Court Opinion

ID: 2939728
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-15 21:53:57.656173+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:58:25.024886
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-71,003-01

EX PARTE ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 02-E-280 IN THE 130TH DISTRICT COURT

FROM MATAGORDA 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 indecency with
a child and sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment.   
	Applicant contends that his counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel failed
to timely file a notice of 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.  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 counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's claim of ineffective assistance
of counsel on appeal.  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 as to whether Applicant told his counsel or the court that
he wished to appeal the pre-trial denial of his motion to suppress evidence.  The trial court shall
make findings of fact as to whether Applicant was denied his right to a meaningful appeal because
Applicant's counsel failed to timely file a notice of 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: November 26, 2008
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