Court Opinion

ID: 2947058
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-16 04:10:58.150793+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:41:21.974374
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NOS. WR-77,089-01 & WR-77,089-02

EX PARTE OWEN DONOVAN POWELL, Applicant

ON APPLICATIONS FOR WRITS OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NOS. 89-82761-V & 90-01593-V 

	     IN THE 292ND DISTRICT COURT FROM DALLAS COUNTY

 Per curiam. Keasler, J., not participating.
 
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 these applications for writs of habeas corpus.  Ex
parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967).  Applicant was convicted of possession
of a controlled substance and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance.  He was sentenced to
thirty years' imprisonment on both charges.  He did not appeal his conviction.
	Applicant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance by coercing him into
pleading guilty, by not informing him that these convictions could be used to deport him, and by not
advising him of the applicable range of punishment.
	Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief.  Strickland v. Washington,
466 U.S. 668 (1984); Ex parte Lemke, 13 S.W.3d 791,795-96 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000).  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
shall obtain a response from Applicant's trial counsel regarding Applicant's claims of ineffective
assistance of counsel.  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 Applicant at the hearing.  Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04. 
	The trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether the performance of Applicant's trial
attorney was deficient and, if so, whether counsel's deficient performance prejudiced Applicant.  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.  The trial court shall
supplement the record with the judgment, indictment, and any plea papers or written admonishments.
	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: February 22, 2012
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