Horton, Larry James ( 2010 )

  IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

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  NO. WR-75,053-01

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EX PARTE LARRY JAMES HORTON, Applicant

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ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS

CAUSE NO. 18,436 IN THE 411^TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

FROM POLK COUNTY

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           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 entered an open plea of guilty to aggravated assault, and was sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment. The Ninth Court of Appeals dismissed his appeal for want of jurisdiction because the notice of appeal was untimely filed. Horton v. State, No. 09-07-441-CR (Tex. App. – Beaumont, October 10, 2007, no pet.).

            Applicant contends, inter alia, that his plea was not knowingly and voluntarily entered, and that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel failed to investigate issues of sanity at the time of the offense and competency to stand trial, failed to adequately communicate with Applicant or explain the proceedings to him, and failed to explain the application of the law to the facts of this case. Applicant also alleges that neither counsel nor the trial court adequately explained to Applicant his right to appeal or the procedure and time line for filing a direct 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 Applicant’s trial counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. 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 first supplement the habeas record with a transcript of the plea and sentencing proceedings, copies of any pre-trial motions filed in this case, and a copy of the PSI report. The trial court shall then make findings of fact as to whether trial counsel noticed any indication that Applicant was not competent to enter a plea, and if so, whether he moved to have Applicant evaluated for competency or sanity. If not, the trial court shall make findings as to why the trial docket contains a notation on November 16, 2005, to the effect that Applicant was “found compt.” The trial court shall make findings as to whether counsel explained the application of the law to the facts of this case, and as to whether counsel discussed with Applicant his options with respect to going to trial or entering a plea. The trial court shall also make findings as to whether Applicant was advised of his right to appeal, and if so whether he indicated a desire to appeal. If Applicant did indicate that he wanted to appeal, the trial court shall make findings as to whether appellate counsel was appointed, and as to why the notice of appeal in Applicant’s case was untimely filed. The trial court shall make findings 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: December 15, 2010

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