Court Opinion

ID: 4051265
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-29 01:31:09.682763+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:30:35.227166
License: Public Domain

ACCEPTED
                                                                                 12-15-00100-CR
                                                                    TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                                  TYLER, TEXAS
                                                                             8/5/2015 4:21:29 PM
                                                                                   CATHY LUSK
                                                                                          CLERK

                   CAUSE NO. 12-15-00100-CR
                           IN THE
                     COU RT O F APPEA LS                         FILED IN
                                                          12th COURT OF APPEALS
                          FOR THE                              TYLER, TEXAS
                  TWELFTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS                8/5/2015 4:21:29 PM
                          AT TYLER                             CATHY S. LUSK
                                                                   Clerk

               DAR RIAN DEW AYN E JO HNS ON, J R.,
                           Appellant
                               vs.
                       The State of Texas,
                            Appellee

               On Appeal from Criminal Cause No. 19099
                  in the 2nd Judicial District Court of
                        Cherokee County, Texas

                           ANDERS BRIEF

             ORAL ARGUM ENT IS NOT REQUESTED

LAW OFFICE OF FORREST K. PHIFER
P.O. Box 829                          /S/ Forrest K. Phifer
Rusk, Texas 75785-0829                Forrest K. Phifer
(903) 721-1842                        SBN 15908570
                                      Attorney for App ellant,
                                      Court Appointed
                   NO POINTS OF ERROR PRESENTED

1.   The undersigned finds no legally or factually non-frivolous grounds for appeal

     reasonably calculated to return a judgment of modif ication or reversal.

                                         i
                          CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES

        The undersigned counsel of record certifies that the following listed persons

have an interest in the outcome of this case. These representations are made in order

that the Justices of this Honorable Court may evaluate possible disqualification or

recusal.

Darrian DeWayne Johns on, Jr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appellant/Defendant

Jeff Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trial Counsel for Appellant

Sten Langsjoen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Court Appointed Trial Counsel
                                                              on Motion to Adjudicate for A ppellant

Forrest K. Phifer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Court Appointed Ap pellate Counsel
                                                                                       for Appellant

The State of Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prosecuting Party

Rachel Patton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . District Attorney,
                                                                                      Cherokee County, Texas

Charles Breaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant D istrict A ttorney,
                                                                                 Cherokee County, Texas

                                                    Respectfully submitted,
                                                    Forrest K. Phifer

                                                    BY: /S/ Forrest K. Phifer
                                                    SBN 15908570
                                                    Attorney f or Appellant on Ap peal,
                                                    Court Appointed

                                                                                  ii
                                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

NO POINTS OF ERROR PRESENTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

CERTIFICATE OF INTERE STED PAR TIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

TABLE OF CON TENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

TABLE OF AUT HORITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

OPINIONS BELOW                   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

JURISDICTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

CONST ITUTIONA L PROVISION S, Statutes and
    Code of Criminal Procedure Involved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

STATEME NT OF THE C ASE

         I.       NATU RE OF TH E PRO CEEDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

         II.      SUMMA RY OF THE FA CTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

ARGUMENT

         1.       The undersigned find s no legally or factually non-frivolous
                  grounds for appeal reasonably calculated to return a
                  judgment of modification or reversal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

APPENDIX            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

                                                             iii
                              TABLE OF AUTHORITIES

CASES:   United States Supreme Court

         Ande rs v Ca lifornia, 3865 U.S. 7 38(1967 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii,8
         McCoy v C ourt of Appe als, 486 U.S. 42 9 (1988) . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii,8
         Miranda v Arizona, 384 U.S. 43 6 (1966) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii,7
         Padilla v Kentucky, 559 U.S. 35 6 (2010) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii,8
         Strickland v Washington, 466 U.S. 66 8 (1984) . . . . . . . . . . xviii,xix,12

         Texa s Court of C rimina l Appeals

         Butler v State, 716 S.W.2d 48 (Tex Crim App 1986) . . . . . . . . . . xix,13
         Bynu m v Sta te, 767 S.W.2d 769 (Tex Crim App 19989) . . . . . . . . xvii,1
         Chap ple v State, 521 S.W.2d 280 (Tex Crim Ap p 1975) . . . . . . . . xvii,1
         Cole v State, 578 S.W.2d 127 (Tex. Crim. App. 19 79) . . . . . . . . xix,13
         Eastep v Sta te, 941 S.W.2d 130 (Tex Crim. App 1997) . . . . . . . . xvi,1
         Ex Parte Wellborn, 785 S.W.2d 391 (Tex Crim. App . 1990) . . . . xvi,7
         Harryman v State, 522 S.W.2d 512 (Tex Crim App 1975) . . . . . . xvii,7
         Hern ande z v State, 726 S.W.2d 53 (Tex Crim App 1986) . . . . . xviii,12
         Mene fee v State, 287 3rd 9 (Tex Crim App 20 09) . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi,7
         Neal v State, 256 3rd 264 (Tex Crim App 20 08) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi,7
         Stafford v Sta te, 813 S.W.2d 503 (Tex Crim Ap p 1991) . . . . . . . . xvi,7

UNITED STATES C ONSTITU TIONA L PROV ISIONS:

         Amendment V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
                   VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii,13
                   XIV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

TEXAS CO NSTITUT IONAL PROVI SIONS:

         Tex. C onst. art. I, § 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     vii
                              § 19
         Tex. Const. art. V, § 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   vii
         Tex. Const. art. V, § 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   vii
         Tex. Const. art. V, § 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   vii

                                                 iv
TEXAS STA TUTES:

         Texas Code of Criminal Pro cedure    §1.04    ..................              vii
                                              §1.05    ..................              vii
                                              §1.15    ..................              vii
                                              §4.01    ..................              vii
                                              §4.03    ..................              vii

         Texas Government Code                §22.201(m) . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
                                              §22.213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

         Texas Health & Safety Code           § 481.113(a) . . . . . . . . vii,viii,x
                                              § 41.113(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . vii,x

         Texas Penal Code                     § 6.03(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii,x
                                              § 12.04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii,x
                                              § 12.35(a) . . . . . . . . . . vii,viii,x
                                                     (b) . . . . . . . . . . vii,viii,x
                                              § 22.041(c) . . . . . . . . . vii,viii,x
                                                      (f) . . . . . . . . . . vii,viii,x

TEXAS RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE:

         Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure   Rule 21.8 . . . . . . . . . . . vii,ix,xii
                                              Rule 25.2(a)(2) . . . . . . . . . vii,x
                                              Rule 26.2(a) . . . . . . . . . . . vii,x
                                              Rule 33.1(a) . . . . . . . . . vii,xvi,7
                                              Rule 35.2 . . . . . . . . . . . vii,ix,x
                                              Rule 35.3 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . vii,x
                                              Rule 35.3 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . vii,x
                                              Rule 44.2(a) . . . . . . . . . vii,xvi

DISCIPLINARY RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:

                                              Rule 3.01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                                      v
                           CAUSE NO. 12-15-00100-CR

                                 IN THE
                           COU RT O F APPEA LS
                                FOR THE
                        TWELFTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
                                AT TYLER

                          Darrian DeWayne Johnson, Jr.,
                                    Appellant

                                          vs.

                                 The State of Texas,

                                      Appellee

                    On Appeal from Criminal Cause No. 19099

                         in the 2nd Judicial District Court of

                              Cherokee County, Texas

                                     Anders Brief

TO THE HONORABLE JUSTICES OF SAID COURT:

      Forrest K. Phifer, Court Appointed Appellant Counsel for Appellant, Darrian

Dewayne Johnson, Jr., Defendant in Criminal Cause No. 190 99, before the 2nd Judicial

District Court of Cherokee County, Texas, respectfully submits this Anders Brief in

support of his Motion to Withdraw.
                                          vi
                                   Opinions Below

      The Order of Def erred Adjudication as rendered by the court is set forth in the

Clerk’s Record (CR vol 1, page 14). The O rder Imposing Cond itions of C ommunity

Supervision is set forth in Clerk’s R ecord (C R vol. 1, pa ge 16). The Motion to

Adjudicate is set forth in the Clerk’s Record (CR vol 1, page 26). The judgment

adjudicating Guilt and assessing sentence is set forth in the Clerk’s Record ( CR vol

1, page 48) and the Reporter’s Records (RR vol 2, page 48 and vol 2 , page 84) and

Appendix A.

                                     Jurisdiction

      Appellant jurisdiction for this cause is properly before this Court pursuant to

Texas Constitution art. V, §§ 1, 6 and 8; Texas Code Criminal Procedure Ann. arts.

4.01 and 4.03; and Texas Government Code §§ 22.201(m) and 22.213.

                        Constitutional Provisions, Statutes and
                        Code of Criminal Procedure involved

      This app eal involves U. S. Constitution Amendments V, VI and XIV; Texas

Constitution art. I, §§ 10 and 19 and art. V, §§ 1, 6 and 8; Texa s Government Code §§,

22.201(m), and 22.213; Texas Code of Criminal Procedure arts. 1.04, 1.05, 1.15, 4.01,

4.03; Texas Penal Code §§ 6.03, 12.04, 12.35(a) and (b) and 22.041(c) and (f); Texas

Rules of Appellate Procedure Rules 21.8, 25.2(a )(2), 26.2(a), 33.1(a), 35.2, 35.3(b)

and (c) and 44.2(a ).
                                          vii
                                Statement of the Case

I.    Nature of the Proce eding

      This cause originated in the 2 nd Judicial District C ourt of Cherokee County,

Texas. On January 16, 2014, Appellant, with the approval of his attorney of record,

filed his written waiver of indictment and election to proceed via an information, as

evidenced by their respective signatures affixed to the referenced document. (CR vol

1, page 9) The Court app roved the written waiver that sa me day. Id. An accused can

constitutionally waive an indictment and be prosecuted up on an information for a

felony offense. Chap ple v State, 521 SW2nd 280, 281 (Tex Crim App 1975)

Accordingly, by information, Appellant was charged with the criminal offense of

Endangering a Child. (CR vol 1, page 7); Texas Penal Code § 22.041(c). The offense,

as alleged in the information, constituted a State Ja il Felony. Texas Penal Code §

22.041(f).   Punishment for a State Jail Felony has been set by our legislature at

confinement in a state jail facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,

Institutional Division, for a term not less than one hundred eighty (180) days, nor more

than 2 years. Texas Penal Code § 12.35(a). In addition to confinement, a fine may be

imposed in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00. Texa s Pen al Co de § 12.35(b).

      On that same date (January 16, 2014), Appellant, with his attorney’s signed

consent and approval, entered his written Plea Bargain agreement and Waiver of and

                                          viii
Stipulation to the Evidence and Statements. (CR vol 1, page 10). The Court accep ted

the agreement, waiver and stipulation and found the Appellant competent and had

acted know ingly and voluntarily in the plea. (CR vol 1, page 11) The Order of

Deferred Adjud ication was entered on that same date. (CR vol 1, page 14).

      On July 9, 2014, the State filed its Motion to Adjudicate. (CR vol 1, page 26 ).

On October 22, 201 4, the Court considered Appellants application for court appointed

attorney and entered its order appointing legal counsel to represent Appellant at the

adjudication hearing. (CR vol 1, page 41) On Ja nuary 8, 2015, the Court held the

hearing on the motion. (RR vol 2, page 1 ).

      The Judgment adjudicating guilt was entered on that same day. (CR vol 1, page

48) (RR vol 2, page 46, line 19) T he Court assessed confinement in the State Jail

Facility of TDCJ, ID for a period of two (2) years to be c onsecutive with its companion

case, cause # 19099. (RR vol 2, page 85, ,line 9) (CR 1 page 48)

II.   Summar y of the Fa cts

      This cause originated in the 2nd Judicial District Court of Cherokee C ounty,

Texas. On January 16, 2 014 , Appellant, with the approval of his attorney of record,

filed his written waiver of indictment and election to proceed via an information, as

evidenced by their respective signatures affixed to the referenced document. (CR vol

1, page 9) The Court approved the written waiver that same day. Id. An accused can

                                           ix
constitutiona lly waive an indictment and be prosec uted upon an information for a

felony offense. Chap ple v State, 521 SW2nd 280, 281 (Tex Crim App 1975)

Accordingly, by information, Appellant was charged with the criminal offense of

Endangering a Child. (CR vol 1, page 7); Texas Penal Code § 22.041(c). The offense,

as alleged in the information, constituted a State J ail Felony. Texas Penal Code §

22.041(f). Punishment for a State Jail Felony has been set by our legislature at

confinement in a state jail facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,

Institutional Division, for a term not less than one hundred eighty (180) days, nor more

than 2 years. Texas Penal Code § 12.35(a). In addition to confinement, a fine may be

imposed in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00. Texa s Pen al Co de § 12.35(b).

      On that same date (January 16, 2014), Appellant, with his attorney’s signed

consent and approval, entered his written Plea Bargain agreement and Waiver of and

Stipulation to the Evidence and Statements. (CR vol 1, page 10). The Court accepted

the agreement, waiver and stipulation and found the Appellant competent and had

acted knowingly and voluntarily in the plea. (CR vol 1, page 11) The Order of

Deferred Adjud ication was entered on that same date. (CR vol 1, page 14).

      On July 9 , 2014, the State filed its M otion to Adjudicate. (CR vol 1, page 26)

On October 22, 2014, the Court considered Ap pellants application for court appointed

attorney and entered its order appointing legal counsel to represent Appellant at the

                                           x
adjudication hearing. (CR vol 1, page 41) On January 8, 2015, the Court held the

hearing on the motion. (RR vol 2, page 1 ).

      At the beginning of the hearing, the Court admonis hed Ap pellant of his rights

and the possible c onsequences of pleading true to the allegations filed in the State’s

motion. (RR vol 2, page 1, line 8). Defense counsel also represented that he had also

counseled with his client regarding the motion and its contents. (RR vol 2, page 4, line

4). Ap pellant entered a plea of TRU E to the a llegations, except for paragraphs ## 11,

12, 13, 14, 22, 24, 29, and 30 to which he pled NOT TRUE. (RR vol 2, page 4, line

10) The State abandoned paragraph # 15. (RR vol 2, page 4, line 22)

      The State waived opening statement (RR vol 2, page 7, line 6) The State opened

by introducing State’s exhibit 1, a certificate of the analysis of the blood (concerning

the DWI allegation set forth in the violation allegation paragraph 3 of the motion to

adjudicate) which had been on file with the Court since the previous November 12th,

without any p revious ob jection to its filing. (RR vol 2, page 7, page 20) How ever,

Defense counsel objected at this time stating that they had already pled TRUE to the

referenced allegation and that the plea therefore took the issue out of considera tion,

making the introduction bolstering. (RR vol 2, page 7, line 25). The Court overruled

the objection. (RR vol 2, page 8, line 6) “A conviction rendered without sufficient

evidence to support a guilty plea constitutes a trial error.” (emphasis added) Menefee

                                           xi
v State, 287 SW3rd 9, 14 (Tex Crim App 2009); Tex Code Crim Proc. Art. 1.15.

      The State then called its first witness, Alan Schantz, the Appellant’s supervising

probation officer. (RR vol 2, page 9, line 8) Schantz testified that his notes did not

reflect that the Appellant had any problems understanding the terms of his probation.

(RR vol 2, page 10, line 19) Schantz was not allowed to testify as to hearsay evidence

concerning allegation of activity in Houston Couny. (RR vol 2, page 12, line 10)

      Under cross-examination, Schantz testified that Appellant tested positive for

drugs (RR vol 2, page 13, line 19) and that Appellant confessed to Schantz that he had

been using drugs (RR vol 2, page 14,line 1)

      On re-direct, it was confirmed that the drugs for which Appellant tested positive

were cocaine and marihuana. (RR vol 2, page 15, line 14)

      The State’s second witness was Deputy Justin Link of the Houston County

Sheriff’s office. (RR vol 2, page 17, line 6) Link testified that, while on patrol, he

stopped the Ap pellant w ithin Houston County on or about June 2, 2014 for driving

erratically (RR vol 2, page 18, line 8) around 7:30 p.m. (RR vol 2, page 19, line 18)

Identifying the driver as the Appellant (RR vol 2, page 23, line 12), Link further

testified that when he approached Ap pella nt he could smell the strong odor of

marihuana (RR vol 2, page 24, line 18) and that Ap pellant admitted that he smoked

“K2" earlier. (RR vol 2, page 24, line 23) His further testimony indicated that

                                          xii
Appellant identified a bottle’s contents as “crack cocaine” (RR vol 2, page 26, line 8)

and that the 27 pills contained therein w ere Xana x pills, for which he did not have a

prescription (RR vol 2, page 27, line 1) Link also stated that Appellant confirmed that

both the cocaine and the Xanax were for his (Appellant’s) personal use (RR vol 2,

page 27, line 2) Officer Link testified that Appellant was arrested for possession of a

controlled substance (RR vol 2, page 27, line 22 ) as well as for tamp ering with

evidence since Appellant tried to throw the bottle away before he was stopped. (RR vol

2, page 28, line 1) Efforts to identify the contents of the bottle as cocaine by any other

method other than Appellant’s statements were ruled inadmissable hearsay (RR vol 2,

page 28, line 21) Defense counsel’s objection to Appellant’s statements concerning the

bottle and its contents as in violation of Appellant’s Miranda rights were overruled.

(RR vol 2, page 38, line 13). A disc ussion w as had concerning whether the statements

were made during a custodial interrogation and whether once Miranda had been read

and the Appellant confirmed his previous statements and continued to answer

questions whether that the statements were then made admissible. (RR vol 2, page 36,

line 9)

          During cross-examination, it was determined that when Officer Link had

returned with the bottle which Appellant was seen throwing out of his vehicle, Link

asked whether the bottle belonged to Appellant at which time Appellant identified what

                                           xiii
was inside of it. (RR vol 2, page 31, line 6 and page 35, line 15). “If a statement was

admissible as res gestae the fact that it wa s made in resp onse to an inquiry, or while

under arrest does not render the testimony inadmissible.” Harryman v State , 522

SW2nd 512, 516 (T ex Crim App 1975 ) Further, after making these statements

Appellant was read his Miranda warnings, indicated that he understood them and

continued to answer the officer’s questions concerning the narcotics. (RR vol 2, page

31, line 14)

      The State rested calling no further witnesses. (RR vol 2, page 42, line 16)

      The Appellant declined to testify. (RR vol 2, page 43, line 18). The defense

called no witnesses. (RR vol 2, page 43, line 11)

      Both parties agreed that the Court could adjudicate the Appellant guilty based

upon the pleas. (RR vol 2, page 44, line 16) A plea of TRUE, standing alone, is

sufficient to support a revocation of probation. Cole v State, 578 SW2nd 127, 128 (Tex

Crim App 1979)

      The Judgment adjudicating guilt w as entered on that same day. (CR vol 1, page

48) (RR vol 2, page 46, line 19)

      The punishment phase began w ith the State calling its first and only witness,

Officer Brandon Dobbs of the Jacksonville Police Department. (RR vol 2, page 49, line

19) Officer Dob bs testified as the arresting officer for the underlying charges and

                                          xiv
discussed the circumsta nces surrounding same. (RR vol 2, page 50, line 9) T he state

rested. (RR vol 2, page 57, line 12)

      The defense presented its first and only witness, Gerri Michelle Johnson,

Appellant’s mother, as a character witness. (RR vol 2, page 57, line 15) The defense

then rested (RR vol 22, page 82, line 25)

      The Court assessed confinement in the State Jail Facility of TDCJ, ID for a

period of two (2) years to be consecutive with its companion case, cause # 19099. (RR

vol 2, page 85, ,line 9) (CR 1 page 48)

      Appellant filed a pro se Notice of App eal on January 20, 2015 (CR vol 1, page

55). That same date, Appellate also filed a request for the appointment of appellate

counsel. (CR vol 1, page 56) The Court found A ppellate indigent and appointed legal

counsel on appeal on Februa ry 12, 20 15 (CR vol 1, pa ge 58) however, notic e of the

appointment was not forwarded until March 18 , 2015. (CR vol 1, page 59) Ap pellant’s

counsel filed a Motion for New Trial and M otion in Arrest of Judgment (CR vol 1,

page 63), as well as the Written Designation Specifying Matters for Inclusion in

Clerk’s Record (CR vol 1, page 65 ) and his Request for Preparation of Reporter’s

Record and Designation of Matters to be Included, along with his Request for a Free

Reporter’s Record (CR vol 1, page 67 ). The Motion for New Trial was DENIED by

operation of law. Texa s Rules of A ppellate P roce dure 21.8.

                                            xv
      The Clerk’s Record (CR) w as received and timely filed with the Court of

App eals. Texa s Rules of A ppellate P roce dure 35.2 The Reporter’s Record (RR) was

also received and timely filed with the Court. Id.          All necessary and proper

prerequisites for this appeal have timely and properly occurred. Texas Rules of

Appellate Proc edure 25 .2(a)(2), 2 6.2(a), 35.2 and 35.3 (b) and (c).

                                           xvi
                            Summary of the Argument

ANDERS GROUNDS

      After thorough review, Appellate counsel can find no legally or factually non-

frivolous grounds for appeal reasonably calculated to return a judgment of modification

or revers al. Ande rs v Ca lifornia, 386 U.S. 738 (1967)

PRESERVATION OF ERROR

      To preserve error on ap peal, the complaining party must make a timely, specif ic

objection, and obtain a ruling on the objection. TRAP 33.1(a); Neal v State, 256

SW3rd 264, 279 (Tex Crim App 2008)

                                          xvii
                                      ARGUMENT

1.    The Undersigne d Finds N o Leg ally or Factually Non-Frivolous Grounds

      For Appeal Reasonably Calculated To Return A Judgment Of

      Modification Or Reversal

      Appellant is guaranteed Due Process under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the

United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution Art. I, §19, wherein is stated,

“No citizen of this State shall be deprived of life, liberty, property, privileges or

immunities, or in any manner disfranchised, except by the due course of the law of the

land.” See also, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 1.05.

      Pursuant to Rule 3.01 Meritorious Claims and Contentions of the Texas Rules

of Discip linary Conduct, a lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or

controvert an issue therein, unless the law yer reasonably believes that there is a basis

for doing so that is not frivolous.

      In Anders v California, 386 U.S. 73 8, 744 (196 7), the United States Supreme

Court provided a procedure w herein an appointed legal counsel in a criminal ap pellate

case should follow when seeking to withdraw from the appeal which in counsel’s

professional opinion is frivolous. The Court stated that counsel must “master the trial

record, thoroughly research the law, and exercise judgment in identifying the

                                            1
arguments that may be advanced on appeal. McCoy v Court of Appeals , 486 U.S. 429

(1988 ); see als o, And ers v C alifornia, 386 U.S. at 744-45.

      After a thorough and conscientious review of the record, the undersigned

concludes that the appeal of the instant case is wholly frivolous and that there is found

no legal or factual non-frivolous grounds for an appeal reasonably calculated to return

a judgment of modification or reversal. Therefore, the undersigned must respectfully

advise this Court of same a nd request permission to withdraw. Ande rs v Ca lifornia,
386 U.S. at 744; Stafford v Sta te, 813 S.W.2d 503, 511 (Tex Crim App 1991); Texas

Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3.01.

      A.     Suff icienc y of the ind ictme nt or misdemeanor information.

      On January 16, 2014, Ap pellant, w ith the ap proval of his a ttorney of record,

filed his written w aiver of indictment and election to proceed via an information, as

evidenced by their respective signatures affixed to the referenced document. (CR vol

1, page 9) The Court approved the w ritten waiver that same d ay. Id. An accused can

constitutiona lly waive an indictment and be prosecuted upon an information for a

felony offense. Chap ple v State, 521 SW2nd 280, 281 (Tex Crim App 1975)

Accordingly, by information, Appellant was charged with the criminal offense of

Endangering a Child. (CR vol 1, page 7); Texas Penal Code § 22.041(c). The offense,

as alleged in the information, constituted a State Jail Felony. Texas Penal Code §

                                            2
22.041(f). Punishment for a State Jail Felon y has been set by our legislature at

confinement in a state jail facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,

Institutional Division, for a term not less than one hundred eighty (180) days, nor more

than 2 years. Texas Penal Code § 12.35(a). In addition to confinement, a fine may be

imposed in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00. Texa s Pen al Co de § 12.35(b).

      The Information appea r as to be in proper form and alleges suff icient fac ts to

apprise Appellant of the charges. Further, those charges are stated in substantial

conformity with the cited statutes.

      Both the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 10 of the

Texas Constitution require that a Defendant be given proper notice before trial of the

“nature and cause” of the accusation against him, and further requires that the notice

be provided with sufficient clarity and detail as to enable the defendant to anticipa te

the State’s evidence and prepare a proper def ense to it. Eastep v State, 941 SW2nd

130, 132 (Tex Crim App 199 7) Under Article I,§ 10, the requisite notice must come

from the face of the charging instrument. Id Thus, in this case, the Information must

allege, in plain and intelligible language, all of the facts and circumstances necessary

to establish all of the material elements of the offense alleged. Bynum v State, 767

SW2nd 76 9, 779 (Tex Crim Ap p 1989).

      The fact that the incident occurred w ithin the jurisd iction of the Court,

                                           3
comprising Cherokee County, Texas, was expressly established by the Information

(CR vol 1, page 7) and Appellant’s written Stipulation (CR vol 1, page 10)

      The Motion to Adjudicate was precise in its notice of the violations alleged. (CR

vol 1, page 26)

      B.     Any adverse pretrial rulings, including but not limited to rulings on

             motions to suppress, m otions to quash, and m otions for speedy trial.

      The undersigned finds no evidence that Appellant was a rraigned p rior to his

plea. An attorney representing a Defendant may present a waiver of arraignment, and

the clerk of the court may not require the presence of the Defendant as a condition of

accepting the waiver. To preserve error on appeal, the complaining party must make

a timely, specific objec tion, and obtain a ruling on the objection. TRAP 33.1(a); Neal

v State, 256 SW3rd 2 64, 279 (Tex C rim App 200 8); In Re A.D.A., 287 SW3rd 382,

387 (Tex A pp Texarkana 2009). No ob jection was made. Furthermore, a plea of

TRUE, standing alone, is sufficient to support a revoca tion of probation. Cole v State,

578 SW2nd 12 7, 128 (Tex Crim App 1979) Additional, Appellant waived his right by

written agreement (CR vol 1, page 10)

      C.     Compliance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 26.13

             and, if appropria te, Padilla v. Kentucky, 130 S. Ct. 1473 (2010).

      The Appellant properly admonished in writing of his rights at the time of the

                                           4
original plea. (CR vol1, page 10) At time of the hearing on the motion to adjudicate,

the Court again admonished him concerning the revocation. (RR vol 2, page 1, line 1)

       D.     Whether the issue of competency w as raised prior to sentencing, so

              as to warrant an inquiry by the court, and whether appellant was

              mentally competent when the court accepted the plea.

       The Court made a specific finding of the competence of Appellant. (CR vol 1,

page 10) No other evidence suggests Appellant was not mentally competent at time of

the hearing on the Motion to Adjudicate.

       E.     Whether appellant’s plea was freely and voluntarily made.

       The Court made a specific finding that the plea was free and voluntary (CR vol

1, page 10). No other evidence suggests that Appellant’s plea was not free and

voluntary. Appellant was also represented by legal counsel who stated that he had

previously counsel with Appellant concerning the plea and its consequences.(RR vol

2, page 4, line 4)

       F.     Any adverse rulings during the sentencing hearing on objections or

              motions.

       There were no objections during the sentencing hearing.

       G.     Any failure on the part of appellant’s trial co unsel to object to

              fundamental error.

                                           5
      There is no evidence of fundamental error

      H.     Whether the sentence imposed was within the applicable range of

             punishment.

      Appellant was charged w ith the criminal offense of Endangering a Child. (CR

vol 1, page 7 ); Texas Penal Code § 22.041(c).        The offense, as alleged in the

information, constituted a State Jail Felony. Texas Penal Code § 22.041(f ).

Punishment for a State Jail Felony has been set by our legislature at confinement in a

state jail facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Institutional Division,

for a term not less than one hundred eighty (180) days, nor more than 2 years. Texas

Penal Code § 12.35(a). In addition to confinement, a fine may be imposed in an

amount not to exceed $10,000.00. Texa s Pen al Co de § 12.35(b). The Court assessed

confinement in the State Jail Facility of TDCJ, ID for a period of two (2) years to be

consecutive with its companion case, cause # 19099. (RR vol 2, page 85, ,line 9) (CR

1 page 48) The p unishment was within the permissible range.

      I.     Whether the written judgment accurately reflects the sentence that

             was imposed and w hether any credit was prope rly applied.

      The judgment accurately reflects the sentence imposed and the prop er credit

earned. (CR vol 1,page 48)

      J.     Whether there is evidence to support a guilty plea in a felony case.

                                           6
      There is sufficient evidence to support a Guilty/True plea. A plea of TRUE,

standing alone, is s uffic ient to support a revoc ation of probation. Cole v State, 578

SW2nd 127, 128 (Tex Crim App 1979)

      In addition to Appellant’s plea of TRUE, the State opened it case by introducing

State’s exhibit 1, a certificate of the analysis of the blood (concerning the DWI

allegation set forth in the violation allegation paragraph 3 of the motion to adjudicate)

which had been on file with the Court since the previous November 12 th, without any

previous objection to its filing. (RR vol 2, page 7, page 20) How ever, Defense counsel

objected at this time stating that they had already pled TRUE to the referenced

allegation and that the plea therefore took the issue out of consideration, making the

introduction bolstering. (RR vol 2, page 7, line 25). The Court overruled the objection.

(RR vol 2, page 8, line 6) “A conviction rendered withou t sufficien t evidence to

support a guilty plea constitutes a trial error.” (emphasis added) Menefee v State, 287

SW3rd 9, 14 (Tex Crim App 2009); Tex Code Crim Proc. Art. 1.15.

      The State then called its first witness, Alan Schantz, the Appellant’s supervising

probation officer. (RR vol 2, page 9, line 8) Schantz testified that his notes did not

reflect that the Appellant had any problems understanding the terms of his probation.

(RR vol 2, page 10, line 19) Schantz was not allowed to testify as to hearsay evidence

concerning allegation of activity in Houston Couny. (RR vol 2, page 12, line 10)

                                            7
      Under cross-examination, Schantz testified that Appellant tested positive for

drugs (RR vol 2, page 13, line 19) and that Appellant confessed to Schantz that he had

been using drugs (RR vol 2, page 14,line 1)

      On re-direct, it was confirmed that the drugs for which App ellant tested positive

were cocaine and marihuana. (RR vol 2, page 15, line 14)

      The State’s second witness was Deputy Justin Link of the Houston County

Sheriff’s office. (RR vol 2, page 17, line 6) Link testified that, while on patrol, he

stopped the Appellant within Houston County on or about June 2, 2014 for driving

erratically (RR vol 2, page 18, line 8) around 7:30 p.m. (R R vo l 2, page 19, line 18)

identifying the driver as the Appellant (RR vol 2, page 23, line 12 ) Link further

testified that when he approached Appellant he could smell the strong odor of

marihuana (RR vol 2, page 24, line 18) and that Ap pellant admitted that he smoked

“K2" earlier. (RR vol 2, page 24, line 23) His further testimony indicated that

Appellant identified a bottle’s contents as “crack cocaine” (RR vol 2, page 26, line 8)

and that the 27 pills contained therein were Xanax pills, for which he did not have a

prescription (RR vol 2, page 27, line 1) Link also stated that Appellant confirmed that

both the cocaine and the Xanax were for his (Appellant’s) personal use (RR vol 2,

page 27, line 2) Officer Link testified that Appellant was arrested for possession of a

controlled substance (RR vol 2, page 27, line 22 ) as well as for tamp ering with

                                           8
evidence since Appellant tried to throw the bottle away before he was stopped. (RR vol

2, page 28, line 1) Efforts to identify the contents of the bottle as cocaine by any other

method other than Appellant’s statements were ruled inadmissable hearsay (RR vol 2,

page 28, line 21) Defense counsel’s objection to Appellant’s statements concerning the

bottle and its contents as in violation of Appellant’s Miranda rights were overruled.

(RR vol 2, page 38, line 13). A discussion was had concerning whether the statements

were made during a custodial interrogation and whether once Miranda had been read

and the App ellant confirmed his previous statements and continued to answer

questions whether that the statements were then made admissible. (RR vol 2, page 36,

line 9)

          During cross-examination, it was determined that when Officer Link had

returned with the bottle which Appellant was seen throwing out of his vehicle, Link

asked whether the bottle belonged to Appellant at which time Appellant identified what

was inside of it. (RR vol 2, page 31, line 6 and page 35, line 15). “If a statement was

admissible as res gestae the fact that it wa s made in resp onse to an inquiry, or while

under arrest does not render the testimony inadmissible.” Harryman v State, 522

SW2nd 512, 516 (T ex Crim App 19 75) Further, after making these statements

Appellant was read his Miranda warnings, indicated that he understood them and

continued to answer the officer’s questions concerning the narcotics. (RR vol 2, page

                                            9
31, line 14)

      K.       Jury Selection.

      The case was tried to the Court pursuant to a waiver at the time of the underlying

charge. The hearing on the Motion to Adj udicate w as tried to the Court

      L.       Examination of the record to de termin e if the appellant was denied

               effective assistance of counsel.

      There is no evidence that counsel was ineffective. The Strickland standard has

been adopted in Texas for resolving allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel

under both the federal and state constitutions. Hern ande z v State, 726 SW2d. 53 (Tex

Crim App 1986). Measured by subsequent developments, the prejudice prong creates

a “but for” reasonableness standard, i.e., “but for” counsel’s unprofessionalism, a

different resu lt would have occurred. Even if Appellant demonstrates counsels’

unreasonable errors, he must show tha t they adversely af fected the def ense. Whether

a fundamentally unfair res ult occurred becomes the focus for appellate review.

Strickland v Washington, 466 U.S. 66 8 (1984).

      Among counsel's duties is that of making an indep endent investigation of the

facts of his client's case. It is fundamental that an attorney must have a firm command

of the facts of the case as well as the law before he can render reasonably effective

assistance of counsel. A natural consequence of this notion is that counsel also has a

                                           10
responsibility to seek out and interview potential witnesses and f ailure to do so is to be

ineffective, if not incompetent, where the result is that any viable defense availab le to

the accused is not advanced. Ex Parte Wellborn, 785 S.W.2d 391 (Tex Crim pp 1990);

Butler v State, 716 S.W.2d 48, (Tex Crim App 1986)

       Moreover, counsel has a duty to bring to bear such skill and knowled ge as will

render the trial a reliable adversarial testing process. Thus a fair trial is one in which

evidence subject to adversarial testing is presented to an impartial tribunal for

resolution of issues defined in advance of the proceed ings. Id.

       Counsel’s actions demonstrated knowledge of the facts of the case. He presented

objections, with the Court sustaining most of them. (RR vol 2, page 7, line 25-

bolstering/Denied; page 12, 10-hearsay/Sustained; page 12, line 25-hearsay/Sustained;

page 28, line 22-hearsay/Sustained; page 36, line 9-Miranda/Denied.

       Insofar as the bolstering objection, the State opened its case by introducing

State’s exhibit 1, a certificate of the analysis of the blood (concerning the DWI

allegation set forth in the violation allegation paragraph 3 of the motion to adjudicate)

which had been on file with the Court since the previous November 12 th, without any

previous objection to its filing. (RR vol 2, page 7, page 20) However, Defens e counsel

objected at this time stating that they had already pled TRUE to the referenced

allegation and that the plea therefore took the issue out of consideration, making the

                                            11
introduction bolstering. (RR vol 2, page 7, line 25). The Court overruled the objection.

(RR vol 2, page 8, line 6) “A conviction rendered withou t sufficien t evidence to

support a guilty plea constitutes a trial error.” (emphasis added) Menefee v State, 287

SW3rd 9, 14 (Tex Crim App 2009); Tex Code Crim Proc. Art. 1.15.

      Insofar as the Miranda objection, Officer Link’s testimony indicated that

Appellant identified a bottle’s contents as “crack cocaine” (RR vol 2, page 26, line 8)

and that the 27 pills contained therein were Xanax pills, for which he did not have a

prescription (RR vol 2, page 27, line 1) Link also stated that Appellant confirmed that

both the cocaine and the Xanax were for his (Ap pellant’s) persona l use (RR vol 2,

page 27, line 2) Officer Link testified that Appellant was arrested for possession of a

controlled substance (RR vol 2, page 27, line 22 ) as well as for tamp ering with

evidence since Appellant tried to throw the bottle away before he was stopped. (RR vol

2, page 28, line 1) Efforts to identify the contents of the bottle as cocaine by any other

method other than Appellant’s statements were ruled inadmissable hearsay (RR vol 2,

page 28, line 21) Defense counsel’s objection to Appellant’s statements concerning the

bottle and its contents as in violation of Appellant’s Miranda rights were overruled.

(RR vol 2, page 38, line 13). A discussion was had concerning whether the statements

were made during a custodial interrogation and whether once Miranda had been read

and the Appellant confirmed his previous statements and continued to answer

                                            12
questions whether that the statements were then made admissible. (RR vol 2, page 36,

line 9)

          During cross-examination, it was determined that when Officer Link had

returned with the bottle whic h Appellant was seen throwing out of his vehicle, Link

asked whether the bottle belonged to Appellant at which time Appellant identified what

was inside of it. (RR vol 2, page 31, line 6 and page 35, line 15). “If a statement was

admissible as res gestae the fact that it wa s made in resp onse to an inquiry, or while

under arrest does not render the testimony inadmissible.” Harryman v State, 522

SW2nd 512, 516 (T ex Crim App 19 75) Further, after making these statements

Appellant was read his Miranda warnings, indicated that he understood them and

continued to answer the officer’s questions concerning the narcotics. (RR vol 2, page

31, line 14)

          The record also reflected that he and his client spoke in depth about the

procedural aspects of the case as well. (RR vol 2, page 4,line 4)

                                           13
                                       Conclusion

        For the reasons stated above, Appellant respectfully prays that this Court

GRANTS Counsel’s Motion To Withdraw, notifies Appellant of this action and grant

Appellant an opportunity to either hire legal counsel or file a response or brief pro se.

In the event Appellant desires to f ile a response or brief pro se, Counsel would urge to

Court to grant Appellant sufficient reasonable time for research and preparation of

same.

                                                       Respectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICE OF FORREST K. PHIFER                        Forrest K. Phifer
P.O. Box 829                                           SBN 15908570
Rusk, Texas 75785-0829
(903) 721-1842                                         By: /S/ Forrest K. Phifer

                   Certificate of Compliance with TRAP 9.4(i)(3)

        I, the undersigned certify that this brief contains 8,975 words.

                                                       BY: /S/ Forrest K. Phifer

                            CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

      The undersigned hereby c ertifies that a true and correct copy of the above and
foregoing document has been served on the prosecuting attorney, Cherokee County,
Cherokee County Courthouse, 135 South Main Street, Rusk, Cherokee County, Texas
75785 in accordance with the applicable Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure on August
5, 2015.

                                                 By: /S/ Forrest K. Phifer

                                            14
APPENDIX

   15
               APPENDIX A
[Trial C ourt’s Judgm ent or other appea lable order f rom w hich relief is
                                 sought]
                   APPENDIX B
[Jury Charge and Verdict, if any, or the Trial Court’s Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law]

                                        not applicable
                     APPENDIX C
  [Text of any rule, regulation, ordinance, statute, constitutional provision, or other law
(excluding case law) on which the argument is based, and the text of any contract or other
                        documen t that is cen tral to the argu ment.]
                                     APPENDIX C

Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct

Rule 3.01 Meritorious Claims and Contentions

A lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an issue
therein, unless the lawyer reasonab ly believes that there is a bas is for doing so that is
not frivolous.

The Constitution of the United States of America

Amendment 5

No person shall be held to answer f or a cap ital, or otherwis e infamous crime, unless
on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or
naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger;
nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life
or limb; nor shall be compelled in a ny criminal case to be a witness against himself,
nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall
private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment 6

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speed y and public
trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been
committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be
informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses
against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to
have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

Amend ment XIV

All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subjec t to the jurisdiction
thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State
shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of
citizens of the United States; nor s hall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or
property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the
equal protection of the laws.

The Constitution of the State of Texas (1876)

Article I

§ 10. Rights of Accused in Criminal Prosecutions

In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall have a speedy public trial by an impartial
jury. He shall have the right to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against
him, and to have a copy th ereof. He shall not be compelled to give evidence against
himself, and shall have the right of being heard by himself or counsel, or both, shall be
confronted by the witnesses against him and shall have compulsory process for
obtaining witnesses in his favor, except that when the witness resides out of the State
and the offense charged is a violation of any of the anti-trust laws of this State, the
defendant and the State shall have the right to produce and have the evidence admitted
by deposition, under such rules and laws as the Legislature may hereafter provide; and
no person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense, unless on an indictment of a
grand jury, except in cases in which the punishment is by fine or imprisonment,
otherwise than in the penitentiary, in cases of impeachment, and in cases a rising in the
army or navy, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger

§ 19. Deprivation of Life, Liberty, etc.; Due Course of Law

No citizen of this State shall be deprived of life, liberty, property, privileges or
immunities, or in any manner disfranchised, except by the due course of the law of the
land.

Article V

§ 1. Judicia l Power; Courts in Which V ested.

The judicial power of this State shall be vested in one Supreme Court, in one Court of
Criminal Appeals, in Courts of App eals, in District Courts, in County Courts, in
Commissioners Courts, in Courts of Justices of the Peace, and in such other courts as
may be provided by law.
The Legislature may establish such other courts as it may deem necessary and prescribe
the jurisdiction and organization thereof, and may conform the jurisdiction of the
district and other inferior courts thereto.
                                            ...
§ 6. Courts of App eals; Terms of Justic es; Clerk s.

(a) The state shall be divided into courts of appeals districts, with each district having
a Chief Justice, two or more other Justices, and such other officials as may be provided
by law. The Justices shall have the qualifications prescribed for Justices of the
Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals may sit in sections as authorized by law. The
concurrence of a majority of the judges sitting in a section is necessary to decide a
case. Said Court of Appeals shall have appellate jurisdiction co-extensive with the
limits of their respective districts, which shall extend to all cases of which the District
Courts or County Courts have original or appellate jurisdiction, under such restrictions
and regulations as may be prescribed by law. Provided, that the decision of said courts
shall be conclusive on all questions of fact brought before them on appeal or error. Said
courts shall have such other jurisdiction, original and appellate, as may be prescribed
by law.

(b) Each of said Courts of A ppeals shall hold its sess ions at a p lace in its dis trict to be
designated by the Legislature, and at such time as may be prescribed by law. Said
Justices shall be elected by the q ualified voters of their respective districts at a general
election, for a term of six years and sha ll receive for their s ervices the sum provided
by law.

(c) All constitutional and statutory references to the Courts of Civil Appeals shall be
construed to mean the Courts of Appeals.

§ 8. Jurisdiction of District Court.

District Court jurisdiction consists of exclusive, appellate, and original jurisdiction of
all actions, proceedings, and remedies, except in cases where exclusive, appellate, or
original jurisdiction may be conferred by this Constitution or other law on some other
court, tribunal, or administrative body. District Court judges shall have the pow er to
issue writs necessary to enforce their jurisdiction.

The District Court shall have appellate jurisdiction and general supervisory control over
the County Commissioners Court, with such exceptions and under such regulations as
may be prescribed by law.

Texas Gover nment Code

§ 22.2 01. Courts of A ppeals D istricts

(a) The state is divided into 14 courts of app eals districts with a c ourt of ap peals in
each dis trict.
                                           ...

(m) The Tw elfth Court of Appeals District is composed of the counties of Anderson,
Angelina, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Houston, Nacogdoches, Rains, Rus k, Sabine,
San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood.
                                         ...

§ 22 .213. Twelf th Court of A ppeals

(a) The Court of Ap peals for the Twelfth Court of Appeals District shall be held in the
City of Tyler.

(b) The City of Tyler and Smith County shall furnish and equip suitable rooms and a
library for the court and the justices without expense to the state.

(c) The court may transact its business in the City of Tyler or at the county seat of any
county in the district as the court determines is necessary or convenient, except that all
cases originating in Smith County shall be heard and transacted in the City of Tyler.

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

Art. 1.04

No citizen of this State sha ll be deprived of life, liberty, property, privileges or
immunities, or in any manner disfranchised, except by the due course of the law of the
land.

Art. 1.05. Rights of Accused
In all criminal p rosecutions the ac cused shall have a speedy public trial by an impartial
jury. He shall have the right to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against
him, and to have a copy th ereof. He shall not be compelled to give evidence against
himself. He shall have the right of being heard by himself, or counsel, or both; shall be
confronted with the witnesses against him, and shall have compulsory process for
obtaining witnesses in his favor. No person shall be held to answer for a felony unless
on indictment of a gra nd jury.

Art. 1.15. Jury in Felony

No person can be convicted of a felony except upon the verdict of a jury duly rendered
and recorded, unless the defendant, upon entering a plea, has in open court in person
waived his right of trial by jury in w riting in accordance w ith Articles01.13 and 1.14;
provided, however, that it shall be necessary for the state to introduce evidence into the
record showing the guilt of the defendant and said evidence shall be accepted by the
court as the basis for its judgment and in no event shall a person charged be convicted
upon his plea w ithout suff icient evidence to support the same. The evidence may be
stipulated if the defendant in such case consents in writing, in open court, to waive the
appearance, confrontation, and cross-examination of witnesses, and further consents
either to an oral stipulation of the evidence and testimony or to the introduction of
testimony by affidavits, written statements of witnesses, and any other documentary
evidence in support of the judgment of the court. Suc h waiver and consent must b e
approved by the court in writing, and be filed in the file of the papers of the cause.

Art. 4.01. What Courts Have C riminal Jurisdiction

The following courts have jurisdiction in criminal actions:
                                 ...
3. The district courts;

Art. 4.03. Courts of Appeals

The Courts of Appeals shall have appellate jurisdiction coextensive with the limits of
their respective districts in all criminal cases except those in which the death p enalty
has been assessed. This Article shall not be so construed as to embrace any case which
has been appealed from any inferior court to the county court, the count y criminal
court, or county court at law, in which the fine imposed by the county court, the county
criminal court or county court at law does not exceed one hundred dollars, unless the
sole issue is the constitutionality of the statute or ordinance on which the convic tion is
based.

Texas Penal Code

§6.03. Definitions of Culpable Mental States

(a) A person acts intentionally, or with intent, with respect to the nature of his conduct
or to a result of his conduct when it is his conscious objective or desire to engage in the
conduc t or cause the result.

(b) A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to the nature of his
conduct or to circumstances surrounding his conduct when he is aware of the nature
of his conduct or that the circumstances exist. A person acts know ingly, or with
knowledge, with respect to a result of his conduct when he is aware that his conduct
is reasona bly certain to c ause the result.

(c)    A person acts recklessly, or is reckless, with respect to circumstances
surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he is aware of but
consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist
or the result will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that its disregard
constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of ca re tha t an ordinary person would
exercise under all the circumstances as view ed from the actor's sta ndpoint.

(d)    A person acts with criminal negligence, or is criminally negligent, with respect
to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he ought
to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the
result will occur. The risk must b e of such a nature a nd degree that the fa ilure to
perceive it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care tha t an ordinary
person would exercise under all the circ umstances as viewed from the actor's
standp oint.

12.04 Classification of Felonies

(a) Felonies are classified according to the relative seriousness of the offense into five
categories:

(1) capital felonies;
(2) felonies of the first degree;
(3) felonies of the second degree;
(4) felonies of the third degree; and
(5) state jail felonies.
(b) An offense designated a felony in this code without specific ation as to category is
a state jail felony.

§12.3 5. State Jail Felony Punishment

(a) ... an individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony shall be punished by
confinement in a state jail for any term of not more than two years or less than 180
days.

(b) In addition to confinement, an individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony may
be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.

§22.041

(c)   A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with
criminal negligence, by act or omission, engages in conduct that places a child younger
than 15 years in imminent da nger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental
impairment.

(f)   An of fense under S ubsec tion (c) is a sta te jail felony.

Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure

Rule 21 New Trials in Criminal Cases
                               ...
21.8 Court's Ruling.

(a) Time to Rule. --The court must rule on a motion for new trial within 75 days after
imposing or suspending sentence in open court.
(b) Ruling. --In ruling on a motion for new trial, the court ma y make oral or written
findings of fact. The granting of a motion for new trial must be accomplished by
written order. A docket entry does not constitute a written order.

(c) Failure to Rule. --A motio n not timely ruled on by written order will be deemed
denied when the period prescribed in (a) expires.

Rule 25.2(a)(2)

Of the De fenda nt.–A defenda nt in a criminal case has the right of appeal under Code
of Criminal Procedure article 44.02 and these rules.
                                           ...

Rule 26.2 Criminal Cases.

(a) By the Defen dant. --The notice of appeal must be filed:

(1) within 30 days after the day sentence is imposed or suspended in open court, or
after the day the trial court enters an appealable order; or

(2) within 90 days after the sentence is imposed or suspended in open court if the
defendant timely f iles a motion for new trial.

Rule 33.1 Preservation; How Shown.

(a) In General. --As a prerequisite to presenting a complaint for appellate review, the
record must show that:

    (1) the complaint wa s made to the trial court b y a timely request, ob jection, or
motion that:

       (A) stated the grounds for the ruling that the complaining party sought from the
trial court with suffic ient specificity to ma ke the trial court aware of the complaint,
unless the specific grounds were apparent from the context; and

      (B) comp lied with the requirements of the Texas Rules of Civil or Criminal
Evidence or the Texas Rules of Civil or Appellate Procedure; and
   (2) the trial court:

      (A) ruled on the request, objection, or motion, either expressly or implicitly; or

       (B) refused to rule on the request, ob jection, or motion, and the complaining
party objected to the refusal.

Rule 35.2 Criminal Cases. --The appellate record must be filed in the appellate court:
                                          ...
(b) if a timely motion for new trial is filed and denied , within 12 0 days a fter the da te
the sentence is imposed or suspended in open court;
                                          ...

Rule 35 Time to File Record; Responsibility for Filing Record
                                        ...
35.2 Criminal Cases. --The ap pellate record must be filed in the appellate court:

(a) if a motion for new trial is not filed, within 60 days af ter the date the sentence is
imposed or suspended in open court or the order appealed from is signed;

(b) if a timely motion for new trial is filed and denied, within 12 0 days a fter the da te
the sentence is imposed or suspended in open court; or

(c) if a motion for new trial is granted, within 60 days after the order granting the
motion is signed.
                                        ...
35.3 Responsibility for Filing Record.

(b) Reporter's Record. --The official or deputy reporter is responsible for preparing,
certifying, and timely filing the reporter's record if:

(1) a notice of appeal has been filed;

(2) the appellant has requested that the reporter's record be prepared; and

(3) the party responsible for paying for the preparation of the reporter's record has paid
the reporter's fee, or has made satisfactory arrangements with the reporter to pay the
fee, or is entitled to appeal without paying the fee.

Rule 44.2(a)

If the appellate record in a crimina l case reveals constitutional error that is s ubject to
harmless error review, the court of appeals must reverse a judgment of conviction or
punishment unless the court determines b eyond a rea sonable d oubt that the error did
not contribute to the conviction or punishment.