Scott, Brian
Summary of the case Scott, Brian
Brian Allen Scott was convicted of attempted delivery of a controlled substance and sentenced to thirty-one days imprisonment. He filed for a writ of habeas corpus, arguing his plea was involuntary as he was not informed it would result in a felony conviction. The trial court found the plea involuntary, believing it was a misdemeanor. Relief was granted, setting aside the judgment and remanding Scott to custody to answer the charges.
Key Issues of the case Scott, Brian
- Involuntary plea
- Misunderstanding of plea consequences
Key Facts of the case Scott, Brian
- Applicant was convicted of attempted delivery of a controlled substance.
- Applicant believed his plea would result in a misdemeanor, not a felony.
Decision of the case Scott, Brian
Relief is granted.
Opinions
IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS NO. WR-94,485-02 EX PARTE BRIAN ALLEN SCOTT, Applicant ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS CAUSE NO. 21548C A-2 IN THE 278TH DISTRICT COURT FROM WALKER COUNTY Per curiam. YEARY, J. dissented. OPINION Applicant was convicted of attempted delivery of a controlled substance and sentenced to thirty-one days imprisonment pursuant to Texas. Penal Code Section 12.44(a). Applicant filed this application for a writ of habeas corpus in the county of conviction, and the district clerk forwarded it to this Court. See TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 11.07.
Applicant contends that plea was involuntary because he was not informed that this plea would result in a felony conviction. Based on the record, the trial court has determined that Applicant’s plea was involuntary because he believed this conviction was a misdemeanor and did not understand the consequences of his plea. Relief is granted. Brady v.
United States, 397 U.S. 742 (1970). The judgment in cause 2 number 21548-C in the 278th District Court of Walker County is set aside, and Applicant is remanded to the custody of the Sheriff of Walker County to answer the charges as set out in the indictment. The trial court shall issue any necessary bench warrant within ten days from the date of this Court’s mandate. Copies of this opinion shall be sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice–Correctional Institutions Division and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Delivered: September 6, 2023 Do not publish