EX PARTE TERRANCE RAY SHUN CEPHUS, Applicant (Other)

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS

NO. AP-76,552
EX PARTE TERRANCE RAY SHUN CEPHUS, Applicant

ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. 0613530A IN THE 297TH DISTRICT COURT
FROM TARRANT COUNTY
Per curiam.O P I N I O N O N R E H E A R I N G

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 possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and sentenced to life imprisonment on each count. The Second Court of Appeals affirmed his convictions. Cephus v. State, No. 02-01-00251-CR (Tex. App.-Fort Worth Aug. 22, 2002, pet. ref'd).

Applicant contends that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance because he failed to request that a deadly weapon special issue be submitted to the jury at the guilt stage of his trial. On original submission, we granted Applicant a new punishment hearing. Ex parte Cephus, No. AP-76,552 (Tex. Crim. App. May 11, 2011) (unpublished). The State subsequently filed a motion for rehearing and clarification of the law. We granted its motion and now withdraw our opinion on original submission. We hold, consistent with our original opinion, that Applicant is entitled to a new punishment hearing. We also hold that at this hearing the trial court shall instruct the jury to return life sentences and make its own determination as to whether Applicant used or exhibited a deadly weapon. The sentences in cause number 0613530A in the 297th District Court of Tarrant County are set aside, and Applicant is remanded to the custody of the Sheriff of Tarrant County for a new punishment hearing. The trial court shall issue any necessary bench warrant within 10 days after the mandate of this Court issues.

Copies of this opinion shall be sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Correctional Institutions Division and Pardons and Paroles Division.

 

Delivered: November 2, 2011

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