Court Opinion

ID: 2941299
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-15 23:11:10.868215+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:59:53.343514
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS

NO. WR-72,984-01

EX PARTE DANIEL PATRICK HOWARD, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. F-0155310-I IN CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT NO. 2
FROM DALLAS 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 capital murder
and sentenced to life imprisonment. The Fifth Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction. Howard
v. State, No. 05-02-01731-CR (Tex. App.–Dallas 2003, no pet.).  
            Applicant contends that his appellate counsel rendered ineffective assistance because he
failed to timely notify Applicant that his conviction had been affirmed. The trial court made findings
of fact and conclusions of law and recommended that we grant Applicant an out-of-time petition for
discretionary review. We believe that the trial court should make further findings of fact.
            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. Pursuant to 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
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 him at the hearing. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04. 
            The trial court shall make further findings of fact as to whether Applicant’s letter to appellate
counsel, dated February 5, 2004, is credible. 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: November 25, 2009
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