Patterson, David Vernon

• Court: Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
• Decided: April 25, 2012
• Docket: WR-77,341-01
• Status: Published

Opinion

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

NO. WR-77,341-01 EX PARTE DAVID VERNON PATTERSON, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS

CAUSE NO. CR-10-23495-A IN THE 336^TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

FROM FANNIN 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 pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone and was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. He did not appeal his conviction.

Applicant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because she failed to consult with him prior to trial, failed to prepare a defense, and failed to advise him of the consequences of the drug free zone allegation. Applicant alleges that he would not have pleaded guilty had he known of the consequences of the drug free zone allegation.

Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (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 obtain an affidavit from Applicant's trial counsel responding to Applicant's claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. Specifically, counsel shall describe her preparation and consultation with Applicant regarding this case, and shall state whether she advised Applicant of the consequences of the drug free zone allegation. Counsel shall state whether she advised Applicant to plead guilty in exchange for the maximum sentence, and if so, why. 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 Applicant at the hearing. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04.

The trial court shall make findings of fact 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 findings as to whether Applicant's plea was knowingly and voluntarily entered. 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: April 25, 2012

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