Court Opinion

ID: 2944196
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-16 02:45:53.267001+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:35:30.635350
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-76,629-01

EX PARTE TERRANCE THOMPSON, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 2008-216 IN THE 421ST DISTRICT COURT

FROM CALDWELL 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 pleaded guilty to three counts of
possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and was sentenced to fifteen years'
imprisonment on each count. He did not appeal his convictions.
	Applicant contends, among other things, that his plea was rendered involuntary and that his
sentences are illegal. The trial court found that Applicant's sentences in two of the counts are illegal. 
The trial court, however, did not specifically address whether Applicant's plea was rendered
involuntary.   
	Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Strickland v. Washington,
466 U.S. 668 (1984); Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52 (1985). 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 may provide Applicant's trial
counsel with a second opportunity to respond to Applicant's claim. The trial court may use any
means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3(d).	
	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 and conclusions of law as to whether trial
counsel's failure to discover that the convictions alleged as punishment enhancements were not final
was deficient, and whether Applicant would have insisted on a trial had counsel informed him that
his punishment could not have been enhanced. 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. A copy of the plea papers shall
also 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 9, 2011
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