Client Intake Process
Justice Doesn’t End at the Verdict
How to Start the Post-Conviction Relief Process in Texas
Guiding Families Through Hope and Legal Action
When someone you love is behind bars, it can feel like the system has closed its doors. But for many Texans, there are still available legal options to challenge a conviction or sentence – even years after the trial is over. At Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys, our post conviction team helps families explore every possible path to justice through the Texas writ of habeas corpus, appeals, and other forms of post-conviction relief.
Who We Help
This Practice Is for Clients Who:
We work with individuals and families seeking legal options after a conviction or sentence. If you believe errors, ineffective representation, or other legal issues affected your case, our team can help you understand what options may be available.
- Have already been convicted or sentenced
- Believe legal errors affected the outcome of their case
- Need an experienced appellate specialist lawyer – not another trial attorney
- Understand that post-conviction relief requires precision, not promises
If deadlines or procedural barriers exist, we identify them early and honestly. This page explains what to expect and how our intake process works when you reach out for help.
Steps
This page explains what to expect and how our intake process works when you reach out for help.
Reaching Out for Help
Most often, it’s a spouse, parent, or adult child who contacts us first. You can reach our office by phone, text, or our online form to share basic details about your loved one’s case. When you contact us:
- We’ll ask for your loved one’s full name, date of birth, county of conviction, and where they’re incarcerated.
- We’ll also ask what you already know about the case – whether there was a trial, an appeal, or any prior writs filed.
- Our team will review your message on the same business day and schedule a risk-free case assessment with one of our post-conviction attorneys screening with our intake specialist.
You don’t have to know all the answers; that’s what we’re here for. The goal is to determine whether there’s a legal pathway to bring your loved one home.
Collecting Case Information
During your free case review with our intake specialist, you will provide more details to help us build a clear picture of the case, including:
- Trial court and case number
- Type of conviction and sentence
- Any appellate or habeas history
- Prior defense attorneys involved
- Any available records that you possess (e.g. judgment, docket sheet, indictment, or transcripts)
If you don’t have documents yet, don’t worry – we’ll guide you on how to obtain them.
Review and Legal Evaluation
Once we have your intake information, you’ll schedule a case review call with one of our intake specialists. During that call, you’ll discuss your loved one’s case, and the attorney will offer possible grounds for relief, such as:
- Ineffective assistance of counsel
- Newly discovered evidence
- Due process violations
- Prosecutorial or juror misconduct
- Other constitutional violations
Filing and Representation
If you choose to proceed in hiring us, we’ll:
- Gather and review all records from the trial, appeal, and prior attorneys
- Conduct necessary legal research
- Engage in additional fact finding if necessary
- Draft and file the appropriate writ of habeas corpus or motion
- Keep your family updated at every stage
- Communicate directly with your loved one through secure mail.
Our goal is always the same: to uncover the truth, fight procedural injustices, and seek a path toward retrial, sentence reduction, or release.
The time it takes to complete the post-conviction process in Texas depends heavily on the type of post-conviction remedy pursued (direct appeal of habeas writ) and other factors, including court schedules, and complexity of issues.
On average, a direct appeal case lasts between 12 to 18 months from hire date to decision. Writs are similar, with a slightly longer estimated average of 1 to 2 years from hire date to court decision.
Clear Communication for Families
We know how stressful this process can be. You’ll always have a dedicated point of contact for updates.
You’re never left wondering what’s happening next.
What Happens After Filing
Once an 11.07 writ of habeas corpus application is filed:
- The convicting court reviews it first.
- The State has 30 days to file a response.
- The trial court may request more information via ordered affidavits or evidentiary hearing.
- The trial court will submit its Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law which culminates in a recommendation to grant or deny habeas relief.
- Finally, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals decides whether to grant relief.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys
- Board-Certified Criminal Appellate Specialist – Sarah Durham brings a very specific kind of firepower learing our post conviction division, and it’s not just “appeals knowledge.” It’s institutional advantage.
- Board-Certified Criminal Law & Criminal Appellate Specialist – Jacob Blizzard is one of few attorneys in Texas certified in both areas.
- Senior Associate Attorney Morgan Walker is passionate in her practice which focuses on post-conviction relief.
- A compassionate, family-focused approach – we treat every case as if it were our own loved one.
We’ve helped Texas famiies from Abilene to Houston, Dallas to El Paso, and across the state find renewed hope through post conviction relief.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
Start the Process Today
If you believe your loved one was wrongfully convicted, poorly represented, or denied a fair trial, don’t wait. Texas post conviction deadlines can be complex, and every day matters. Our post-conviction practice is led by an attorney who has been formally recognized for advanced expertise in criminal appellate law – bringing a higher level of analysis, strategy, and credibility to cases after conviction.
Call us today to schedule a risk-free screening. (325) 252-6064 We’ll review your loved one’s case, explain options, and help you take the first step toward freedom.