Appeals and Post-Conviction
Texas and United States Post-Conviction Lawyers
At any point in the criminal process, a skillful defense lawyer can have an impact on the final outcome of a case, even after the defendant has been convicted.
Post-Trial Motions: If hired in a timely manner after conviction, a lawyer can file a motion for new trial. The motion for new trial must be filed no later than 30 days after the court imposed or suspended sentence in open court. A motion for new trial is not a prerequisite to filing an appeal.
Direct Appeals: A defendant has a right to appeal his case in state and federal cases.
In Texas, there are two reviewing courts: the Court of Appeals (the intermediate court) and the Court of Criminal Appeals (the highest court).
In federal cases in Texas, there are two reviewing courts: the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (the intermediate court) and the United States Supreme Court (the highest court).
Both the Court of Criminal Appeals and the United States Supreme Court have discretion whether to address the merits of an appeal.
Post-conviction applications for writ of habeas corpus: Even if you do not prevail on direct appeal, you may be able to pursue an application for post-conviction writ of habeas corpus. Common grounds include ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, and actual innocence.
Our defense lawyers have extensive experience handling appeals at all levels of State and federal courts, including filing cases with the Supreme Court. We are prepared to take your defense as far as it can go.
Contact our Houston law firm to schedule a consultation with a defense lawyer or call (713) 223-5959. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer calls. Se habla español.
