Court Opinion

ID: 4038560
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-28 21:56:59.544631+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:28:16.370414
License: Public Domain

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                           "During my representation, Mr. Perkins appeared to be of sound mind and good judgment.
                   Mr. Perkins understood the serious nature of the offenses and the consequences of proceeding to jury
                   trial. He also understood that these cases would require him to serve a minimum of 50% of his
                   sentence be<;ause of the deadly weapon fmding. He was provided legal representation the entire time
                   he was incarcerated and had communication with me throughout the entire process. ?\1r. Perkins and I
                   discussed his mental health history and he acknowledged and agreed that while that was a part of his
                   medical history, that in no way contributed to his committing of the offenses. Furthermore, I am
   ~        . ..>,.:> certain that there was no mental health problems involved in his understandi~ or his decision making
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                   regarding both sides reaching this plea bargain agreement. It was   sim~ly the best mo~;t responsible
                   manner in which to resolve these very _dangerous crimes. The Defendant was well infi)rmed and
  1 1//l~ .        absolutely understood the options that he had and the consequences of each and every choice that was
    h   l)-J       available to him."
  __L _~.ec.t~r J-e.       Further. Affiant sayeth naught.
  '1Aif7S I   /1-fo
   '7 PScjdr2./-rrJ/-                                                        BRET E. MARTIN
                   SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME, this 1 tl'                    day of   J-... c..·    . 2010.

                                                                             My commission expires:

                                                                                                                           028
                               WRIT NO. W07-71970-S(A)
                                                                                       '.,
                                                                                        ·-·   /):.

EX PARTE                                      §           IN THE 282nd-JUDICIAL

                                              §           DISTRICT COURT OF

TROY LEE PERKINS                              §           DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS

                      STATE'S RESPONSE TO APPLICATION
                        FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS

       The State, having considered the allegations contained in Applicant's Application for

Writ of Habeas Corpus in the above-numbered and entitled cause, makes the following

response:

                                              I.

                                HISTORY OF THE CASE

       Applicant entered a plea of guilty on January 7, 2008 to the charge of aggravated

robbery by using a deadly weapon. He was sentenced in this case, and for three like offenses

_in three other cases, to 12 years' confinement in prison. The four sentences run concurrently.

Applicant waived his right of appeal.

       This is Applicant's first application for writ of habeas corpus.

                                              II.

                          ISSUES RAISED IN APPLICATION

       Applicant asserts ( 1) he was denied special needs representation and treated without

concern for his mental defect, supposedly in violation of §616.003 of the Health & Safety

                                               1.
Code, (2) . unspecified court procedures were not followed and his trial counsel was

constitutionally ineffective, (3) he is not receiving proper psychiatric care contrary to the

 Eighth Amendment, (4) he is incarcerated with numerous violent persons, who constantly

 psychologically abuse him, contrary to the Eighth Amendment, and (5) he did not receive a

 speedy trial.

                                               III.

                                    STATE'S RESPONSE

        Applicant vaguely alleges some grounds that might entitle him to relief, but without

 sufficiently describing what occurred in his case that might constitute a constitutional

· violation. He further alleges things that would not affect the legality ofhis confinement. It is

 not possible to respond intelligently to the Application. It fails to "contain sworn allegations

 of fact rather than mere conclusions." Cf Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 829

 (Tex.Crim.App. 1967); see also Ex parte McCain, 67 S.W.3d 204, 209 n. 10 (Tex.Crim.App.

 2002) and Ex parte McPherson, 32 S.W.3d 860, 861 (Tex.Crim.App. 2000).

         It can be noted generally, however, that the conditions of incarceration do not involve

 c.onstitutional issues. "[I]t is abundantly clear that a myriad of problems of prison

 administration must remain beyond the scope of proper judicial concern. Only significant

 deprivations oflibertyraise constitutional issues." Meachum v. Fano, 427 U.S. 215,235 n. 7,

 96 S. Ct. 2532, 49 L. Ed. 2d 451 (1976) (Stevens, Brennan and Marshall, JJ., dissenting). "A

 habeas claim is not ordinarily thought to 'accrue' while the inmate is housed in prison

                                                 2
because habeas claims challenge the fact or duration of confinement (or restraint) rather than

the conditions of confinement." Ex parte Rieck, 144 S.W .3d 510, 519 (Tex.Crim.App. 2004).

                                             IV.

                                      CONCLUSION

       The State respectfully requests that this Court recommend denial or dismissal of the

Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus on its face.

                                           Respectfully submitted,

                                           CRAIG WATKINS
                                           CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY
                                           DALLASCOUNTY,TEXAS

                                           MARTIN L. PETERSON
                                           ASSIST ANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
                                           STATE BAR NO. 15838600
                                           FRANK CROWLEY COURTS BUILDING
                                           133 N. INDUSTRIAL BLVD., LB-19
                                           DALLAS, TEXAS 75207-4399
                                           (214) 653-3647

                              CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

       I hereby certify that a true copy of the foregoing response has been served on
Applicant, Troy L. Perkins, TDCJ # 01480826, Wynne Unit, Huntsville, Texas 77349 on this
8th day of May, 2009.

                                            MARTIN L. PETERSON.

                                               3
                                                                                                    '            '\
                                                                                                   r<. A.• ./~

EX PARTE                                           *

-~( 0 y      Lre_, Pef ki 11: s_:                 *         JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

APPLIC:l..NT                                       *        DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS

                                ORDER DESIGNATING ISSUES

        Having considered the applicant's Application for \Vrit of Habeas Co111us and the State's

Response, the Coun finds that contravened, previously unresolved facts material to the legality of

the Applicant's confinement exist The Court finds that each of the allegations set forth in the

application are controverted, unresolved factual issues which require additional evidence and/or

testimony to be resolved.

        The court appoints April E. Smith to resolve the issues and prepare findings of fact and

conclusions of law tor the Court.       The issues may be resolved by affidavits. depositions,

interrogatories, or by hearings, as deemed necessary by the person appointed herein.

        Above appointed attorney does not represenr the Applicant. Applicant is not entitled to

counsel at rhis time.

        The Clerk of the Court is ORDERED to send a copy of this order to the Coun of Criminal

Appeals in Austin. TX, to Applicant. or Applicant's counsel (if so represented) and to counsel for

the State.

        Sigmed this                 dav of
                      ----------             -------------------, 2009.
                                                                                                               "·~     ;
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  Scanned Jul29,2010

                                                                                                         WRIT NO. W0?-71970-S(A)

                                              EX PARTE                                                                •           IN THE 282ND JUDICIAL

                                              TROY LEE PERKINS,                                                       ...         DISTRICT COURT

                                              APPLICANT                                                               ...         DALLAS COUNTY TEXAS.

                                                                                                FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

                                                                           On this day came on to be considered Applicant's Application for Writ ofHnbeas Corpus and

                                              the State's Response. Having considered these pleadings and the official court records, as well as

                                              all exhibits and affidavits offered by both parties, this Court enters the following findings of fact and

                                              conclusions of law.

                                                                                                          IDSTORY OF THE CASE

                                                                           Applicant was convicted of aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 12 years confinement.

                                                                           This is his first application for writ of habeas corpus.

                                                                                                      ISSUES RAISED IN APPLICATION

                                                                           Applicant asserts that he was denied special needs representation due to his psychiatric

                                              issues. He asserts that his case should have been heard by a mental illness court. as provided by TEX.

                                              HEALTH & SAFETY CODE ANN.§ 616.002

                                                                           Applicant asserts that he was denied due process due to his special needs wheri court

                                              procedures were not followed and he received ineff~ctive assistance of counsel.

                                                                           Applicant asserts that his sentence amounts to cruel and unusual punishment because he is
                                                                                                                                                                       . j···; ,'
                                                                                                                                                                       U ~. £
                                               Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law                                                                        Pagel

                                                                . ,.
                                                               ;,•·   ,I
Scanned Jul29,2010

         not being afforded proper psychiatric care.

                  Applicant asserts that he is being threatened in TDCJ due to his psychiatric issues.

                  Applicant asserts that he was denied a speedy trial.

                                                    RELEVANT EVIDENCE

                  Bret Martin, Applicant's attorney, has responded to the allegations by affidavit. The Court

          finds him to be trustworthy.

                                                      RELEVANT LAW

          Burden of Proof

                  Applicant has the burden to allege and prove by a preponderance of the evidence facts which

         . entitle him to relief. See Ex parte Maldonado, 688 S.W.2d 114, 116 (Tex. Crim.. App. 1985); Ex

          parte Adams, 768 S.W.2d 281, 288-289 (Tex. Crim. App. 1989). Conclusory allegations are not

          enough to warrant habeas relief. Ex parte Young, 418 S. W .2d 824 (Tex. Crim. App. ~ 967).

          Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

                  When an Applicant alleges ineffective assistance of counsel, Applicant must first prove that

          counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness; and secondly, that there

          is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding

          would have differed. Strickland.v. Washington, 466 U.S. 688, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674

          (1984); Hernandez v. State, 726 S.W.2.d 53, 54-55 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). The right to counsel

          does not guarantee errorless counsel whose competence is judge by hindsight; rather, it affords a

          defendant an attorney reasonably likely to render reasonably effective assistance. See Thompson v.        LJ ~~   3

          Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law                                                          Page2
--···-·--------
 Scanned          Jul-29~ l010 --

                  . State, 9 S.W.3d 808, 814 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999). Counsel's competence is presumed, and

                   Applicant must rebut ~s presumption by proving that his attorney's representation was wueasonable

                   under prevailing professional norms and that the challenged action was not sound strategy.

                   Kimmelman v. Morrison, 477 U.S. 365, 384 (1986); Thompson, 9 S.W.3d at 814.

                   Cognizable Issues

                           Cognizable claims on habeas are limited to two categories: (I) jurisdictional defects in the

                   convicting court; and (2) the denial of a fundamental constitutional right. Ex parte Williams, 65
S.W.3d 656, 657 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001). The purpose to be served by a post conviction writ of

                   habeas corpus is limited, and "lies only to review jurisdictional defects or denials c.ffundamental or

                   constitutional rights." Ex parte Watson, 601 S.W.2d 350 (Tex. Crim. App. 1980). Failure to adhere

                   to a legislative directive or mode of proceeding designed to safeguard a constitutional right will

                   likewise be cognizable only when the omission results in the denial of a constitutional protection.

                   Ex parte Sadberry, 864 S.W.2d 541 (Tex. Crim. App. 1993).

                           Generally, conditions of confinement do not involve constitutional issues. See Meachum v.

                   Fano, 427 U.S. 215,235 n. 7, 96 S. Ct. 2532,49 L. Ed. 2d451 (1976).

                   Speedy Trial

                           Speedy trial claims are not cognizable in post-conviction habeas proceedings. Ex parte

                   Owenby, 749 S.W.2d 880, 881 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988) (violatim:i of Speedy Trial Act is non-

                   jurisdictional defect which cannot be raised on habeas review).

                                                             FINDINGS OF FACT

                           The Court finds that Applicant has failed to prove that he was entitled to have his case heard

                   Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law                                                         Page3
Scanned Jul29,2010

             in a "mental illness court". The statute cited by Applicant provides that the county may ,provide fo~

             such court. It does not, however, state that all cases where a defendant is alleged to be mentally ill

             shall be transferred to that court. Applicant has not proven that he had a mental illness which

             entitled his case to be transferred for disposition to that Court. Applicant's counsel indicates that

             Applicant was able to communicate with him regarding the case and understood the options for

             disposing of the case.

                     The Court finds that Applicant has failed to prove that he received ineffective assistance of

             counsel. Applicant makes no specific allegations of ineffectiveness for counsel to respond to.

             However, counsel has provided an affidavit which sets out his representation in this case.

         ~   Furthermore, Applicant has not stated which court procedures were not followed.

                     With regard to issues three, four and five, the Court finds that Applicant has not raised a

             constitutional issue that is cognizable on habeas.

                                                       CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

                     The Court concludes that Applicant has failed to prove that he was entitled to have his case

             heard in a "mental illness court".

                     The Court concludes that Applicant has failed to prove that he receiv~d ineffective assistance

             of counsel. Furthermore, Applicant has not stated which court procedures were not followed.

                     With regar           ~        .z:-

                                          §
                                                                           U} ....r_.·   ,·                  'Crnt.l!!£..'1&1.

TROY LEE PERKINS                                    DALLASCOUNI~i:.w5 tv~~ .!:
                                                                      D
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                 STATE'S PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT,                   ~ ~s:~•                 -£"
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                  CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND ORDER                       -<                      0

      Having considered Applicant's Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus, the

State's Response, and official court records of the challenged conviction, the Court
                                              ~I

finds there are no controverted, previously unresolved facts material to the legality

of Applicant's confinement which require an evidentiary hearing.            The Court

adopts as Findings of Fact the history of the case as set forth in the State's

Response and further makes the following findings of fact: .

   l. The Court recalls that this is Applicant's eighth application for writ of

      habeas corpus. His first and sixth applications were denied on the inerits.

      His second, third, fourth, fifth, and seventh applications were dismissed

      pursuant to article 11.07, section 4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

   2. The Court finds that Applicant has failed to allege sufficient specific facts

      establishing that the grounds asserted in the present application could not

      have been presented previously because the factual or legal basis for the

      claims was unavailable. The Court also finds Applicant has failed to allege

                                          1
     sufficient facts establishing that, by a preponderance of the evidence, but for

     the violation of the United States Constitution, no rational juror could have

     found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

  3. Accordingly, the Court finds Applicant has failed to establish an exception

     to section 4's procedural bar. See Tex. C,::ode Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 11.07, § 4

     (West Supp. 2013).

  4. The Court also finds that Applicant has not met any of the statutory

     predicates for raising a time credit complaint, which is the sole issue raised

     in his present application.

  5. The Court recommends the dismissal of Applicant's Application for Writ of

     Habeas Corpus.

  6. The Court also recommends that Applicant be cited for abuse of the writ.

                          ORDERS OF THE COURT

     In implementing the Court's Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the

CLERK IS ORDERED to:

  1. Prepare a transcript of all papers in this cause and transmit the Court's

     Findings and Order, including the judgment and indictment, docket sheets,

     and other exhibits and evidentiary matter filed in the trial records of this

                                         2
      cause to the Court of Criminal Appeals as provided by article 11.07 of the

      Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

   2. Send a copy of these Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order to

      Applicant and his counsel, if any, and to Christine S. Ou, attorney for the

      State, by   depo~iting   same in the U.S. mail.

   By the following signature, the Court adopts the State's Proposed Findings of

Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order.

    SIGNED this     _j_Q_ day of _ _ _~-~-----,-----' 201L / .

                                     l¥t
                                  JUDG~SIDING

      '')

                                             3