Gonzalez, Gabriel ( 2010 )

  IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

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  NO. WR-74,101-02

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EX PARTE GABRIEL GONZALEZ, Applicant

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ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS

CAUSE NO. 2005CRM000230D4 IN THE 406TH DISTRICT COURT

FROM WEBB 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 two counts of aggravated assault and sentenced to imprisonment for thirteen and fifteen years. The Fourth Court of Appeals affirmed his convictions. Gonzalez v. State, No. 04-06-00187-CR (Tex. App.–San Antonio 2007, pet. ref’d).

            Applicant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because he failed to request a limiting instruction and to object during voir dire when the State argued that proof by clear and convincing evidence is a higher evidentiary standard than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. 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). 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 order Applicant’s trial counsel to respond to Applicant’s ineffective assistance of counsel claims. 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. 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 make findings of fact and conclusions of law as to whether the performance of Applicant’s trial counsel was deficient and, if so, whether his deficient performance prejudiced Applicant. 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: September 15, 2010

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