The opinion
IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
OF TEXAS
NO. WR-94,717-02
EX PARTE RENE SERNA, Applicant
ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
CAUSE NO. CR-4096-19-F(2) IN THE 332ND DISTRICT COURT
FROM HIDALGO COUNTY
Per curiam.
OPINION
Applicant pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. 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 trial counsel failed to investigate a
defense of duress. Based on the record, the trial court has determined that trial counsel’s
performance was deficient and that Applicant would have insisted on a trial but for counsel’s
deficient performance.
Relief is granted. Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52 (1985); Ex parte Argent, 393 S.W.3d 781
(Tex. Crim. App. 2013). The judgment in cause number CR-4096-19-F in the 332nd District Court
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of Hidalgo County is set aside, and Applicant is remanded to the custody of the Sheriff of Hidalgo
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: May 8, 2024
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