Court Opinion

ID: 2944035
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-16 01:58:03.174923+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:19:40.393696
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-72,860-01

EX PARTE MARK WILLIAM KNOX, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 10,210 IN THE 271ST DISTRICT COURT

FROM WISE 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 sexual
assault and sentenced to fifty-five years' imprisonment. The Second Court of Appeals affirmed his
conviction. Knox v. State, No. 02-94-00057-CR (Tex. App.-Fort Worth 1995, no pet.).
	Applicant contends, among other things, that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance
because counsel failed to obtain Applicant's psychiatric records and to have him professionally
evaluated to determine whether he was "competent" when he sexually assaulted the complainant.
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 provide Applicant's trial counsel with the 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 him 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
counsel was deficient and, if so, whether counsel's deficient performance prejudiced Applicant.
Specifically, the trial court shall make findings as to whether counsel investigated Applicant's
psychiatric history and whether counsel believed Applicant's mental state during the sexual assault
negated his intent or made his conduct involuntary. 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 13, 2010
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