Court Opinion

ID: 4515268
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-03-12 05:18:07.440029+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:51:38.087617
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
                        OF TEXAS
                                        NO. WR-90,930-01

                            EX PARTE JOHN VAUGHN, Applicant

               ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
             CAUSE NO. 15-00320-CRF-85-A IN THE 85TH DISTRICT COURT
                             FROM BRAZOS COUNTY

       Per curiam.

                                           OPINION

       Applicant was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

The Tenth Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction. Vaughn v. State, No. 10-17-00158-CR (Tex.

App.—Waco Dec. 12, 2018)(not designated for publication). 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 contends that trial counsel was ineffective during his punishment hearing because

he failed to call medical experts to explain his multiple psychological and medical issues. Based on

the record, the trial court has determined that trial counsel’s performance was deficient and that

Applicant was prejudiced. All parties agree that Applicant should be entitled to a new punishment
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hearing.

       We agree. Relief is granted. Miller v. Dretke, 420 F.3d 356 (5th Cir. 2005); Strickland v.

Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). The sentence in cause number 15-00320-CRF-85 in the 85th

District Court of Brazos County is set aside, and Applicant is remanded to the custody of the Sheriff

of Brazos County for a new punishment hearing. The trial court shall issue any necessary bench

warrant within ten days from the date of this Court’s mandate.

       Applicant’s grounds attacking the guilt/innocence phase of trial are denied. 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: March 11, 2020
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