Fred Arispe Cruz v. Dr. George J. Beto, Director, Texas Department of Corrections

Appellant was convicted in separate trials in state court on separate charges of the felony offense of robbery by assault. In both he plead not guilty, was tried before a jury and convicted. His first sentence on September 23, 1960, was set at five to fifteen years and was affirmed on appeal. Cruz v. State, 170 Tex.Cr.R. 611, 343 S.W.2d 457. His second sentence imposed on March 16, 1961, was set at five to thirty-five years, to run consecutively to the first sentence, and was also affirmed on appeal. 172 Tex.Cr.R. 1, 351 S.W.2d 226. The appellant was not represented by counsel on either…