EX PARTE KENTON EDWARD CONNOR (other)

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS 
OF TEXAS 

NO. WR-73,108-01 
EX PARTE KENTON EDWARD CONNOR, Applicant
ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 1023493 IN THE 180TH DISTRICT COURT 
FROM HARRIS 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 was adjudicated guilty of theft and sentenced to two years' imprisonment in a state jail facility.

Applicant contends, inter alia, that his counsel rendered ineffective assistance because counsel failed to timely file a notice of appeal after telling him that she would appeal the adjudication.

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). Though counsel has already submitted affidavits in response to this application, 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). 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.

Counsel filed affidavits responding to the application and stating that she explained the "entire appellate process" to applicant and that applicant did not tell her that he wanted to appeal his case. Counsel has a duty "to consult with and fully to advise his client concerning meaning and effect of the judgment rendered by the court, his right to appeal from that judgment, the necessity of giving notice of appeal and taking other steps to pursue an appeal, as well as expressing his professional judgment as to the possible grounds for appeal and their merit, and delineating advantages and disadvantages of appeal." Ex parte Axel, 757 S.W.2d 369, 375 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988). The first step in discharging the Axel responsibilities requires the attorney to "ascertain whether the defendant wishes to appeal." Jones v. State, 98 S.W.3d 700, 703 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003). The trial court has found that counsel explained the appellate process and that applicant did not tell her he wanted to appeal. The trial court shall make additional findings of fact as to counsel's discussion with applicant with respect to his appellate rights. Specifically, the trial court shall make findings of fact as to whether counsel advised applicant of his right to appeal, whether counsel ascertained whether applicant wished to appeal, and whether counsel told applicant she would perfect appeal or file an appeal. 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 45 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 60 days of the date of this order. Any extensions of time shall be obtained from this Court.

Filed: January 13, 2010

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