Court Opinion

ID: 9372238
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-02-19 23:11:26.432912+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:16:33.912049
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
                         OF TEXAS
                                         NO. WR-84,586-04

                    EX PARTE KELLY CEKIMBER PICKETT, Applicant

                 ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
                CAUSE NO. 007-1489-17-A IN THE 7TH DISTRICT COURT
                               FROM SMITH COUNTY

        Per curiam. YEARY , J. filed a dissenting opinion joined by SLAUGHTER , J.

                                            OPINION

        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 pleaded guilty to theft, in Cause

No. 007-1488-17, and was sentenced to twelve years’ imprisonment. That same day, Applicant also

pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, in this case, Cause No. 007-1489-17, and was

sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. Applicant did not appeal his convictions.

        Applicant contends, among other things, that his unauthorized use of a motor vehicle

conviction in Cause No. 007-1489-17 violates the Double Jeopardy Clause of the United States

Constitution. The State agrees that Applicant is entitled to double jeopardy relief. The trial court
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determined that Applicant was convicted of both theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for

stealing the same truck and that a defendant cannot be rightfully convicted for both truck theft and

unauthorized use of that same truck, because unauthorized use is a lesser-included offense of theft.

The trial court, therefore, found that Applicant’s conviction in Cause No. 007-1489-17 should be

vacated because it violates his protection against double jeopardy.

       We agree. Relief is granted. Ex parte Jefferson, 681 S.W.2d 33, 34 (Tex. Crim. App. 1984).

The judgment in cause number 007-1489-17 in the 7th District Court of Smith County is set aside.

Applicant’s remaining claims in this application are denied. In a separate action, this Court denied

relief in WR-84,586-03 relating to cause number 007-1488-17.

       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:     FEBRUARY 15, 2023
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