Post-Conviction Relief in Texas: How an 11.07 Writ Can Help Your Loved One
If someone you love is in prison in Texas, whether from Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, or anywhere in the state - you may be searching for answers, options, and hope.you may be searching for ways to help them challenge their conviction or sentence. We believe that one of the most important legal tools available is called an 11.07 Writ, also known as an Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus.
At Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys, board-certified criminal defense and criminal appeal lawyer Jacob Blizzard and board certified crimnal appeal attorney Sarah Durham help families across Texas understand and pursue post-conviction relief, including 11.07 writs.
Understanding what a writ is - and whether it applies to your loved one - can make a significant difference in their case.
What Is an 11.07 Writ?
An 11.07 Writ refers to Article 11.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which governs post-conviction habeas corpus applications for individuals who have already been convicted of a felony and are serving time in prison.
In simple terms, it is a legal process that allows a person to argue:
- Their conviction was unlawful, or
- Their sentence violates their constitutional rights
This type of writ is filed after the direct appeal process is over.
Why Families Look Into an 11.07 Writ
Families in major Texas cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio often begin researching 11.07 writs when something doesn’t feel right about their loved one’s case. You may be asking:
- “Did my loved one get a fair trial?”
- “Was their lawyer ineffective?”
- “Is there new evidence that wasn’t presented?”
- “Is there any way to fix this now that they’re in prison?”
An 11.07 writ may provide a path to address these issues, however it must be handled carefully.
What Issues Can an 11.07 Writ Raise?
An 11.07 writ is not a “second appeal.” Instead, it focuses on constitutional violations or serious legal errors that were not properly addressed earlier.
Common grounds include:
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
- Your loved one's defense attorney failed to investigate, present evidence, or advise properly
Newly Discovered Evidence
- Evidence that was not available at trial and could change the outcome
Prosecutorial Misconduct
- The prosection withheld evidence (Brady violations) or there was improper conduct during trial
Actual Innocence
- Strong evidence showing the person did not commit the crime
Illegal Sentence
- A sentence that exceeds what the law allows
Who Handles an 11.07 Writ?
Unlike appeals, an 11.07 writ is handled primarily by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) which is the highest criminal court in Texas.
Here’s how the process works:
- The writ is filed in the convicting trial court
- The trial court reviews the claims and may gather evidence
- The case is sent to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
- The CCA makes the final decision
This process applies statewide, whether the conviction occurred in Dallas County, Tarrant County (Fort Worth), Harris County (Houston), Bexar County (San Antonio), or elsewhere.
How Long Does an 11.07 Writ Take?
This is one of the most common questions families ask.
The truth is: it can take months or even years.
Factors that affect timing include:
- Complexity of the case
- Whether additional evidence or hearings are needed
- Court backlog
Patience is super important, but so is filing a strong, well-prepared application from the start.
You May Only Get One Chance
Texas law is strict about subsequent writs.
In most cases:
- You only get one full opportunity to file an 11.07 writ
- Future filings are heavily restricted
That’s why working with an experienced, board-certified attorney is so important.
Why Families Across Texas Trust Board-Certified Attorneys
Jacob Blizzard and Sarah Durham are Board Certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization - a distinction earned by only a small percentage of attorneys in Texas. Jacob is also board certified in criminal law and is among less than 80 attorneys out of the over 100,000 attorneys in Texas who has both board certifications.
For families in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and beyond, this means:
- Proven experience in complex criminal cases
- Deep understanding of Texas post-conviction law
- Strategic, thorough case development
- Attention to detail that matters in habeas corpus cases
11.07 writs require more than just filling out paperwork - each writ requires investigation, legal precision, and experience at the highest level of Texas criminal law.
Can You File More Than One 11.07 Writ?
Generally, Texas law allows only one 11.07 writ unless very specific exceptions apply.
This makes it critical to:
- Raise all valid claims the first time
- Avoid incomplete or poorly prepared filings
Filing incorrectly can limit future options. Many writs that are done by so called "writ writers", non-attorneys, or even attorneys who provide lip service that they can file a writ, even though they are not board certified in appeals or regularly do appellate work, do fail. You don't have to be an attorney to file a writ, but it has to be done right for your best chance at freedom.
How an 11.07 Writ Can Help Your Loved One
If successful, an 11.07 writ can result in:
- A new trial
- A reduced sentence
- A reversal of the conviction
- Other forms of relief
While not every case qualifies, for the right situation, it can be a powerful legal remedy.
If your loved one is in prison and you believe something went wrong in their case, it’s important to act carefully and get reliable legal guidance.
Talk To Us
If you believe a criminal conviction involved legal errors or violations of your rights, it is important to contact our firm as soon as possible. Post-conviction cases often involve strict procedural rules and deadlines.
Our firm represents clients throughout Texas in post-conviction proceedings, habeas corpus applications, and criminal appeals.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Texas post-conviction attorney and learn more about your legal options.
Contact Us Today for a Risk Free Case Review
We'd be honored to help pursue justice in your case.
There is no cost to speak with us, and no obligation. We’ll help you understand:
- Whether your claims are legally viable
- What options you may still have
- Whether professional assistance could make a difference
Call us today to schedule a free case review (325) 246-3902. You may also email us anytime with questions: appeals@blizzardlawfirm.com