Happy Tran Pham v. State ( 2019 )

Affirmed and Majority and Dissenting Opinions filed October 31, 2019.
In The
Fourteenth Court of Appeals
NO. 14-17-00400-CR
HAPPY TRAN PHAM, Appellant
V.
THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee
On Appeal from the 184th District Court
Harris County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. 1096930
MAJORITY OPINION
A jury found appellant Happy Tran Pham guilty of murder and assessed his
punishment at confinement for life. From that conviction, appellant brings this
appeal complaining of jury-charge error and ineffective assistance of counsel. We
affirm.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
On December 13, 2006, appellant entered the Cajun Kitchen restaurant in
Harris County, Texas, and shot and killed Pierre Mai, the complainant. Appellant
fled the restaurant and was not located until February 2016, ten years after the
incident, when he was arrested. Appellant was tried and convicted, as noted above.
Appellant filed a motion for new trial, which was denied. This appeal timely
followed.1
A. Events Before the Shooting
The trial evidence showed that before the shooting, appellant had dated Thuy
Le. Before she began seeing appellant, Thuy Le dated the complainant. After Thuy
Le’s relationship with appellant ended, she resumed dating the complainant. Both
the complainant and appellant were known to carry firearms.
Appellant testified that while he and Thuy Le were dating, he believed the
complainant was stalking them. According to appellant, the complainant tried to
assault him at the Window Café about four to six months before the shooting. The
complainant approached the area where appellant and his friends were sitting and
after making eye contact with appellant, the complainant tried to hit him. The police
“broke it up.” The next night, at a club, a friend of the complainant’s approached
appellant and asked about the situation from the night before. Appellant agreed not
to escalate the situation any further.
On Halloween night of 2006, appellant went to Magic Island with Casey Mast.
While going up the stairs, one of the complainant’s friends bumped into appellant.
1
Because the parties are familiar with the facts of the case and the evidence adduced at
trial, we set forth the facts of the case necessary to advise the parties of the Court’s decision and
the basic reasons for it in light of the issues raised. See Tex. R. App. P. 47.1, 47.4. The facts recited
are taken from the testimony and exhibits admitted at trial.
2
Huy Thai also was there. A fight started, and appellant recalled ending up on the
floor with “at least 10 or 15 people surrounding [him.]” Promoters of the event and
security broke up the fight, but appellant testified he was hit in the face. Casey
testified that someone threw a bottle and hit appellant in the face, causing appellant
to start “bleeding real bad.” Appellant received 15 stitches in his forehead. Appellant
owned a Heckler & Koch USP .40 gun and after that night he began carrying it more
often.
Huy Thai’s version of events differed. He testified that appellant bumped into
a friend of his and “a little scuffle” began. To his knowledge, no one injured
appellant by throwing a beer bottle at his head.
According to appellant, in the fall of 2006, prior to the incident at Cajun
Kitchen, appellant changed his mind about the level of potential violence of
complainant and Huy Thai, based on his belief that they were involved in a drive-by
shooting, his observation of a vehicle riddled with bullet holes that appellant
believed was involved in the drive-by shooting, and Huy Thai’s association with a
gang known as NCP, which stands for “Northside Chink Posse.” Appellant
recognized some of the people at Magic Island on Halloween night as also being
involved with NCP. Huy Thai denied that he or the complainant were affiliated with
NCP. Huy Thai denied that he and the complainant were involved in a drive-by
shooting in November 2006. Detective Bart Nabors testified that he searched but did
not find any evidence that Huy Thai and the complainant were involved in a drive-
by shooting.
B. The Restaurant Shooting
About 1:00 p.m. on the day of the restaurant shooting, appellant’s cousin,
Michael Tran, and his fiancée, Mai Pham, invited appellant to dinner at the Cajun
Kitchen. Appellant called his brother, Long Pham, at 5:15 p.m. and asked Long to
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go with him, but Long could not. At 5:25 p.m., appellant called Devon Le, who could
not go either. Appellant then planned to stay home, but Billy Yang went to
appellant’s house, at which time appellant informed Billy Yang of his cousin’s
invitation, and they decided to go to the Cajun Kitchen. According to appellant, at
that time he did not know the complainant would be there.
Michael Tran is appellant’s cousin. Michael testified he arrived at the
restaurant after 7:00 p.m. with Mai and their baby. Michael knew that after he invited
appellant to the restaurant, appellant was informed the complainant and Thuy Le, a
woman that appellant had previously dated, might be at the Cajun Kitchen. Michael
denied he sent the communication—he believed it was Mai who had contacted
appellant—or that it was for the purpose of enticing appellant to come to the
restaurant.
Michael saw appellant when appellant entered, and they nodded at each other.
Michael testified that to his right he saw the complainant, who “kind of stood up,
kind of reached for his waist. Blink of an eye, heard gunshots; and Happy [appellant]
was running out.” Michael never saw a gun and did not witness appellant do anything
to provoke the complainant. Michael testified appellant “was just walking in.”
Michael said appellant was coming to him first, but then something got appellant’s
attention and appellant went in the other direction. Michael did not hear appellant
curse or say anything.”
Michael acknowledged that the video showed that at the time appellant was
giving him a head nod, appellant already was reaching for his waistband and was not
even looking at the complainant, but at Michael. Michael also agreed that appellant
pulled out his gun and continued to walk, several steps, with the gun at his side while
Michael was looking right at him. Michael admitted a lot of people were trying to
get out of the way, but that he just continued “to look right in that direction.”
4
Thuy Le was sitting at a table across from the complainant. She had her back
to the door when appellant entered the restaurant. Thuy Le did not see him until he
walked up to the table. Thuy Le testified that appellant was saying something like,
“Motherf***er, you in my hood” and “then he started shooting right away.” Thuy
Le saw appellant point the gun at the complainant, who was sitting down and eating,
not trying to get up from the table. Thuy Le did not ever see the complainant pull a
gun and point it at appellant; she stated the complainant was eating. Thuy Le testified
the complainant was shot twice, and that after the shooting she saw a gun on the
floor next to the complainant. Thuy Le described appellant as mad or angry but the
complainant as calm.
Huy Le testified appellant walked in, “probably like one or two steps” and
said, “What the f*** you doing in my mother***ing hood?” Huy Thai saw appellant
take the gun out of his waistband as he was speaking, and ran to get a gun kept under
the restaurant register. Huy Thai gave the complainant a tap to the knee when he saw
appellant walk in; the complainant was still sitting and Huy Thai did not see him get
up from the table or reach for or pull a gun from anywhere. Huy Thai did not know
the complainant was carrying a gun that night. After the shooting, Huy Thai went
to the complainant and he saw a gun on the ground right next to the complainant,
similar to the black gun he knew the complainant owned. Huy Thai did not know
how the gun got on the ground; he did not see the gun fall or hear it hit the ground.
Thomas Tran was working as a cashier that night. Thomas saw appellant enter.
When appellant was a few steps inside, Thomas saw him pull out a gun. Appellant
did not speak with anyone else in the restaurant and appeared to be headed “in one
direction.” Appellant walked directly to the complainant’s table and said, “Bitch,
you’re in my hood.” The next thing Thomas heard was “gunshot.” Thomas ran to
get his gun. Appellant was walking toward the door but began running when he
5
grabbed the door handle. Thomas retrieved his gun and followed appellant outside.
Appellant turned around and Thomas saw something black. Thomas began shooting
at appellant, who did not return fire. Appellant had someone with him and was
running towards a car. The car was backed in but not running and the lights were
off. To the left of where appellant parked his car, there was an exit onto the street.
Appellant got away on foot. After Thomas returned to the restaurant, he saw a gun
near the complainant. Thomas picked up the gun and turned it over to police when
they arrived.
Appellant admitted that he first learned the complainant would be at the
restaurant as appellant was leaving his house. Appellant also said he was probably
in the house and “still getting ready” when he received the text from Mai.
A text message was admitted into evidence from Mai to appellant informing
him the complainant was at the restaurant. It states, “Hey happy just wanted to let
you know your ex is here with her ex bf.” Appellant knew “here” was the Cajun
Kitchen. He did not change his mind about going there after receiving the text. When
asked if he had a concern “that something might erupt” given events between him
and the complainant in the past, appellant said, “Definitely.” Appellant also testified
he was “[o]n guard.” Appellant denied that he went to the restaurant expecting “to
get into a gunfight” and said that was not his desire. According to appellant, he
thought the problem was over because Thuy Le had gone back to the complainant.
Appellant admitted to carrying a firearm when he walked into the restaurant
and said he “was just on guard because, you know, [the complainant] was there.”
Appellant then denied expecting to have to use his gun that night. When asked again
why he brought the gun, appellant replied, “All the drama that occurred prior to it,
and, you know, his — he is just a volatile type of person. I didn’t know what to
expect from him sometimes.” Appellant denied attempting to provoke violence.
6
Appellant testified that when he walked into the restaurant, one of his hands
was in his pocket out of habit. According to appellant, he saw Huy Thai and the
complainant, and the complainant had his hand “down”—appellant indicated where.
Appellant said he avoided eye contact with that side of the room but heard a
commotion, like a chair on tile, coming from that area. Out of the corner of his eye,
appellant saw Huy Thai jumping up, and that is when appellant drew his weapon.
Appellant then said that he did not draw just because of Huy Thai, but also because
appellant had seen the complainant reach down when appellant walked in the door.
Appellant claimed he did not draw his weapon to shoot, but to discourage a conflict.
Appellant continued walking toward the complainant who “was kind of struggling
with his gun.” Appellant did not turn around and run because “[e]verything
happened too quick.” Appellant testified that he was trying to discourage the
complainant’s actions. He did not remember exactly what he said but recalled
saying, “What the F are you doing?” According to appellant, he cursed at the
complainant as a verbal warning and to deescalate the situation. Appellant testified
that “at the end of [his] verbal warning,” the complainant was “in the motion of
pointing his gun at me.” Appellant said he was holding his weapon down and had
no intention of using it; he had not decided to use deadly force at that time. Appellant
claimed he still was hoping to deescalate the situation. When asked, “if you’re going
to deescalate, why would you walk towards someone with a gun?” Appellant
answered, “I didn’t think he was going to point his gun at me.” Appellant claimed
he thought his actions would cause the complainant to stop.
Appellant said when he first saw the complainant’s gun, the complainant was
trying to draw it out of his waistband. The complainant did not immediately point
his gun at appellant because he “staggered.” Appellant decided to use deadly force
when the complainant pointed his gun at appellant. Appellant did not feel he could
7
retreat at that point. Appellant said his first shot was very low. As the complainant
was falling back, the complainant’s gun came up again. Appellant said he “was
staring down his barrel when I had to fire my second shot.” Appellant recognized
the complainant’s gun as a black Glock.
Appellant testified that he ran outside and heard six or seven gunshots behind
him. Appellant had parked his car in the first available spot. Appellant said there was
not a strategic reason to park there and claimed that spot was actually a disadvantage
because it was too close to the exit and if he left too fast, he would rip off his bumper.
Billy Yang had the key because he was finishing a cigarette and was going to lock
the car. Appellant heard hissing sounds from the engine and saw bullet holes in the
hood. He ran to his cousin Michael’s house.
Michael said he “cussed [appellant] out.” He said appellant claimed he just
reacted when the complainant pulled a gun on him. Appellant told Michael that he
had disassembled the gun and thrown it in the gutter. Michael stated that he had no
knowledge of appellant’s whereabouts in the following years and did nothing to help
him hide, and never attempted to give the police the account he gave in court.
At the restaurant, Sergeant Cruser recovered fired cartridge casings and two
pistols. There were six .45 caliber casings and two .40 caliber casings. A 9-mm
Glock 17 model semi-automatic pistol loaded with 9-mm rounds was recovered. No
9-mm cartridge casings were recovered. A Springfield Armory .45 caliber pistol was
found. Kasi Kirksey, a firearms examiner for the Houston Forensic Science Center,
testified the six .45 casings found at the restaurant were fired from the Springfield
Armory .45 pistol. The two .40 casings were not fired from that gun but both .40
casings had been fired from the same weapon. No .40 caliber firearm was recovered.
A cell phone was recovered from appellant’s car that showed calls and text messages
were made and received during the time period surrounding the shooting.
8
Sergeant J.T. Wyers retrieved the restaurant surveillance video from the night
of the shooting. Two videos were admitted into evidence and published to the jury.
The video with the earlier time stamp of 8:18 p.m., State’s Exhibit 42, shows a
woman exiting the restaurant on her phone and returning shortly thereafter. The
other video, State’s Exhibit 41, has a time stamp of 8:51 p.m. Wyers identified the
person on the video that walked into the restaurant as appellant and identified
appellant in court. Wyers testified the video shows appellant reaching for a weapon
in his waistband. The complainant’s table is off screen and he cannot be seen on the
video. Appellant continues to walk towards the complainant’s table. At a nearby
table is appellant’s cousin, Michael Tran. Tran and his family did not stay at the
scene but left the restaurant after the shooting. No family or witnesses ever came
forward on appellant’s behalf.
An arrest warrant for appellant issued, and charges were filed. Appellant was
not found at his residence, which was his parents’ home. Appellant’s parents and
sister did not cooperate with Sergeant Wyers in his search for appellant.
Dr. Sarah Doyle, an assistant medical examiner at the Harris County Institute
of Forensic Sciences, testified the complainant had a fatal gunshot wound that
entered on the left side of his chest. His spine was perforated, which would have
rendered the complainant immediately paralyzed from the waist down, preventing
him from standing or moving his legs. The complainant also had gunshot wounds
on both thighs. Doyle could not say with complete certainty that the same bullet went
through both legs, but it was possible. Doyle could not determine which bullet struck
the complainant first.
Detective Bart Nabors of the Houston Police Department, homicide division,
interviewed appellant in February 2016. A video of that interview was admitted into
evidence and published to the jury.
9
Nabors testified appellant told him that appellant walked into the restaurant
alone and Billy Yang stayed outside. However, the restaurant surveillance video
showed Billy Yang walked into the restaurant right behind appellant. Appellant said
he did not turn himself in because he was waiting for a video to surface that showed
the complainant pulled a gun on appellant. Nabors testified that there was no footage
that would have shown the complainant’s table; according to his investigation, there
was not a camera in the restaurant that would have shown that angle. Appellant also
told Nabors that he had seen the video of the shooting that was shown on “America’s
Most Wanted.”
II. DENIAL OF MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
In his first issue appellant claims the trial court abused its discretion by
denying his motion for new trial. Appellant argues he was entitled to a new trial and
punishment hearing based upon (1) jury charge error in the guilt/innocence phase;
(2) ineffective assistance of counsel in the punishment phase; and (3) the trial court’s
informing the jury about parole law during the punishment phase.
A. Charge-Error Argument
Appellant contends the trial court erred in charging the jury during the
guilt/innocence phase in two regards:
• He was entitled to a threat-of-force instruction in the jury charge
pursuant to Texas Penal Code section 9.04; and
• The trial court erred in submitting a jury charge on “provoking the
difficulty.” See Williams v. State, 25 S.W. 788 (Tex. Crim. App. 1894).
Appellant then argues that cumulative error in the charge denied appellant his rights
to due process and a fair trial.
10
1. Threat-of-Force Instruction
The record reflects that during the charge conference appellant requested an
instruction in accordance with Texas Penal Code section 9.04, which provides:
The threat of force is justified when the use of force is justified by this
chapter. For purposes of this section, a threat to cause death or serious
bodily injury by the production of a weapon or otherwise, as long as the
actor’s purpose is limited to creating an apprehension that he will use
deadly force if necessary, does not constitute the use of deadly force.
Tex. Pen. Code § 9.04. The trial court denied the request. Appellant relies upon
Gamino v. State, 537 S.W.3d 507, 508 (Tex. Crim. App. 2017), in support of his
argument that he was entitled to the instruction. Because the facts of Gamino are not
analogous to this case, appellant was not entitled to a threat-of-force instruction.
Gamino was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he
pulled a gun out of his truck and pointed it at three men, allegedly saying “I got
something for you.” Gamino, 537 S.W.3d at 509. Gamino disputed that evidence
and testified that he drew his gun in self-defense after the men threatened him and
his girlfriend. Id. At trial, Gamino requested a self-defense instruction, which was
denied. The Court of Criminal Appeals concluded that Gamino was entitled to an
instruction pursuant to section 9.04. Id. at 510; Tex. Penal Code § 9.04.
The high court explained that section 9.04 is part of the law of self-defense
and not a “third variety” of self-defense. Gamino, 537 S.W.3d at 510 n.12. Because
Gamino was charged with using a deadly weapon, he was entitled to an instruction
on non-deadly force self-defense under Penal Code section 9.31 if the evidence
triggered application of Penal Code section 9.04. Gamino, 537 S.W.3d at 510. But
section 9.04 only applies when “deadly force” was not used and section 9.32, deadly
force self-defense, is inapplicable. Gamino, 537 S.W.3d at 511. Gamino did not
11
specify whether section 9.31 or section 9.32 applied and did not specifically ask for
a section 9.04 instruction. Id. However, because the evidence triggered application
of section 9.04, which “is not a separate statutory defense, but is encompassed within
Section 9.31,” the Court of Criminal Appeals held the trial court should have
considered section 9.04 when considering Gamino’s request for an instruction on
self-defense. Id. at 511.
In the case at bar, the question for the jury was not, as in Gamino, whether the
defendant’s account of what happened supported a reasonable belief that his use of
non-deadly force was justified. See id. at 512–13. Appellant received a self-defense
instruction. Because he did use deadly force, rather than the threat of deadly force,
he was not entitled to an instruction pursuant to section 9.04, in addition to the
instruction on self-defense. See Gamino, 537 S.W.3d at 511–12.
Accordingly, we conclude the trial court did not err in denying the requested
threat-of-force instruction.
2. Provoking-the-Difficulty Instruction
Appellant received a self-defense instruction. See Tex. Penal Code §§ 9.31,
9.32. However, the trial court also instructed the jury, without objection, that
appellant may have forfeited his right to self-defense if he provoked the attack. See
Tex. Penal Code § 9.31(b)(4). Subsection (b)(4) is a limitation on a defendant’s right
to self-defense. Elizondo v. State, 487 S.W.3d 185, 196 (Tex. Crim. App. 2016). A
defendant forfeits his right of self-defense if he provoked the attack so as to have a
pretext for killing the complainant under the guise of self-defense. Id.
A charge on provocation is required when there is sufficient evidence of the
following:
(1) the defendant did some act or used some words that provoked the attack;
12
(2) such act or words were reasonably calculated to provoke the attack; and
(3) the act was done, or the words were used for the purpose and with the
intent that the defendant would have a pretext for inflicting harm upon the other.
Id. A provoking-the-difficulty instruction should only be given when there is
evidence from which a rational juror could find all three elements beyond a
reasonable doubt. Otherwise, its inclusion in the jury charge constitutes an
unwarranted limitation on the right of self-defense and is therefore erroneous. Id.
The trial court does not assess the strength or credibility of the evidence but bases
this determination only on whether evidence has been presented that could support
a jury’s finding of all three elements of provocation beyond a reasonable doubt. Id.
Appellant argues “[t]he trial court erred in instructing the jury on provocation
because there was no evidence that Pham provoked the complainant as a pretext for
killing him.” Appellant does not contend there was no evidence from which a
rational jury could find beyond a reasonable doubt that some act or words of his
actually caused the attack or that his actions or words were reasonably calculated to
provoke the attack. See id. at 199. We therefore address the third element: that there
was some evidence from which a rational jury could find beyond a reasonable doubt
that the act was done, or the words were used, for the purpose and with the intent of
giving the defendant a pretext for killing the complainant. Id. at 200. To satisfy this
element, there had to be evidence from which a rational jury could find beyond a
reasonable doubt that appellant intended to provoke the complainant so that
appellant could, under a guise of self-defense, harm the complainant. Id.
Here, appellant knew the complainant, and there was evidence from which the
jury reasonably could believe appellant sought the complainant out. Specifically, the
State presented evidence that appellant was told by family members, who were in
the restaurant, that the complainant was there. The record contains testimony that
13
appellant walked into the restaurant, toward the complainant, pulled out his gun,
pointed it at the complainant and, in some fashion, confronted the complainant for
being in his “hood.” The jury saw video of appellant pulling out his gun as he walked
from the door toward the complainant. From the evidence, the jury rationally could
have found that if the complainant pulled his gun out first, he was provoked into
doing so in self-defense.
Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the instruction, we conclude
that the trial court did not err, because there was sufficient evidence from which a
rational jury could have found all three elements of provocation beyond a reasonable
doubt. See Zavala v. State, 401 S.W.3d 171, 183 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.]
2011, pet. ref’d) (concluding the trial court did not err in including a provocation
instruction where the defendant went to a place he knew the complainant was to
confront her and, instead of leaving, kicked in two doors to reach her).
3. Cumulative Charge–Error Argument
Appellant claims the alleged errors in the charge discussed above violated his
rights to due process and a fair trial. Having found no error in the court’s charge, it
is unnecessary to address appellant’s cumulative charge-error claim.
B. Ineffective-Assistance-of-Counsel Argument
Appellant contends he is entitled to a new punishment hearing based upon
ineffective assistance of trial counsel. Appellant’s specific complaints regarding trial
counsel’s performance are that he: (1) failed to request an instruction on sudden
passion; and (2) failed to present mitigating evidence.
1. Sudden-Passion Instruction
Appellant claims trial counsel’s failure to request the trial court to include an
instruction on sudden passion during the punishment phase constituted ineffective
14
assistance. Appellant raised the issue in his motion for new trial, in which appellant
asserted that trial counsel should have requested the instruction and had no tactical
reason for failing to do so. The motion asserts appellant was entitled to the
instruction based on his testimony that “the sudden actions of the complainant
showed that he was armed; which put [appellant] in fear for his life.” Trial counsel
averred in his attached affidavit:
At the time of the charge conference, the State’s opening
statement and the trial record provided an obvious basis for the jury
considering sudden passion as an alternative to self-defense. My failure
to request such an instruction was not based on any trial strategy. It
simply did not occur to me to request it.
Although we appreciate trial counsel’s candor, we disagree that the record supports
a sudden-passion instruction.
Inherent in a claim of ineffective assistance is the requirement that appellant
show trial counsel erred. See Ramirez v. State, 422 S.W.3d 898, 903 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, pet. ref’d) (“[T]o establish that the attorney’s acts or
omissions were outside the range of professionally competent assistance, appellant
must show that counsel’s errors were so serious that he was not functioning as
counsel. See Patrick v. State, 906 S.W.2d 481, 495 (Tex. Crim. App. 1995).”).
Absent any erroneous act or omission by trial counsel, the first prong of Strickland
is not satisfied. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 2064–
65, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). We therefore first consider whether appellant, in fact,
was entitled to a sudden-passion instruction.
A murder committed under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising
from an adequate cause is a second-degree felony, and carries a maximum
punishment of imprisonment for twenty years. See Tex. Penal Code § 19.02(d);
Wooten v. State, 400 S.W.3d 601, 605 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013). “Sudden passion”
15
must be directly caused by, and arise from provocation by, the individual killed, and
must arise at the time of the murder. See Tex. Penal Code § 19.02(a)(2); Wooten,
400 S.W.3d at 605. Passion that is solely the result of former provocation does not
qualify. McKinney v. State, 179 S.W.3d 565, 570 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005) (citing
Tex. Penal Code § 19.02(a)(2)). Adequate cause is that which commonly produces
a degree of anger, rage, resentment, or terror in a person of ordinary temper sufficient
to render the mind incapable of cool reflection. See Tex. Penal Code § 19.02(a)(1);
Wooten, 400 S.W.3d at 605.
The defendant has the burden of production and persuasion with respect to the
issue of sudden passion. See Tex. Penal Code § 19.02(d); Wooten, 400 S.W.3d at
605. To justify a sudden-passion instruction, the record must support an inference
that: 1) the defendant in fact acted under the immediate influence of a passion such
as terror, anger, rage, or resentment; 2) the defendant’s sudden passion was in fact
induced by some provocation by the deceased or another acting with the deceased,
which provocation would commonly produce such a passion in a person of ordinary
temper; 3) the defendant committed the murder before regaining his capacity for
cool reflection; and 4) a causal connection existed between the provocation, passion,
and homicide. Wooten, 400 S.W.3d at 605. The evidence supporting the submission
of a sudden-passion instruction may be weak, impeached, contradicted, or
unbelievable. Id. If the issue is raised by the evidence from any source, during either
phase of trial, the defendant has satisfied the burden of production, and, if requested,
the trial court must submit the issue in the jury charge. Id.
Sudden passion and self-defense are not mutually exclusive. Beltran v. State,
472 S.W.3d 283, 290 (Tex. Crim. App. 2015). Thus, a jury’s rejection of self-defense
at the guilt/innocence phase does not preclude submission of a sudden-passion issue
at the punishment phase. See Trevino v. State, 100 S.W.3d 232, 242–43 (Tex. Crim.
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Ohio App. 2003) (stating that “jury’s rejection of self-defense at guilt innocence does not
necessarily mean that, given an instruction on sudden passion at punishment, it
would have rejected that theory as well”).
Viewed in the light most favorable to appellant, his testimony establishes, at
most, that he feared that the complainant would draw his pistol. However, “a bare
claim of ‘fear’ ” does not establish “sudden passion arising from adequate cause.”
See Crunk v. State, 934 S.W.2d 788, 795 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1996,
pet. ref’d); see also Griffin v. State, 461 S.W.3d 188, 193–94 (Tex. App.—Houston
[1st Dist.] 2014, no pet.) (citing Daniels v. State, 645 S.W.2d 459, 460 (Tex. Crim.
App. 1983)). Because no evidence demonstrates appellant acted under the immediate
influence of terror, anger, rage, or resentment, he was not entitled to a sudden-
passion instruction. Accordingly, trial counsel’s failure to request such an instruction
was not outside the range of professionally competent assistance and the first prong
of Strickland has not been satisfied. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687.
2. Mitigating Evidence
Appellant further complains that trial counsel failed to offer evidence to
mitigate punishment because (1) the witnesses who testified at the punishment phase
of his trial, his brothers Dung Pham and Long Pham, were not prepared by his
attorney to testify, and as a result were ineffective witnesses at his punishment
hearing; and (2) potential witnesses who were available were not interviewed and
called to testify by his counsel. Appellant contends a number of individuals were
willing and available to testify at the punishment phase but that his trial counsel
failed to interview or call them to testify. Attached to appellant’s motion for new
trial were affidavits from: Chan Pham (appellant’s father), Cuc Tran (appellant’s
mother), Dung Pham (appellant’s brother), Dr. Marenda Wilson-Pham (Dung’s
wife), Alicia Pham (appellant’s sister), Tran Nguyen (appellant’s girlfriend), Lee
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Drones, Jr., Janet Drones, Donna Tran, Kristi Nguyen, Michelle Jardiolin, Dr. James
Pham, DDS, Thao Ta, Julie Jean Nguyen, Andrew Mao, Patrick Pham, Leon Pham,
Priscilla Pham, Tuan Nguyen, and Sandra Leon Martinez. Also attached was an
affidavit from appellant and an affidavit from trial counsel.
Trial counsel stated in his affidavit that he believed appellant’s friends and
family who had stayed in contact with him during the time appellant was hiding and
selling marijuana, would not make good punishment-phase witnesses because they
would have been exposed to damaging cross-examination about their knowledge of
appellant’s activities in the ten years since the complainant’s death. According to
trial counsel’s affidavit, he met with Long Pham and Dung Pham prior to their trial
testimony, but there had been no “in-depth preparation.” Further, in his affidavit trial
counsel states that he understood appellant wanted to protect his parents from any
“negative consequences” and that as of a week before trial, appellant had not kept
his parents informed about his criminal case. Trial counsel averred that he was
concerned appellant’s “lack of contact with them for nearly a decade could be
perceived negatively.”
None of the affidavits attached to appellant’s motion for new trial, including
his own, reflect that any of the individuals listed above, with the sole exception of
his girlfriend, Tran Nguyen, had any contact with appellant in the ten years since the
complainant’s death. The jury heard testimony that when appellant was arrested, the
home he shared with Tran Nguyen had a strong odor of marijuana and two large
bags of marijuana, $25,000 in cash, and two 9-millimeter guns were found in the
home. Appellant admitted that he was selling marijuana.
Sergeant Wyers testified that none of appellant’s family or friends ever came
forward to assist in locating appellant. According to appellant’s testimony,
18
unidentified friends of the family took him to Louisiana after the complainant’s
death.
Trial counsel’s conclusion that his actions were not based on trial strategy is
belied by his own affidavit in which he explained his reasoning as to why appellant’s
friends and family would not make good punishment-phase witnesses. His strategy
is supported by the testimony and other record evidence. As the trial court stated in
its findings, trial counsel faced the dilemma of calling friends and family to testify
at the punishment phase when the witnesses either had no contact with appellant for
the past ten years, possibly rendering any opinions of appellant’s character stale, or
possibly had knowledge of or were complicit in appellant’s evading capture or had
knowledge of appellant’s drug-dealing, which could have resulted in unfavorable or
detrimental testimony at trial. As trial counsel averred, his trial strategy was to
establish that appellant acted in self-defense. Prioritizing appellant’s self-defense
claim over the presentation of mitigation witnesses that had no knowledge of
appellant’s current character, or possibly had knowledge of appellant’s drug-dealing
activities, or possibly had helped appellant elude capture, is a reasonable strategic
decision. See Humphrey v. State, 501 S.W.3d 656, 664 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th
Dist.] 2016, pet. ref’d) (citing Wiggins v. Smith, 539 U.S. 510, 534 (2003) (focus on
direct responsibility rather than a mitigation case at punishment may be
“strategically defensible”)); Carter v. State, 506 S.W.3d 529, 540–41 (Tex. App.—
Houston [1st Dist.] 2016, pet. ref’d). Considering trial counsel’s affidavit as a whole,
we conclude the trial court did not err in impliedly concluding that trial counsel’s
actions were not outside the range of professionally competent assistance and the
first prong of Strickland has not been satisfied. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687;
Young v. State, —S.W.3d—, 2019 WL 3210605, at *15–18 (Tex. App.—Austin
2019, no pet. h.) (not yet released for publication).
19
Moreover, to demonstrate ineffective assistance of counsel during the
punishment phase of trial, a defendant must “prove that there is a reasonable
probability that, but for counsel’s errors, the sentencing jury would have reached a
more favorable verdict.” Ex parte Rogers, 369 S.W.3d 858, 863 (Tex. Crim. App.
2012) (quoting Ex parte Cash, 178 S.W.3d 816, 818 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005)); see
also Donald v. State, 543 S.W.3d 466, 487 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2018,
no pet.). “It is not enough to show that trial counsel’s error had some conceivable
effect on the outcome of the punishment assessed.” Rogers, 369 S.W.3d at 863.
As discussed above, and as the trial court noted in its findings, the evidence
appellant claims would have mitigated his punishment came from either witnesses
that had not had any contact with appellant in ten years, had assisted appellant in
leaving the state after the shooting, or were aware of his drug-dealing activities. In
light of the testimony and video evidence, which convinced the jury that appellant
did not act in self-defense, we cannot conclude there is a reasonable probability that
the jury would have reached a more favorable verdict but for counsel’s alleged error.
C. Parole Law
Appellant argues the trial court erred by permitting the jury to consider the
manner in which parole law would be applied and by modifying the instruction
permitted by section 4 of article 37.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. See
Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 37.07. The punishment charge provided, in pertinent part:
Under the law applicable in this case, if the defendant is
sentenced to a term of imprisonment, he will not become eligible for
parole until the actual time served equals one-half of the sentence
imposed or thirty years, whichever is less, without consideration of any
good conduct time he may earn. Eligibility for parole does not
guarantee that parole will be granted.
It cannot accurately be predicted how the parole law and good
conduct time might be applied to this defendant if he is sentenced to a
20
term of imprisonment, because the application of these laws will
depend on decisions made by prison and parole authorities.
You may consider the existence of the parole law and good
conduct time. However, you are not to consider the extent to which
good conduct time may be awarded to or forfeited by this particular
defendant. You are not to consider the manner in which the parole law
may be applied to this particular defendant.
During jury deliberations in the punishment phase, the jury sent the following
written question to the trial court:
How many years does life represent?
Can you clarify the difference between a life sentence and a sentence
of 99 years?
The trial court responded :
A defendant serving a life sentence is eligible for parole after 30
years have been served in prison. Eligibility for parole does not
guarantee that parole will be granted. This would be the same for a
defendant sentenced to 99 years in prison.
If a defendant is paroled, a defendant serving a 99-year sentence
could be discharged if he lived long enough for the years in prison &
on parole to total 99 years. A defendant serving a life sentence, if
paroled, could never discharge (complete) his parole.
The record reflects that when the trial court informed the parties what his response
would be, the State did not object. The following exchange then occurred:
THE COURT: How about from the Defense?
[Defense Counsel]: The Defense objects, Your Honor, and we
believe and propose that the correct response would be to refer the jury
to the Court’s Charge.
THE COURT: Is there anything in my response that’s incorrect?
[Defense Counsel]: I do not believe so, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Okay. Then I’m going to send it in. Thank you.
21
On appeal, appellant claims the response was erroneous for two reasons. First,
that the trial court deviated from the statutorily mandated language of article 37.07,
section 4. Second, that the trial court invaded the province of the Texas Board of
Pardons and Parole, which makes all decisions concerning parole, mandatory
supervision and discharge of sentence. See Tex. Gov’t Code Chapter 508,
Subchapter E. Regarding appellant’s second reason, the trial court’s reply does not
address the manner in which the parole law may be applied to appellant by the Texas
Board of Pardons and Parole.
We now consider appellant’s first reason. The trial court’s reply informed the
jury that appellant would be eligible for parole in thirty years if given a sentence of
either life or 99 years. The instruction already before the jury informed them that
appellant would be eligible for parole after serving the lesser of half his sentence or
thirty years. Thus, that information was already before the jury.
Further, the trial court told the jury that if appellant were paroled, he would
be discharged in 99 years, if given a 99-year sentence, but if given a life sentence
his parole would never be discharged. When the trial court responds substantively
to a jury question during deliberations, that communication amounts to an additional
or supplemental jury instruction. Daniell v. State, 848 S.W.2d 145, 147 n. 2 (Tex.
Crim. App. 1993). Thus, the trial court provided additional information to the jury
that a defendant given a 99-year sentence can be discharged from parole, but a
defendant given a life sentence cannot. We presume, without deciding, that the trial
court erred in instructing the jury on the law regarding the discharge of parole.
We now consider whether any such error would be reversible. If appellant
objected to the error at trial, reversal is required if the error “is calculated to injure
the rights of the defendant,” which means that there is “some harm.” Almanza v.
22
State, 686 S.W.2d 157, 171 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985). If the defendant did not object,
reversal is required only if the error was so egregious and created such harm that the
defendant was deprived of “a fair and impartial trial.” Neal v. State, 256 S.W.3d 264,
278 (Tex. Crim. App. 2008).
Appellant’s objection at trial failed to inform the trial court of any legal basis
for the objection. Thus, error was not preserved. See Tex. R. App. P. 33.1(a); Cudjo
v. State, 345 S.W.3d 177, 188 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2011, pet. ref’d);
Valdez v. State, 826 S.W.2d 778, 782 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1992, no
pet.). Accordingly, we will reverse only if the error egregiously harmed appellant.
Egregious harm “must be based on a finding of actual rather than theoretical harm.”
Cosio v. State, 353 S.W.3d 766, 777 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011). In determining whether
egregious harm occurred, we review the error “in light of the entire jury charge, the
state of the evidence, including the contested issues and weight of probative
evidence, the argument of counsel and any other relevant information revealed by
the record of the trial court as a whole.” Almanza, 686 S.W.2d at 171.
The trial court did not provide the jury with any additional information as to
when or if appellant would be granted parole. Rather, the trial court told the jury that
if a defendant serving a 99-year sentence is paroled, that defendant could be
discharged if he lived long enough for the years in prison plus the years on parole to
equal 99 years. This would only occur in the unusual event that a defendant lives 99
years after the defendant started serving the sentence. The trial court also informed
the jury that a defendant serving a life sentence, if paroled, could never discharge
the parole.
As discussed above, the jury heard and saw evidence from which it
determined that appellant was not acting in self-defense, nor had the complainant
provoked the difficulty, when appellant walked into the restaurant and fired at least
23
two shots from a .40 caliber handgun —one striking the complainant in the center of
his chest—causing his death. During the punishment phase, the jury heard testimony
that when appellant was arrested, two large bags of marijuana, $25,000 in cash, and
two 9-millimeter guns were found. When appellant was interviewed, he admitted
that he was selling marijuana. Further, the jury heard testimony that appellant
admitted to having committed auto theft as a juvenile. The complainant’s mother
testified to the impact the death of her son and the delay in finding appellant had on
her family. She stated that her family is bearing a “life sentence” of “sorrow, grief,
and emptiness.”
In his appellate brief appellant claims the State “made an issue about the
difference between a life sentence and a 99-year sentence, no doubt contributing to
the jury’s question.” The record reflects that in closing, the State said:
Life or 99 years are pretty much the same thing in effect when it
comes down to a sentence. It tells you what the parole law is, but I --
but I can’t go into arguing it, it just tells you what it is. But I want you
to know that life and 99 years are essentially the same thing.
Though the prosecutor’s statement may have prompted the jury’s question, the State
did not tell the jury what the difference was or argue for a specific sentence based
on parole law. Nor did the State address a defendant’s discharge from parole.
Appellant claims the jury’s note indicates they considered how parole law
would be applied, which was found to constitute egregious harm in Villarreal v.
State, 205 S.W.3d 103, 110 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2006, pet. dism’d). In
Villarreal, the charge did not include the mandatory parole instruction pursuant to
article 37.07. Id. at 107. In response to a question from the jury, the trial court failed
to correct the omission and provide the proper instruction. Id. at 105. That question
was:
24
Is it possible to find out how many years he would actually serve
compared to how many we sentence?
20 yrs =
15 yrs =
Id. Additionally, in Villarreal, the record did not show the trial court followed the
required procedure of reading the jury’s note in open court and allowing the
defendant or his attorney the opportunity to object to the response. Id. (citing Tex.
Code Crim. Proc. art. 36.27). The jury assessed the maximum punishment—twenty
years’ imprisonment. Id. For all these reasons, including but not limited to the fact
that the jury was considering the impact of parole law on the defendant’s
punishment, the trial court found egregious harm. Id. at 110.
Villareal is distinguishable from the case at bar. Here, the trial court’s charge
included the mandatory parole instruction and the trial court followed the required
procedure before responding to the jury’s question. In this case, there is no difference
as to when appellant would be eligible for parole as between a life sentence and a
99-year sentence, unlike the twenty or fifteen-year sentences being considered by
the jury in Villareal. Appellant is eligible for parole in thirty years, as he would have
been had the jury assessed a sentence of 99 years. Appellant will not ever be
discharged from parole, but had he been sentenced to 99 years, he would not be
discharged for 99 years.
In Tollett v. State, 799 S.W.2d 256, 259 (Tex. Crim. App.1990), the Court of
Criminal Appeals agreed with the court of appeals’ characterization that a 99–year
sentence and a sentence of life in prison are, as a practical matter, equivalent
sentences and to the extent they differ, 99-years is the lesser. Tollett, 799 S.W.2d at
259 (quoting Tollett v. State, 727 S.W.2d 714, 18 (Tex. App.—Austin 1987),
reversed by 761 S.W.2d 376 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988)). The Court recognized that the
difference between life and 99 is a theoretical one, stating, “[t]heoretically, a ninety-
25
nine year sentence may be discharged during a prisoner’s lifetime, but a life sentence
will continue as long as he lives. Thus a felon serving a life sentence will always be
on parole, while a felon with a ninety-nine year term could theoretically outlive his
sentence.” Tollett, 799 S.W.2d at 259 n. 3. Considering all of the above, we conclude
that, presuming the trial court erred in instructing the jury on the law regarding the
discharge of parole, any such error did not result in egregious harm to appellant. See
Newsome v. State, 829 S.W.2d 260, 266–68 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1992, no pet.).
For the reasons set forth above, we hold the trial court did not abuse its
discretion in denying appellant a new trial on the grounds of charge error. Further,
we hold the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying appellant a new
punishment hearing on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel or charge error.
Accordingly, we overrule issue one.
III. EVIDENTIARY HEARING ON MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
In his second issue, appellant asserts the trial court abused its discretion in
refusing to grant his request for an evidentiary hearing on the issues raised in the
motion for new trial. Appellant argues there were matters not determinable from the
record upon which he could be entitled to relief.
When a defendant presents a motion for new trial raising matters not
determinable from the record, a trial court abuses its discretion if it fails to hold a
hearing. Holden v. State, 201 S.W.3d 761, 763 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006). But live
testimony is not required; a trial court may rule based on sworn pleadings and
affidavits without oral testimony. Id. “It has long been held that a trial court may
decide a motion for new trial based on sworn pleadings and affidavits admitted in
evidence without hearing oral testimony.” Id. Even contested factual issues may be
decided by the trial court on affidavits. Id. (citing Manzi v. State, 88 S.W.3d 240,
244 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002)). The only specific matter appellant refers to is the trial
26
court’s decision to take judicial notice that when asked if a sudden-passion charge
were needed, defense counsel did not want that instruction given. Because we
already have concluded that appellant was not entitled to such an instruction, the
lack of oral testimony on this question, even if oral testimony or other evidence were
warranted, would not afford appellant any relief.
The trial court held a hearing on appellant’s motion for new trial at which the
State, appellant, and appellant’s current counsel were present. After considering the
affidavits and arguments of both sides, the trial court denied the motion for new trial.
Issue two is overruled.
IV. INEFFECTIVE-ASSISTANCE-OF-COUNSEL CLAIM
Lastly, appellant contends he was prejudiced by trial counsel’s ineffective
assistance during the guilt/innocence phase of the trial. Appellant asserts trial
counsel was deficient in that he failed to: (1) strike a juror during voir dire; (2) object
to comments made by the State during voir dire and closing argument; and (3) object
to the jury charge’s instruction on provoking the difficulty. Appellant claims he was
prejudiced by these alleged deficiencies in trial counsel’s performance.
A. Standard
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, sets forth a two-prong test to determine ineffective
assistance of counsel. Appellant must first show that counsel’s performance was so
deficient that he was denied counsel guaranteed him by the Sixth Amendment, and
then appellant must demonstrate that counsel’s performance “prejudiced the
27
defense. . . with errors. . . so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial, a trial
whose result is unreliable.” Id.
B. Voir Dire
Appellant clams trial counsel provided ineffective assistance during voir dire.
Specifically, appellant complains that trial counsel failed to “clarify” whether Juror
23 could follow the law regarding self-defense if it resulted in loss of life. The record
reflects several venirepersons, including Juror 23, were asked if, in the context of
self-defense, they agreed with a statement by Juror 20 that there are no situations
that justify a loss of life. The following exchange occurred between trial counsel and
Juror 23:
VENIREPERSON: Yeah, I kind of like I’m on the fence about it.
Because to me, I always feel like people should have another option.
Death shouldn't be the only option kind of thing.
[Trial Counsel]: Uh-huh (affirmative.)
VENIREPERSON: Really on the fence about it.
[Trial Counsel]: And would you say that you would agree with the
jurors on the front row who said that circumstances would be very
important?
VENIREPERSON: Yeah, definitely.
[Trial Counsel]: So some circumstances could lead you to feel on one
end of the spectrum?
VENIREPERSON: Yes.
[Trial Counsel]: As others have said, you may be very protective of all
life?
VENIREPERSON: Yes.
Contrary to appellant’s claim, the record reflects trial counsel did continue to
question Juror 23 so as to determine whether she could follow the law on self-
defense even if it resulted in loss of life. Considering the entire exchange, Juror 23
28
agreed that it would depend upon the circumstances, which could lead her to feel the
situation justified a loss of life, i.e., the other end of the spectrum, that she was “really
on the fence about it” or undecided, and that she was “very protective of “all life.”
Accordingly, trial counsel did “clarify” Juror 23’s position.
To prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, appellant must show
that trial counsel erred. See Ramirez v. State, 422 S.W.3d 898, 903 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, pet. ref’d) (“[T]o establish that the attorney’s acts or
omissions were outside the range of professionally competent assistance, appellant
must show that counsel’s errors were so serious that he was not functioning as
counsel. See Patrick v. State, 906 S.W.2d 481, 495 (Tex. Crim. App. 1995).”).
Because the record does not support the complained-of omission, appellant has
failed to satisfy the first prong of Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687.
C. Comments by the State During Voir Dire and Closing Argument
Construing appellant’s brief liberally, we conclude his complaint is that trial
counsel was ineffective for failing to object because the State improperly opined as
to appellant’s guilt. See Tex. R. App. P. 38.9 (requiring courts to liberally construe
briefs for substantial compliance with rules); Crayton v. State, 463 S.W.3d 531, 534
(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.).
The first instance complained of occurred during voir dire, when the State
said:
My job is to do the right thing. Whatever justice requires. And some
cases that may mean dismissing a case, and that has happened. In some
cases it means going forward on a case, or trying to work a case out.
But whatever it is, my job at the end of the day is to pursue the right
course of action, right thing for everybody involved.
Next, appellant complains of trial counsel’s failure to object to comments
during the State’s closing argument, italicized below:
29
You see him walk in, he takes a couple of steps, he pulls the gun. And
this right here is taken right before he shoots. I’m not even talking to
you as a lawyer now, but just as a human being with reasonableness
and perception. What part of that looks like self-defense to you? He is
in control the entire time. He knows who is up there, he takes the gun
out, and he holds it down by his side. Are those the actions of somebody
who is scared for their life?
The only authority appellant relies upon is this court’s opinion in Penrice v.
State, 716 S.W.2d 107, 109 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1986, no pet.), from
which he quotes:
It is well settled that a prosecutor cannot inject his personal
opinion of guilt into his argument; to do so is sufficient cause for
reversal of the case. Fowler v. State, 500 S.W.2d 643 (Tex. Crim. App.
1973); Baldwin v. State, 499 S.W.2d 7 (Tex. Crim. App. 1973)). It is
equally settled that the prosecutor may argue his opinions concerning
issues in the case as long as the opinions are based on the evidence in
the record and not as constituting unsworn testimony. McKay v. State,
707 S.W.2d 23, 37 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985); Sikes v. State, 500 S.W.2d
650, 652 (Tex. Crim. App. 1973). To constitute reversible error, the
argument must be extreme or manifestly improper, or inject new and
harmful facts into evidence. Kerns v. State, 550 S.W.2d 91 (Tex. Crim.
App. 1977); Thomas v. State, 519 S.W.2d 430 (Tex.Crim.App.1973).
Assuming, without deciding, the State’s comments were improper opinions of
appellant’s guilt, we conclude appellant has not shown a reasonable probability that,
but for trial counsel’s failure to object to the comments, the result of the proceeding
would have been different. Lopez v. State, 343 S.W.3d 137, 142 (Tex. Crim. App.
2011). A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence
in the outcome. Id.
Appellant has not alleged or developed any argument as to how the outcome
of his trial would have been different but for counsel’s failure to object to the State’s
comments. See Cardenas v. State, 30 S.W.3d 384, 391 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000).
30
Considering all the evidence adduced at trial, we do not perceive how appellant
could have suffered prejudice. Accordingly, we conclude the second prong of
Strickland has not been satisfied. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687.
D. Provoking-the-difficulty Instruction
Having found the trial court did not err in instructing the jury on provoking
the difficulty, we cannot conclude counsel’s failure to object to the instruction
constituted ineffective assistance of counsel. See Young v. State, 991 S.W.2d 835,
839 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999) (holding counsel was not ineffective for failing to
request instruction on necessity where defendant was not entitled to it); Darkins v.
State, 430 S.W.3d 559, 572 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, pet. ref’d)
(same). Accordingly, the first prong of Strickland has not been satisfied. See
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687.
Appellant has not established the alleged errors by trial counsel during the
guilt/innocence phase were so serious that counsel was not functioning as the
“counsel” guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment or that the results of his trial were
rendered unreliable. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687. We therefore overrule issue
three.
V. CONCLUSION
Having overruled all of appellant’s issues, we affirm the trial court’s
judgment.
31
/s/ Margaret “Meg” Poissant
Justice
Panel consists of Chief Justice Frost and Justices Bourliot and Poissant. (Bourliot,
J., dissenting).
Publish — Tex. R. App. P. 47.2(b).
32