Court Opinion

ID: 2949868
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-16 06:17:23.356824+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:41:37.737225
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS

NOS. WR-80,928-01 & -02

EX PARTE CEDRIC R. CHRISTON, Applicant

ON APPLICATIONS FOR WRITS OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NOS. CR10-252B & CR10-253B IN THE 235TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM COOKE 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 these applications for writs of habeas corpus.  Ex
parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967).  Applicant was convicted of possession
of cocaine and possession of codeine and sentenced to twenty and five years’ imprisonment,
respectively.   
            Applicant contends that his counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel failed
to move to suppress the evidence obtained from an illegal search of Applicant’s vehicle. Applicant
also alleges his plea was involuntary because counsel did not apprise Applicant of a possible defense.
            Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief.  Strickland v. Washington,
466 U.S. 668 (1984); Ex parte Patterson, 993 S.W.2d 114, 115 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999); Ex parte
Axel, 757 S.W.2d 369 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988).  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 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).
            It appears that Applicant is represented by counsel.  The trial court shall determine whether
Applicant is represented by counsel, and if not, 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 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 make findings of fact and conclusions of
law in regard to Applicant’s claim that plea was involuntary.  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.
            These applications 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.  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 forwarded to this Court within 120 days of the date of this order.  Any extensions of time shall
be obtained from this Court. 
Filed:  April 2, 2014
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