Court Opinion

ID: 2938838
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-15 19:59:54.427852+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:16:35.249671
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-67,658-01

EX PARTE MONICA LAVELLE ROBINSON, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. C-297-008087-0794551-A IN THE 297TH DISTRICT COURT

FROM TARRANT 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 writ of habeas corpus.  Ex parte Young, 418
S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967).  Applicant was convicted of murder and sentenced to life
imprisonment.  The Second Court of Appeals affirmed her conviction.  Robinson v. State, No. 2-02-314-CR (Tex. App. - Fort Worth, April 22, 2004, pet. ref'd). 
	Applicant appears to contend that her trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel
failed to present evidence of Applicant's mental condition at the time of the offense.  Specifically, counsel
did not present evidence that Applicant was taking medication for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.  Such
evidence might have supported the defense of sudden passion or favorably affected the jury's punishment
decision.
	Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle her 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. 1997), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact.  The trial court shall
provide Applicant's trial counsel with the opportunity 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).  In the appropriate case, the trial court may rely on its personal recollection.  Id.
	If 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 Applicant at the hearing.  Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04. 
	The trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether the performance of Applicant's trial attorney
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 22, 2007
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