Think Something Went Wrong With Your Loved One’s Texas Criminal Case?
Call (325) 252-6064 to schedule a free initial case review.
A conviction or unsuccessful appeal does not necessarily tell you whether every potential post-conviction issue has been evaluated. If something about the lawyer’s work, the evidence, a witness, a plea, or the appeal still troubles your family, start by identifying what happened.
At Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys, Sarah Durham, Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law, leads our post-conviction team. She works alongside Jacob Blizzard, Board Certified in both Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law, to evaluate whether the facts may support a viable legal claim. Post-conviction cases are won on the record, not on proximity. From our central Texas headquarters in Abilene, our appellate team handles writs and appeals in every corner of the state, including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth.
What Went Wrong?
Things That May Deserve a Closer Look
When the stakes are high, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of post-conviction work. Our approach is built around careful analysis, strategic thinking, and clear communication.
None of these concerns automatically establishes a right to post-conviction relief. Each must be evaluated against the record, the available evidence, the procedural history, and Texas law.
The attorney didn’t investigate
Was a witness, record, defense, or piece of evidence brought to the lawyer’s attention but never explored?
An important witness was never contacted
What would that person have said, and was the lawyer aware of them before the plea or trial?
Evidence wasn’t presented.
Was it available at the time? Why did the judge or jury never see it?
Evidence may not have been disclosed.
What information do you believe police or prosecutors had, and when did the defense learn about it?
A witness changed their story.
What did the witness say before, during, and after the case? Is there a statement or other evidence documenting the change?
New information surfaced after conviction.
What was discovered, when, and how might it affect the case?
The guilty plea raises questions.
What did your loved one understand about the agreement, and what advice or information did they have before accepting it?
The appeal did not address your concern.
Was the issue raised on appeal? Did it depend on information outside the trial record?
Statewide Representation
Serving Families Across Texas
Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys is based in Abilene and represents clients throughout Texas in post-conviction matters. Families do not need to be located near our office to seek a review of their case.
We work with families in Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, El Paso, and communities throughout the state. Our team can review the history of a case, identify potential post-conviction issues, and explain the legal options that may be available.
Dallas
Post-conviction representation for Dallas families seeking a careful review of potential legal errors and available remedies.
Fort Worth
Helping Fort Worth families understand their options after conviction, sentencing, or the conclusion of an appeal.
San Antonio
Post-conviction guidance for San Antonio families with questions about guilty pleas, legal errors, or potential relief.
Houston
Helping Houston families evaluate new evidence and other issues that may support a post-conviction claim.
El Paso
Statewide post-conviction representation for El Paso families seeking a thorough review of their loved one’s case.
Our Areas of Focus
Legal Options After Conviction
When a conviction is already in place, the legal path forward can take different forms. We focus on the post-conviction strategies that may be available based on the facts and history of each case.
Appeals
Challenging Errors That May Have Affected Your Case
We examine potential legal and procedural errors from the trial or sentencing process that may provide grounds for appellate relief.
Habeas Corpus
Addressing Constitutional and Legal Violations
We investigate claims involving ineffective assistance of counsel, constitutional violations, newly discovered evidence, and other issues that may support habeas relief.
Wrongful Convictions
Examining the Evidence Behind a Conviction
We evaluate new evidence, unreliable testimony, legal errors, and other circumstances that may call a conviction into question.
Sentence Relief
Seeking Available Remedies After Sentencing
In appropriate cases, we explore legal options involving unlawful, excessive, or otherwise challengeable sentences.
A Different Focus After Conviction
What Does a Post-Conviction Case Review Look For?
A meaningful review begins by putting the case in order:
- Procedural history: Was there a trial or plea? What happened on direct appeal or in a petition for discretionary review? Have state writs or federal petitions already been filed?
- Trial or plea record: What was actually presented to the court, and what did your loved one say or agree to on the record?
- Attorney performance: What did prior counsel do, and what specifically does the family believe was missed?
- Evidence: What existed at the time, what was presented, and what may not have been disclosed or investigated?
- Witnesses: Who testified, who did not, and has anyone’s account changed?
- New information: What surfaced after conviction, and when did it become available?
- Prior proceedings: Has the same issue already been raised or decided?
You may not have every document yet. The county of conviction, case number, important dates, and a clear description of your concern are useful places to start.
A Clear Path Forward
Find Out Whether There Is a Legal Path Forward
The question is not merely whether something went wrong. The question is whether what happened can be supported with evidence and raised through a viable legal path for relief. Led by Board Certified Criminal Appellate Law attorney Sarah Durham, with Board Certified Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law attorney Jacob Blizzard, our team helps families across Texas understand their post-conviction options. Tell us what happened in your loved one’s case, even if you are unsure what to call it.
Quick Case Review
We learn about the conviction, timeline, sentence, and prior legal representation.
Case Evaluation
Our team reviews the circumstances of the case and identifies potential legal issues or available remedies.
Options & Next Steps
We explain what options may be available, what challenges may exist, and what the next steps could look like.
Strategic Representation
If we determine that your case has a viable path forward, we discuss the appropriate legal strategy.
What Concerns You?
What concerns you?
You can begin with the concern that sounds closest to your family’s experience. You do not have to diagnose the legal issue yourself.
- The lawyer failed to investigate
- We believe the conviction was wrongful
- Important evidence wasn’t presented
- The appeal was denied
- We discovered new evidence
- Evidence may have been withheld
- We’re not sure—we just know something wasn’t right
- My loved one was pressured into a plea
- Improper jury instructions
Experienced Post-Conviction Attorneys
A Team Focused on the Next Phase of Your Case
Our attorneys bring experience in criminal appellate law, habeas proceedings, and post-conviction litigation.
Sarah Durham
Partner | Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law
Sarah leads the firm’s post-conviction division, advocating for individuals and families pursuing relief after conviction.
Jacob Blizzard
Managing Partner | Board Certified in Criminal Law & Criminal Appellate Law
Jacob brings extensive experience in criminal law, appellate matters, habeas proceedings, and post-conviction litigation.
Morgan Walker
Senior Associate Attorney
Morgan focuses on post-conviction matters and works closely with clients and families throughout the legal process.
Post Conviction Expertise
Texas Board Certification brings a distinct level of skill, recognition, and strategic advantage.
Strategic Representation
You get experienced post conviction lawyers who vigorously pursue 2nd chances for clients.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Within our record of results, you’ll find a variety of successful post conviction outcomes for our clients.
Together, we’ll fight for justice.
Still Fighting After a Texas Conviction?
If you or someone you love is facing the consequences of a criminal conviction, understanding your legal options is an important first step.
Our team offers a confidential, no-cost Quick Case Review to learn about your situation, examine potential legal avenues, and help you understand whether post-conviction relief may be available. You don’t have to navigate the process alone. Let’s explore what comes next.