Posey, Joseph Bernard

• Court: Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
• Decided: November 6, 2024
• Docket: WR-95,942-01
• Status: Published

Opinion

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS NO. WR-95,942-01

EX PARTE JOSEPH BERNARD POSEY, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS CAUSE NO. 1388580-A IN THE 263RD DISTRICT COURT FROM HARRIS COUNTY

Per curiam.

OPINION

Applicant pleaded guilty to manufacture and delivery of less than one gram of cocaine. He

was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. Applicant did not file a direct appeal. Applicant filed

this application for a writ of habeas corpus in the county of conviction, and the district clerk

forwarded it to this Court. See TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 11.07.

Applicant discharged this sentence. The habeas court finds credible Applicant’s assertion that

he continues to suffer consequences arising from this conviction, including its availability to impeach

his credibility and to enhance the penalty in subsequent cases. Therefore, Applicant is “confined”

for purposes of Article 11.07.

Applicant claims that he was denied due process through the use of material false evidence 2

and that his guilty plea was involuntary. These claims relate to the discovery of misconduct by

former Houston Police Officer Gerald Goines, who was the primary officer involved in the alleged

offense. Based on the record, the habeas court finds that Applicant was denied due process by the

use of material false evidence against him and that Applicant’s guilty plea was involuntary. Ex parte

Mathews, 638 S.W.3d 685 (Tex. Crim. App. 2022); Ex parte Coty, 418 S.W.3d 597 (Tex. Crim.

App. 2014). The habeas court recommends granting relief on false evidence and involuntary plea

grounds. We agree.

Relief is granted. Ex parte Chabot, 300 S.W.3d 768, 772 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009). The

judgment in cause number 138858001010 in the 263rd District Court of Harris County is set aside.

Applicant shall answer the charges as set out in the indictment. The trial court shall issue any

necessary orders within ten days from the date of this Court’s mandate.

Copies of this opinion shall be sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice–Correctional

Institutions Division and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Delivered: November 6, 2024 Do not publish