Court Opinion

ID: 2941514
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-15 23:16:23.848401+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:58:38.630439
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS

NO. AP-76,233

EX PARTE MARIO ALBERTO SALAZAR, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. B-06-2103-0-CR-B IN THE 156TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM BEE COUNTY

           Per curiam.

O P I N I O N

            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 and was convicted
of money laundering. He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and did not appeal his
conviction. 
            Applicant contends that his plea was involuntary because he was wrongfully advised that his
prior convictions could enhance his punishment for a state jail felony offense  to the punishment
range for a second degree felony.  We remanded this application to the trial court for findings of fact
and conclusions of law.
            Trial counsel filed an affidavit with the trial court.  The trial court found that counsel was not
ineffective because he negotiated a plea agreement that called for two first-degree felonies to be
abandoned by the State. Nevertheless, based on this Court’s review of counsel’s affidavit and the
habeas record, we have determined that Applicant’s guilty plea was involuntary due to counsel’s
ineffectiveness.  Applicant is entitled to relief.  Ex parte Huerta, 692 S.W.2d 681 (Tex. Crim. App.
1985). The plea bargain, including the State’s agreement to abandon the two first-degree felonies,
is abrogated. 
            Relief is granted.  The judgment in Cause No. B-06-2103-0-CR-B in the 156th Judicial
District Court of Bee County is set aside, and Applicant is remanded to the custody of the sheriff of
Bee County to answer the charges as set out in the indictment.
            Copies of this opinion shall be sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice–Correctional
Institutions Division and Pardons and Paroles Division.
 
Delivered: September 30, 2009
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