Court Opinion

ID: 2939488
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-15 20:10:44.823196+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:56:00.748130
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-66,671-01

EX PARTE MASOUD SHANE SALATINI, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. W02-25109-Q(A) IN THE 204TH DISTRICT COURT

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 aggravated assault
and sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment. The Fifth Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction.
Salatini v. State, No. 05-04-01855-CR (Tex. App.-Dallas, delivered December 28, 2005, no pet.). 
	Applicant contends that his appellate counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel
failed to timely notify Applicant that his conviction had been affirmed and failed to advise him of
his right to petition for discretionary review pro se.
	Appellate counsel filed an affidavit with the trial court. Based on that affidavit, the trial court
recommended denying relief. We believe, however, that the record is not adequate to resolve when
appellate counsel initially informed Applicant that his conviction had been affirmed on appeal.
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. 1997), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact.  The trial court
shall provide appellate counsel with a second opportunity to respond to Applicant's claim of
ineffective assistance of counsel. The trial court may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim.
Proc. art. 11.07, § 3(d). 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 Applicant at the hearing. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04. 
	The trial court shall then make further findings of fact as to when appellate counsel initially
informed Applicant that his conviction had been affirmed on appeal. 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: January 31, 2007
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