Court Opinion

ID: 2938059
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-15 19:00:27.630832+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:40:37.135981
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-57,218-02

EX PARTE TYRONE L. LEWIS, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 2001-436,428 IN THE 140TH DISTRICT COURT
LUBBOCK COUNTY

Per curiam.

 O R D E R

 This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus which was transmitted to this Court
by the clerk of the trial court pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art 11.07. 
Applicant was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, and punishment was
assessed at sixteen (16) years' confinement.  Applicant's conviction was affirmed on appeal.
Lewis v. State, No. 07-02-0054-CR (Tex. App. -- Amarillo, delivered, July 16, 2002, pet.
ref'd).
	Applicant contends that he received ineffective assistance of counsel, in that his
defense at trial was that another person could have possessed the drugs in the house where
Applicant was found, but counsel did not investigate or present evidence at trial showing that
two people in addition to Applicant, his girlfriend, and her young daughter lived at the house.
	The trial court has entered an order concluding "that there are no controverted,
previously unresolved facts material to the legality of the applicant's confinement." 
However, we disagree.  Applicant has stated facts requiring resolution.  Because this Court 
does not hear evidence, it is necessary for the matter to be remanded to the trial court for
resolution.  This trial court shall resolve the factual issues as set out in Tex. Code Crim.
Proc.  art 11.07, § 3 (d), in that it may order affidavits, depositions, or interrogatories from
counsel, or it may hold a hearing.  In the appropriate case, the trial court may rely on personal
recollection.  The State shall also be given an opportunity to respond to the application.
	If the trial court elects to hold a hearing, the court shall first decide whether Applicant
is indigent.  If the court finds that Applicant is indigent and Applicant desires to be
represented by counsel, the trial court will then, pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code
Crim. Proc. art. 26.04, appoint an attorney to represent him at the hearing.
	Following receipt of additional information, the trial court shall make findings of fact
as to whether two additional people lived in the house and whether counsel knew or through
reasonable investigation should have known that two additional people lived in the house,
and why counsel did not present any evidence of these additional occupants at trial.  The trial
court shall also make any further findings of fact and conclusions of law it deems relevant
and appropriate to the disposition of the application for writ of habeas corpus.
	Because this Court does not hear evidence, Ex Parte Rodriguez, 169 Tex.Cr.R. 367,
334 S.W.2d 294 (Tex. Crim. App. 1960), this application for a post-conviction writ of habeas
corpus will be held in abeyance pending the trial court's compliance with this order.  The
trial court shall resolve the issues presented within ninety (90) days of the date of this order. (1) 
A supplemental transcript containing all affidavits, the transcription of the court reporter's
notes from any interrogatories or hearings held, along with the trial court's findings of fact
and conclusions of law, shall be returned to this Court within one hundred twenty (120) days
of the date of this order. (2)

 IT IS SO ORDERED THIS THE 5th day of April, 2006.

EN BANC
DO NOT PUBLISH                   
1.   In the event any continuances are granted, copies of the order granting the continuance
shall be provided to this Court.
2.   Any extensions of this time period shall be obtained from this Court.