Court Opinion

ID: 2943722
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-16 01:53:28.052535+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:40:56.270482
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-8,718-09

EX PARTE BILLY RAY GRANT, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 040415CR IN THE 260TH DISTRICT COURT

FROM ORANGE 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 writ of habeas corpus.  Ex parte
Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967).  Applicant was convicted of burglary of a
habitation and sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment.  The Ninth Court of Appeals affirmed his
conviction.  Grant v. State, No. 09-04-00486-CR (Tex. App.-Beaumont, delivered June 18, 2006). 
	Applicant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance by (1) failing to file
pre-trial motions; (2) failing to object to the indictment; (3) failing to subpoena witnesses favorable
to the defense; (4) failing to request a continuance or mistrial when the State's key witness refused
to testify;  (5) failing to include Applicant in a conference with the trial judge and prosecutor; and
(6) failing to advise Applicant regarding the law applicable to his case.  
	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.  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 order Applicant's trial counsel to file an affidavit addressing Applicant's claims of ineffective
assistance of counsel.  In addition, 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 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.
	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: March 24, 2010
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