EX PARTE STEPHON LAMAR HARRIS (other)

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS 
OF TEXAS 

NOS. WR-72-803-01; WR-72,803-02; WR-72,803-03; WR-72,803-04; WR-72,803-05 
EX PARTE STEPHON LAMAR HARRIS, Applicant
ON APPLICATIONS FOR WRITS OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NOS. 1061324; 11074998; 1075000; 1063498; & 1051333

IN THE 371ST DISTRICT COURT FROM TARRANT 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 these applications for writs of habeas corpus. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). Applicant was convicted upon his open plea of guilty to five offenses: attempted assault causing bodily injury to a public servant; two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity; possession of cocaine less than one gram; and possession of marijuana. Applicant was sentenced to twenty-five years' incarceration on the engaging in organized criminal activity counts and two years' incarceration in state jail for all other counts.

Applicant contends that his counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel failed to inform him of his right to appeal, failed to withdraw as counsel, and failed to timely file notices of 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). The trial court has made findings and recommends granting relief. However, there is nothing in the record to indicate that counsel was ever notified or was given the opportunity to respond to these allegations. 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 counsel with the opportunity to respond to Applicant's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel on appeal. 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. It appears that Applicant is represented by counsel. 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 supplemental findings of fact as to whether Applicant was denied his right to a meaningful appeal because Applicant's counsel failed to timely file a notice of appeal. The trial court shall also make any other supplemental 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: October 21, 2009

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