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Hardman v. State
614 S.W.2d 123
Tex. Crim. App.
1981
Check Treatment

*1 overruling court erred ROBERTS, Before ODOM and CLIN- for mistrial. motion TON, JJ. cause is The is reversed remanded. OPINION

ROBERTS, Judge. ODOM,J., dissents. guilty burgla- found ry of a vehicle. The trial court sentenced years’

him to ten confinement. following appellant complains attorney remarks made prosecuting during at the or inno- jury argument guilt stage

cence of the trial: * * * HARDMAN, Appellant, Steven HARMON:

“MR. Mr. is a crimi- Scheve [defendant’s counsel] lawyer.

nal defense doesn’t have Texas, He Appellee. The STATE of I do. He duty represents same No. 66474. his duty His see that criminal. gets putting client if it off even means Texas, Appeals Court Criminal lying. on witnesses who are No. 3. Panel Honor, we “MR. Your SCHEVE: March to that. object 15, 1981. Rehearing Denied objection. “THE I sustain the COURT: duty duty. That is his not his ly-

put witness that he knows ing. furthermore, I

“MR. And SCHEVE: would ask for a mistrial. mistrial.

“THE I’ll deny COURT: jury have that’s not instructed a correct statement law.” *2 Tatum, Nacogdoches, appellant.

Paul Huttash, Atty., Alfred State’s Robert Austin, for the Walker, Atty., Asst. State’s State. *3 DAVIS, McCORMICK G.

Before TOM TEAGUE, JJ.

OPINION DAVIS, Judge.

TOM G. revoking order taken from an Appeal is probation. 2,1978, before the in a trial

On plea court, upon convicted his appellant was Punish- of a vehicle. guilty burglary On probated. years, at 2 ment was assessed 1978, a motion to filed October the State the same probation. On appellant’s revoke filed, a war- revoke was the motion to day arrest. was issued for rant to re- hearing on the motion court held a proba- Appellant’s 1980. voke on of the was revoked at the conclusion hearing. original his appellant contends

Initially, He maintains conviction is invalid. guilty his accepting plea court erred read or se- having the indictment without reading. curing a waiver of such part: recites judgment in this case guilty pleaded and the Defendant ... “... indict- charged to the offense to the objection There was no ment. ...” matter record. This approval appeal. in this the first time raised for 26.11, V.A.C.C.P., as fol- provides lows: having been

“The name of the accused called, spoken as is suggestion, such if no Articles, be preceding four of as made, disposed being or made directed, shall the indictment before read, whether the defendant asked not, charged.” as therein guilty he is Tex.Cr.App., Clardy v. con- presented a defendant presented and it that now tention similar to was stated: “Next, appellant urges that the trial The record from plea of guilty pro- court erred in plea his accepting guilty ceeding reflects as follows: having without the indictment read to “THE right. COURT: All In view of him and securing a waiver of your plea guilty and the evidence the— reading. such He cites and relies showing you’re will guilty, Court find 26.11, V.A.C.C.P., Article and Johnson v. you And, uh, First, guilty. say let me — 118 Tex.Cr.R. range this. You’re familiar with the punishment, you I don’t believe I’ve told “The clearly case at bar this, range are familiar with the reflects that after by jury waiver punishment? Burglary In the case of the appellant arraigned open ‘was and in a Vehicle it is time of not less than two pleaded guilty charge nor more than ten a fine of years tained in the indictment.’ Such instru- $5,000.00or both fine imprison- such *4 Court, ment further reflects ‘The having ment. If you didn’t understand that you read, heard the indictment the defend- now would want your plea to withdraw thereto, ant’s plea the evidence sub- of guilty you do explain so. didn’t mitted, and argument of counsel you. that to it and you You understand * * *’ thereon still plead guilty? want to Yes.” “THE DEFENDANT: “If the recitations in the accepting plea Prior to of guilty, parts of the were record not cor- the court is to admonish the defendant of rect, then we objection observe no the range punishment attached to the approval of the record was offered 26.13(a)(1), offense. If supra. Art. the rec appellant. We further call attention to ord affirmatively does not show an admon the provisions 44.24, of Article V.A.C.C.P. range punishment, ishment as to the (Presumptions on Appeals) require guilty plea is invalid. McDade v. this Court to presume, among other Tex.Cr.App., 562 S.W.2d things, arraigned that the defendant was pleaded that he to the indictment Although gave appellant the court unless such an issue in matter was made accepting his plea, admonishment after below, the court or unless it affirmatively record further reflects that appears contrary from the record. See given option withdrawing Boening v. [Tex.Cr.App., plea following the belated admonishment 469], supra. range Appellant on the punishment. “We find from what has been said that persisted in entering plea guilty. Un been compliance with Article circumstances, der such we find the court 26.11, supra, contrary con- giving with substantially complied the re tention.” Id. and 537. quired Whitten admonishment. See We conclude that the record in the 156; State, Tex.Cr.App., 587 S.W.2d Art. instant case does support appellant’s not 26.13(c). concerning alleged contention an violation contends the Finally, appellant 26.11, Moreover, of Art. supra. in Reed v. revoking proba abused its discretion in his Tex.Cr.App., 500 S.W.2d it was tion. He maintains that the revocation held that a contention as that now such expiration held after presented may not be raised the first be probationary time on term was unauthorized appeal. appre cause of a lack effort to diligent of a Appellant original plea next contends his filing hend him of motion following the of guilty is invalid. He maintains the court to revoke. failed to admonish him on properly range of punishment compliance State, Tex.Cr.App., with Cotton v. V.A.C.C.P. the Court stated: fees, arbitrary appointed attorney’s do “Although “Pay we not condone a Court proceedings, law, we do delays cost, in revocation provided by as assessed as preserve reiterate that to such contention of $50.00 the sum of at the rate $250.00 it is incumbent commencing day on the first per month such hear- develop raise and the issue at next month of the date ing to review.” appellate secure the first day and a like sum on all his contention until of said Appellant did not raise of each month thereafter full; concerning a lack before diligence cost, inas- fee, paid assessed as Therefore, hearing. the revocation during Hartman, he, paid much Steven preserve alleged he has failed to error eight months.” period over a $0 in that it for the first be raised that he Anthony Chaviers testified time We find this contention to appeal. Nacogdoches County. probation officer be without merit. Chavi- probation, After challenge the suffi- Appellant does not the terms conditions ers discussed ciency support the evidence to the court’s did not probation with him. Chaviers Nevertheless, revoking probation. order because the supervise appellant’s probation the dissent would reverse the revocation transferred to reporting requirement was unassigned order on error the basis of was informed County. Appellant Harris theory employing estoppel under regard contacted that he would be tract law. *5 report he was to when and with whom pro- appellant’s The record reflects that Department. County Probation the Harris failing bation was revoked for to: he was the Richard Brice testified Department “Report to the Probation Judi- for the 145th chief officer monthly in between the 1st and writing introduced a The cial District Court. month, in person 10th of each day request copy placement of an intrastate so; to do inas- days within ten of notice County Proba- sent Brice to the Harris he, Hardman, much as Steven did Lyle 24, The Department April 1978. tion report person writing fail to in and in 1978; 1978; to be March, appellant’s probation April, request was for the months of restitution, 1978; June, 1978; 1978; Houston, all May, July, supervised Au- in 1978; 1978; gust, September, by appel- be mailed fees and court costs to County Probation Nacogdoches lant in to the “Pay the cost of Court in this cause of Department. copy of a letter days Finally, sum within 60 from the $65.20 he, of was in- judgment; date inasmuch Houston appellant Brice sent to in Hardman, of Lyle Steven a total paid $0 letter is dated troduced into evidence. The months; period eight over a of 1978, appellant to instructed Probation De- County fee in sum of “Pay $15.00 contact Harris per provided month as law in Article May 8 and partment between 6A, of Section of the Code Criminal he was an adult Zama testified that Peter Procedures, day on the first commencing in Zama stated probation officer Houston. the next month from the date Nacogdo- request that he from day of judgment, and on the first each appellant’s probation County ches the term of this during month thereafter County Probation supervised by the Harris he, probation; Lyle inasmuch as Steven Department. appellant in- Zama wrote Hardman, paid period eight over a $0 report time to forming him of a date and months; but, proba- reported never appellant sum “Pay restitution the total July department in Houston. per month at the rate of $25.00 $25.00 appel- supervision attempted commencing day on the first of the com- terminated. lant in Houston was he, month, inasmuch as Steven ing he had been a Brett Walker testified Hardman, period eight paid over $0 Nacogdoches County. months; officer in fee, month appellant Walker wrote to in Houston on restitution in the 7, 1978, August and informed him that he attorney’s amount of $25.00 $250.00 proba- be considered in violation of his fees at the rate a month. The $50.00 tion by failing report to the Harris Coun- admitted, objection, ty Probation Department. Appellant styled a document “Probation Record” instructed to contact a officer appellant’s probation by maintained for Houston within 10 days of letter. Depart- County Probation spaces ment. The record contains for writ- evidence thus reveals that required ten entries to be when recorded was instructed on at least four occasions to probationary payments were made. The report to a officer in Houston and record introduced does not contain en- that he never did so. The dissent would indicating by appellant tries payment report excuse failure to in Hous- fees, required costs or restitution. ton because there is no to show evidence ever received the letters pay record con- The dissent maintains the Brice, from Zama and Walker. stitutes “zero evidence” because rep- document testimony no as to what the When a letter or mail mat represent. resented or purported ter is and mailed with properly addressed record was not dissent contends that postage prepaid, pre there is a rebuttable proof must be self-proving and that there sumption of received by fact that it was patently apparent as to its contents. It addressee as soon as have been it could that the the issues dissent confused ordinary transmitted to him in course of proba- of the record and the admissibility the mails. National Aid Life Ass’n v. Dris once admitted. tive value of the record kill, (Tex.Civ.App . —East case, land writ). no In the instant consti question The record ap there was no evidence to indicate that under the tutes an official record admissible pellant never received the letters. 3731a, regard terms of Art. With V.A.C.S. *6 therefore the letters were in presumed that record, it was admissibility of that by appellant fact Houston. predicate the self-proving not in terms of Moreovér, solely ig to focus on the letters which should be established for its introduc verbally nores the fact that in Chaviers However, into there was no tion evidence. appellant concerning reporting structed the the State’s failure objection by appellant to requirement in Houston. pay to The record lay proper predicate. the appeal, not raised in this Although value probative as admitted therefore had we find the supports evidence the court’s proceeding. probation in this revocation order for revoking appellant’s probation State, Tex.Cr.App., 600 Frazier v. Moreover, failing to rule in this report. the constitutes 271. The record itself is government State is that when a unit of recited non-facts evidence of the facts or exercising governmental powers, its it is Practice, Texas Ray, therein. 1A R. subject estoppel. not to of Hutchins v. City (3rd 1980). pay the ed. We conclude Prasifka, (Tex.1970). appellant finding that supports record the The dissent further maintains that the fees, costs and required pay failed to the support the evidence is insufficient is abuse of discretion restitution. No revoking probation appellant’s court’s order pro appellant’s shown in the revocation of the failure to four violations other than bation. above, does not report. appellant As noted The is affirmed. challenge sufficiency the of the evidence support the revocation order. TEAGUE, dissenting. Judge, probation

The conditions of order of the an required appeal him court costs of This is an from pay $65.20 probation. revoking appellant’s within 60 of trial court days $15.00 (3) 2, 1978,1 capias A or warrant arrest issued appellant On was by the placed probation years on for two day. on the same judge then of the 145th Judicial presiding not, however, (4) was arrested Appellant Barlett, Court, who District Hon. Thomas 9, April until was sitting presiding then for the elected 16, 1980, (5) April was held on hearing A 5, judge, Hon. On Jack Pierce. October was re- appellant’s probation which after 1978, B. Hancock district the Hon. Herbert voked. application filed an for revocation attorney, satis- Thus, question, Pierce, probation who then Judge with elements re- necessary fied four to issue for ordered a warrant arrest proba- term of probation after the voking a 1980, 9, the warrant appellant. April On remains: expired. question placed was was appellant executed and attempted to diligently whether the State County jail. hearing A filing after prosecute the motion to revoke on April held after arrest warrant of of same and after the Judge appellant’s probation Pierce ordered e., effort to issued, diligent i. was revoked. apprehend between October jurisdiction Appellant questions first 9, 1980, approximately hold revocation months? hearing had because term violation of expired Ordinarily, alleged where an hearing. at the time of the proba- term of within the probation occurs Where Court confronted tion, capias of arrest or warrant revoking probation, order after probationer, for the arrest issues expired, term of issue hearing unduly de- thereafter properly appeal, drawn revoked, even layed, revoked, following nevertheless be if the has or would though the term of are proved by elements the State. hearing. expired have at the time (1) The motion to revoke filed record that no from this question There is probation; the term of hearing speedy was accorded (2) capias A within the warrant or issues from the date of his arrest term or probationary period; week from that exactly one conducted pros- (3) diligently attempts The State However, see Lynch date. revoke, including ecute the motion mere fil- (Tex.Cr.App.1973),the S.W.2d 740 appellant; apprehension with- ing probation, of a motion to revoke (4) oc- alleged violation more, revoking out an order will not sustain *7 pro- the the prior expiration curred intervening Barring any the probation. bationary period; and causes, probation has when the term (5) The a trial holds revocation over jurisdiction the court’s expired, hearing delay. undue Thus, it ap- the is terminated. State, (Tex. See Zillender v. 557 S.W.2d 515 cases re- pears reading the close therein, and the cases cited Cr.App.1977), or motion application an flects where (Tex. 808 and v. 365 S.W.2d Stover during the term probation is filed revoke Cr.App.1963). issues, probation, of arrest and warrant record, I find the follow- reviewing In the in either delay unreasonable ing: or there the of the warrant execution (1) on Feb- Appellant probation conducting hearing in delay unreasonable 2, 1978, and the term ruary revoke, matter be- on motion to the years. was for two the rea- quasi-jurisdictional. Should comes satisfactorily delay on Octo- son not be (2) A to revoke was filed for motion not have shown, does then trial court ber 1978. supplied throughout by Emphasis the writer unless otherwise indicated. 130

jurisdiction subject, (1955); over the 727 probation- S.W.2d Bobo v. 479 hand, er. theOn if it is shown there (Tex.Cr.App.1972); S.W.2d 947 Bryant v. delay not an unreasonable in either (Tex.Cr.App.1973); S.W.2d regard, is, the execution of the war- (Tex. and Coffey v. rant or hearing, ques- then there is no Cr.App.1973); see also Texas Digest, regarding jurisdiction of the trial 982.3, Key Criminal Law cases col court to revoke even after the lated thereunder. Thus, term of expired. it is The reliance on v. State’s Strickland incumbent part party seek- State, (1975), Tex.Cr.App., 523 S.W.2d 250 ing to jurisdiction invoke the of the trial misplaced for there the defendant testified court to show juris- that the trial court had to one fact and his officer contra- subject, diction over probationer, leaving testimony, dicted his thus the issue the time of the in hearing, order to obtain a for credibility and fact as one the trial valid order of to carry revocation. Failure Here, adjudicate. court to there is no evi- that burden will result fundamental or any dence from source to show reason reversible error. of the war- delay for the in the execution would, therefore, V.A.T.C.C.P. sustain rant of arrest. ground first of error. The facts whether the question, simply put, The issue, on this following: show the failed, law, of Texas as a matter of State Judgment placing the Defendant securing exercise due the exe diligence on was entered on upon appel cution of the warrant of arrest 1978. An for Revocation of Application lant, for that was their burden to sustain. Probation was filed District Attor- by the in civil analogy I find a dose to this issue 5,1978, on ney setting October forth alle- plaintiff’s law where a claim barred

gations of technical violations connec- limitations. by statute of Application tion with five matters. The fact by here does with the quarrel to Revoke file bears the clerk’s mark of nothing the record did 5, 1978, appeal agents on its reflecting ap- October a fiat from of arrest issued plication was the District the time the warrant presented to sum, on same there is provides Court said date. The fiat for until was executed. what, if nothing show-cause to be set on Novem- show by this record to 7, 1978, p. ber at 1:30 m. The order of ar occurred with the warrant anything, provides further for the clerk to issue a what members rest in this interim. I find shows that capias. The record further unanimously of our said Supreme Court was issued clerk’s warrant for arrest Thomas, Rigo Manufacturing Company on 1978. The officer’s return October (Tex.1970), appropriate Butler, shows it was executed Dora of this cause as applicable disposition deputy Lightfoot, John Sheriff of hold that ground to this of error. I would Texas, Nacogdoches bearing a County, application to filing the mere of a motion or on return that the instrument came hand interrupt revoke will not or toll 9, 1980, April and was executed on probation, but to running of the term of 9, 1980, arresting the said De- proba interrupt running of the term placing fendant at him tion, *8 procuring the diligence the use of Nacogdoches County jail on required execution of the arrest warrant 9, 1980. is a why and For reasons this mandatory. Couch, law, Tex. good rule of see Buie v. appears This to me to also be a case of 565, Waco, (1939). 566 Civ.App., 126 In S.W.2d impression point. first on this addition law, find, of I would therefore as a matter Lynch, supra, the reader is directed to 562, satisfy failed in this cause to McBee v. 316 that the State 166 Tex.Cr.R. or due showing its burden in reasonable (1958); Pollard v. warrant of 39, (1962); Ex diligence Tex.Cr.R. the execution Fennell, ap sustain parte appellant, 126 Tex.Cr.R. 284 arrest for and would tions, me.” to the error for this rea contact addition pellant’s ground first of son order reversed and letters, and would the case also sent a Mr. Brett Walker above appellant. judgment rendered in favor 7,1978 L. August to “Steven a letter dated Hardman,” per “As our letter which stated: as a Although by appellant not raised report you dated were 4/24/78 error, issue in ground of there is another Department.” County Probation Harris this cause that should be considered have not justice, they me that “They interest see Sec. have notified V.A.C.C.P., and I do so. whatsoever.” had contact with any 10 days.” report to them “You are was dispute appellant There is no a viola- do considered “Failure to so 2, 1978, on placed probation.” tion of your given is no he was certain dispute there date, on that conditions Officer Zama, Probation Peter an Adult no he and was dispute assigned District Court assigned to the 174th Judicial by interviewed a officer on that Texas, he re- testified County, in Harris day, pro- same and was admonished letters, he also never above ceived the bation officer to with the conditions comply he although had met personally appellant, However, probation. apparently March, 1978. appellant “contact” with relationship end any between when occurred apparently This “contact” Chaviers, appellant Nacogdo- and Mr. Lyle he, too, wrote a letter to “Steven officer, ches County probation for Chaviers did not he Hartman,” but at the he appellant testified never thereafter saw correspondence nor such any have person. “I case.” This transferred the he a letter did he know when mailed causing “transfer” consisted of Chaviers subsequently He Hartman.” Lyle “Steven Brice, Mr. Richard Chief Probation Officer “Nacogdoches County wrote letter to the to write a letter to County, He thereafter Department.” Probation Street, one Frank J. Keegan at Caroline Lyle Hartman.” file closed his on “Steven Floor, 77002, and, Houston, Texas, 2nd among things, other the letter is entitled in- that when he Chaviers also testified “Intrastate Request,” Placement he he told terviewed requested investiga- states: “It is that an “uh, for desired anywhere could live he tion accept- be made with a view toward purposes, other employment purposes or supervision.” ance of this case for and, uh, a letter from that he should receive record nowhere reflects who or what Kee- “Also, department us.” Though gan represents. be or who he receive letter jurisdiction would in that personally Keegan know Frank head be in the letter instructions would and the Depart- the Harris Probation County Adult report.” as to when to ment, permit the law does not me to take counsel hearing, appellant’s During the judicial McCormick notice of fact. See question of whether continuously raised ed., Evidence, Practice, Texas 2nd Ray, delegation there had been an unlawful 151, p. 170. also states: The letter whether there court or power by “Mr. Hardman has been instructed to power exercise was an unlawful the week of probation department tact your employees. probation department’s Brice sent a let- May 8th-May 12th.” also Judge nor Bartlett undisputed that neither same day, April ter dated the Pierce, judge Judge nor Hartman, 110 addressed “Steven granted appellant per- matter, orally ever Houston, Texas,” stating: “Dear Bagby, Houston, much less go anywhere, mission to County Proba- the Harris Steven: Contact Texas, although the written County, Harris 8th-May May the week of Department signed by Judge Bartlett formal courtesy supervi- 12th for consideration of and with- does “Remain a resident state: sion” are located at 401 Caroline “They *9 Texas; of Tex- Houston, Harris of the State Floor, in the limits of Street, Phone: 2nd depart by as, to ques- you permitted “If are you 713-229-9661.” have unless delegate this to a offi Department.” authority probation the Court and/or Probation Appellant personally copy cer or else. McDonald v. anyone Nacogdoches instrument. Apparently, (Tex.Cr.App.1969); DeLeon judgment also County copy the formal (Tex.Cr.App.1971); 466 S.W.2d of probation.” constitutes the “conditions (Tex.Cr. Kuenstler v. on original proceedings About all the show 42.12, 5 and App.1972); and Secs. Bartlett, point Judge this is that after com- V.A.C.C.P. pletion punishment proceed- of the plea proba- only appear Not does it ings, “go proba- told with the appellant rule, all forgot officers below this but tion tion officer.” overlooked parties appear below to have So, record, following: from I find the this V.A.C.C.P., pro- 9 of Art. which on

(1) placed probation. Appellant reasons, “If, vides: and sufficient good resi- (2) go change He is to with their by probationers told the trial court desire may officer. transfer dence within the such supervis- to their by application be effected (3) He receives a of the written officer, transfer shall ing probation which, things, among subject subject to court’s consent tells him to “remain a resident and as may require regulation as the court limits Harris such officer Texas.” absence of a is trans- probationer locality to which the (4) officer tells absolutely no There should be ferred.” he desired for anywhere he could live provision question from this record purposes. or other employment purposes There cause.2 with in this complied was not (5) wrote a let- Another officer original is not a scintilla of evidence him to Keegan requesting ter to a Frank of- ever proceedings to show “with a view to- investigation make an Nacogdoches from transferred ficially for supervi- ward of this case acceptance Department The Probation County. sion.” officially accepted ap- County Harris never (6) Lyle A letter addressed to “Steven pellant probationer. telling person Hartman” was sent who officer and not some County Probation “contact” the Harris trans- probationer decides whether the “for consideration of a cour- Department are condi- fer, his actions and even then tesy supervision.” being accepted probationer tioned (7) saying sent Another such letter was department. receiving by “report” to the Harris person County Department. Probation by the writ- Here, is told Officer (8) County A Harris Probation as a “Remain that he is to ten Hart- wrote a letter to also “Steven of Harris of limits resident and within the man.” Texas, permit- are unless the State (9) All of letters were sent non-cer- these Proba- and/or depart by ted to the Court by were received they tified and whether person- then Appellant Department.” or returned is Lyle Hartman” “Steven County pro- meets with a ally adduced testimony not shown he never saw officer, who testified bation this record. “I transferred appellant again because: to, presumably, Letters are sent case.” appear All of in this cause parties Depart- Probation Adult County Harris only sight of the fact have lost make ment, they if would asking them of the case having jurisdiction trial court ac- if would later investigation they to see fix the term and condi shall determine and When probationer. as a cept appellant tions of The trial court probation. affirmatively jurisdiction, parties, the record should er and the If it is the intention of the this, court, not. person placed this record does show the time a trial probation, transferred to anoth- that he shall be *10 fruitful, Q term prove right, not All sir. believe that and investigation their did case,” judgment is that the too, presuma- the in that they, “transferred condition received, not is that bly Nacogdoches, back to but until hear- himself Defendant revoke, ing appears on motion it that to correct? from the time “transferred” A Yes. case, nothing had office uh, tell, Q Defendant you Did also further do case. to with the to he had writing that verbally and in court, was relationship $65.20 cost pay

It has been said that date of the sixty from the probationer days between the court and McDonald, nature, supra, judgment? contractual see therein, and condi- the cases cited and that A Yes. clearly tions of should be set Q Did tell the Defendant you also granting forth in the and order he one, Lyle Hardeman Mr. Steven probation so the probationer and au- provided per month as pay was to $15.00 what the certainty thorities know by law in this cause? Therefore, conditions are. based A Yes. law, tract I find its estopped the State tell him Q right, you All Did also sir. “contract,” claiming actions toward the amount he pay had to restitution report. City to appellant failed per month $25.00 at a rate $25.00 Lubbock, Green, (5th Texas v. 201 F.2d 146 first com- commencing day on the 1953). To would put Cir. hold otherwise grant- ing after the month position of hav- unenviable ed? ing to to report two different A That’s correct. time, departments at on the same the same counties, day, in approximately different he had Q advise him that you Did also 143 miles as the flies. I would there- crow amount to fees in the pay attorneys’ required fore hold a cannot be per month? $50.00 at the rate $250.00 report probation depart- two different A That’s correct. ments under these circumstances. See also Q uh, made these, Was admonishments infra, footnote person you? and in writing both in violations, alleged name- Yes, they A were. costs, ly, that failed to pay does, however, reflect The record fee, failed pay monthly supervisory introduced Mr. offered had Hancock restitution, failed pay pay and failed evidence, objection, origi- “the into without appointed his court fee. How- attorney’s of the Dis- in the file nal that’s ever, searching hearing, the record of the Court,” into also admitted trict had from top sideways, to bottom and there is evidence, objection, “a not show a violation of only no evidence to original in Mr. Gartman’s records contained conditions, alleged of these uh, 10,533-78 1, Number office in Cause — support even a scintilla of evidence to 2nd, stating, entry, date of fact, allegations. following what Probation,’ probation rec- ‘Two Years alleged these viola- concerning adduced office in this ords of the District Clerk’s out tions. Two, if it case Number as State’s Exhibit Q And, explain did [Mr. Hancock] not even a person, No please the Court.” term condition of clerk of clerk deputy district reportings? his monthly reference documents or court, to these ever testified A Yes. [Mr. Chaviers] they purport represent or what they what Q in writ- Did that to him you explain instrument, labeled represent. All ing in person, also? RECORD,” reflects is the “PROBATION Yes, following A and no more. I did. *11 speculation (b)

Only by employee could anyone say representative or what this document stands for or what it personal contents, (c) knowledge of its means, missing, regard, etc. isWhat in this or near the time The record question. in is “testimony,” Roberts, Judge for as speak may memorandum be offered ing Court, for a said majority entrant, custodian, qualified or other wit- Gassett v. (Tex. 532 330 S.W.2d ness, though personal even he lack Cr.App.1976): 3737e, knowledge of its contents. Art.

[******] Sec. Lumpkin 2. v. 524 S.W.2d 302 (Tex.Cr.App.1975). 3737e, “Business” is defined V.T.C.A., sets out the well- broadly enough 4 to include the Sec. recognized exception “business records” law here- agencies enforcement involved hearsay rule. Subsection 1 thereof Coulter v. in. states three prerequisites the introduc- tes- tion of a (Tex.Cr.App.1973). permits relevant business record or Section timony (a) memorandum: it must have been record as to the absence of such a business, made in the regular course of or memorandum would seem to con- minimum, represents zero evidence. only pre- trol at bar. The the situation requisite 3 to the introduc- (Tex.Cr.App. stated v. Salas the non- testimony showing of such Door 1966); and Co. Steves Sash act, event, or existence of an condition Antonio, Intern., San Tex.Civ.App., WBH act, must find that such judge hist.). (no writ (1978) 575 S.W.2d 355 event, or condition would otherwise were mailed be that four letters ordinary recorded and preserved *12 name ap- same as person bearing to a in of business at or near the time course to show but is no evidence pellant, there question. Presumably testimony by ap- that were ever letters given by 3 should be templated pellant. “entrant, qualified custodian or other maxim equitable is true is an there 2. witness” mentioned in Sec. equity into must says, that “He who comes sum, nothing In is to show record there this hands,” find there is but I come with clean payments show or non- the record to appropriate more equitable maxim another is payments There not a scin- by appellant. regards as “Equity cause to this and that tilla record of evidence in this to show done,” and, in ought done that to the Clerk of the Dis- connection between record, I have upon this Nacogdoches County my opinion, trict Court of and the based De- is to County Adult Probation done and ought done what to be vice-versa, partment, or a state- than be reversed. recommend this case ment that “The Clerk showing no there is Since De- Court will furnish the Probation has lawful condition violated partment and the Defendant court, I conclude that imposed by the order, and shall note on the docket sheet revoking in trial court abused its discretion of such to the Defend- delivery date probation.3 record, ant.” A business like motion of order this cause to be I would therefore accused, an self-proving is not a document. ap- for contents, non-contents, here, As reversed rendered4 to or and its instrument, proof. pellant. must be This at a worded, record, judgment, proba way 3. The it as to the condition of the condition this might report, “Report probably to states: to Probation it consti exist for as well not Department monthly writing authority delegation in 1st between the an tutes by unauthorized person and ten in employee 10th of each month and the court to days permit Presiding Judge to do so notice and department. Onion’s See Department Probation Officers to visit pointed v. comments Cox your application 1969). home elsewhere.” (Tex.Cr.App. See also Parsons alleged alleged appellant (1974), revoke this and also and cases v. 513 S.W.2d report through Septem failed to from March page cited at ber, 1978, inclusive. application Order of Revocation course, tracks the what the verbatim. In addition to to v. Frazier 4. Of see above, phrase recognize “Report (Tex.Cr.App.1980), hear I have said I extremely vague objection Department” say testimony at a Probation admitted probative ambiguous, impossible and report for it is for one “to revocation of Department.” light suffi to the Probation itself constitute in and of value record, revoking support where the trial court sets this of an order cient probátion, question evidence type go probationer document tells the clerk’s condition and then but the above meet this mini officer it is not cannot be construed repre probationer proof and the as this document shown where the went mal standard of sents, proba revoking appellant’s proba “transfers” officer then as a for basis tion, change support court’s tioner but there is no probation report, condition no evidence probationer zero evidence where the is to It is still as to order of revocation. payment why regarding given allegations support fees, to the reasons in addition reversal, does not even think this case calls for a tion be a this condi restitution costs and preponderance vague meeting probably ambiguous as to so come close to the evidence standard quires State, proof re nullity. this Court The condition of only reporting clearly See Scarmado out should set cases. revocation where, report, 1974). (Tex.Cr.App. whom the is to 517 S.W.2d 293 report. zero, my is to plus equals on what date he plus when and if Zero zero still zero (Tex.Cr.App. 608 S.W.2d 229 Harris v. math is correct. 1980). Here, practical purposes, under for all

Case Details

Case Name: Hardman v. State
Court Name: Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
Date Published: Mar 18, 1981
Citation: 614 S.W.2d 123
Docket Number: 66474
Court Abbreviation: Tex. Crim. App.
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