Meeks, Joseph ( 2006 )

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS

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NO. WR-46,609-03

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EX PARTE JOSEPH MEEKS, Applicant

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ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS

FROM CAUSE NO. 02CR2617 IN THE 122^ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF GALVESTON COUNTY

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Per curiam.

O R D E R  

   This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus which was transmitted to this Court by the clerk of the trial court pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art 11.07. Applicant pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and punishment was assessed at four years' confinement. No direct appeal was taken.

Applicant contends inter alia that he is being improperly classified as ineligible for release to mandatory supervision, because of a prior first-degree burglary of a habitation conviction. Applicant alleges that his prior burglary of a habitation conviction is not one that would render him ineligible for mandatory supervision. See Ex parte Thompson, 173 S.W.3d 458 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005).

The trial court has entered an order concluding "that there are no controverted, previously unresolved facts material to the legality of the Applicant's confinement...." However, we disagree. Applicant has stated facts requiring resolution. Because this Court cannot hear evidence, it is necessary for the matter to be remanded to the trial court for resolution. This trial court may resolve the factual issues as set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art 11.07, § 3 (d), in that it may order affidavits, depositions, or interrogatories from TDCJ, or it may hold a hearing. In the appropriate case, the trial court may rely on personal recollection.

If the trial court elects to hold a hearing, the court shall first decide whether Applicant is indigent. If the court finds that Applicant is indigent and Applicant desires to be represented by counsel, the trial court will then, pursuant to the provisions of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04, appoint an attorney to represent him at the hearing.

Following receipt of additional information, the trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether Applicant has any prior convictions which render him ineligible for mandatory supervision on this conviction. If Applicant's prior burglary of a habitation conviction does not render him ineligible for mandatory supervision, the trial court shall make findings as to why TDCJ classifies Applicant as ineligible for supervised release. The trial court shall also make any further findings of fact and conclusions of law it deems relevant and appropriate to the disposition of the application for writ of habeas corpus.

Because this Court does not hear evidence, Ex Parte Rodriquez, 169 Tex.Cr.R. 367, 334 S.W.2d 294 (Tex.Crim.App. 1960), this application for a post-conviction writ of habeas corpus will be held in abeyance pending the trial court's compliance with this order. The trial court shall resolve the issues presented within ninety days of the date of this order. ⁽¹⁾ A supplemental transcript containing all affidavits, the transcription of the court reporter's notes from any interrogatories or hearings held, along with the trial court's findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be returned to this Court within one hundred and twenty days of the date of this order. ⁽²⁾

IT IS SO ORDERED THIS THE 18^th Day of January, 2006.

EN BANC

DO NOT PUBLISH

1. In the event any continuances are granted, copies of the order granting the continuance should be provided to this Court.

2. Any extensions of this time period should be obtained from this Court.