Staritz, Gregory Vincent ( 2007 )

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS

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NO. WR-68,549-01

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EX PARTE GREGORY VINCENT STARITZ, Applicant

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ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS CAUSE NO. 05-57342-R IN THE 265^TH DISTRICT COURT FROM DALLAS 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 a writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. He did not appeal his conviction.

Applicant contends that his plea was involuntary and that trial counsel was ineffective. On September 19, 2007, the trial court entered an order designating issues, but no findings of fact and conclusions of law were forwarded to this Court. We believe that this application was prematurely forwarded.

In these circumstances, additional facts are needed. As we held in Ex parte Rodriguez, 334 S.W.2d 294, 294 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact. The trial court shall provide trial counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's claims. 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 then make findings of fact as to whether Applicant's plea was involuntary; and whether trial counsel's performance was deficient and, if so, whether Applicant was prejudiced. 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 claims 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: October 31, 2007

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