Court Opinion

ID: 2943244
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-16 01:45:31.201267+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:01:55.438112
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS

NO. WR-74,138-01

EX PARTE STEVEN BLAKE BLASINGAME, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 2006-856-C2 IN THE 54TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM MCLENNAN 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 robbery and
sentenced to forty years’ imprisonment. The Tenth Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction.
Blasingame v. State, No. 10-07-00112-CR (Tex. App.–Waco 2008, pet. ref’d). 
            Applicant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because, among other
things, he failed to convey a plea offer of nine years and stated during closing arguments that
Applicant was guilty of assault. 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. 1960), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings
of fact. The trial court shall order trial counsel to respond to Applicant’s claim of ineffective
assistance of counsel. The trial court may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art.
11.07, § 3(d). 
            Applicant appears to be represented by counsel. If he is not and 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 him at the hearing. Tex.
Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04. 
            The trial court shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law as to whether the
performance of Applicant’s trial counsel was deficient and, if so, whether counsel’s deficient
performance prejudiced Applicant. 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: August 25, 2010
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