in Re: John Wayne Armstead ( 2010 )

NO

NO. 12-10-00097-CR

                         IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

            TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT

                                      TYLER, TEXAS

                                                                             '    

IN RE: JOHN WAYNE ARMSTEAD,

RELATOR                                                          '     ORIGINAL PROCEEDING

                                                                             '    

                                                      MEMORANDUM OPINION

            In this original proceeding, Relator John Wayne Armstead seeks a writ of habeas corpus, alleging that he is illegally confined and restrained in the Angelina County jail. 

            The original jurisdiction of this court to issue a writ of habeas corpus is limited to those cases in which a person’s liberty is restrained because the person has violated an order, judgment, or decree entered in a civil case.  See Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 22.221(d) (Vernon 2004).  Consequently, this court does not have original habeas corpus jurisdiction in criminal matters.  Dodson v. State, 988 S.W.2d 833, 835 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1999, no pet.); Ex parte Hawkins, 885 S.W.2d 586, 588 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1994, no pet.).

            Here, Relator’s complaint arises out of a revocation proceeding, which is a criminal matter.  Therefore, we lack jurisdiction to address the merits of Relator’s petition.  Accordingly, we dismiss Relator’s habeas petition for want of jurisdiction.

                                                                                                BRIAN HOYLE__   

Justice

Opinion delivered April 7, 2010.

Panel consisted of Worthen, C.J., Griffith, J., and Hoyle, J.

(DO NOT PUBLISH)