising from this conviction, including its

negative effects on his ability to find and job and a place to live and its availability to enhance the

penalty in a subsequent case. Therefore, Applicant is “confined” for purposes of Article 11.07.

       Applicant claims that he was denied due process through the use of material false
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evidence, and that his guilty plea was involuntary. These claims relate to the discovery of

misconduct by former Houston Police Officer Gerald Goines, who was the primary officer

involved in the alleged offense. Based on the record, the habeas court finds that Applicant was

denied due process by the use of material false evidence against him, and that Applicant’s guilty

plea was involuntary. Ex parte Mathews, 638 S.W.3d 685 (Tex. Crim. App. 2022); Ex parte

Coty, 418 S.W.3d 597 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014). The habeas court recommends granting relief on

false evidence and involuntary plea grounds. We agree.

       Relief is granted. Ex parte Chabot, 300 S.W.3d 768, 772 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009). The

judgment in cause number 136743501010 in the 339th District Court of Harris County is set

aside. Applicant shall answer the charges as set out in the indictment. The trial court shall issue

any necessary orders within ten days from the date of this Court’s mandate.

       Copies of this opinion shall be sent to the Texas Department of Criminal

Justice–Correctional Institutions Division and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Delivered:             April 17, 2024
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