Beal v. State

OPINION

in which KELLER, P.J., MEYERS, PRICE, WOMACK, JOHNSON, KEASLER and HOLCOMB, JJ., joined.

Today we settle the question of which date should be used in determining the *795finality of a prior conviction alleged in an indictment for enhancement purposes. We hold that it becomes final when the appellate court issues its mandate affirming the conviction.

Appellant was indicted for committing the offense of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver on July 7, 1998. This indictment contained an enhancement paragraph alleging that appellant had previously been convicted of…