Actual Innocence

– Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys

11.07 Writ Granted: Actual Innocence & Involuntary Plea Recognized

On April 19, 2023, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted our client’s 11.07 writ of habeas corpus, finding both actual innocence and that his prior guilty plea was involuntary.

He served 5 years in prison for an accused crime he didn't commit.

Parole hearing leads to freedom from Texas prison

Case Overview

Investigation Into Outdated Records Unveils a Critical Mistake

In 2017, our client was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender - a third-degree felony - and sentenced to 15 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Although the statutory maximum for a third-degree felony is 10 years, prior convictions were used to enhance his punishment range.

He served nearly five years before his release on parole in 2021. When our team conducted a full review of his TDCJ and Department of Public Safety (DPS) records, we discovered a critical mistake:

His legal duty to register as a sex offender actually expired in 2013, but outdated records incorrectly suggested he was still required to register.

Building the Path to Freedom

In 2022, DPS corrected the records to show the accurate End Registration Date. This correction proved that our client could not have been legally required to register at the time of his alleged offense in 2016 - meaning he was innocent of the charge.

Armed with this evidence, we presented the truth, and both the State and the trial court agreed.

The Court of Criminal Appeals ultimately granted our client full relief.

We Obtained Financial Relief

Our client was released from parole, and with our guidance, he successfully applied for and received compensation under the Tim Cole Act, which provides financial relief for individuals wrongfully convicted in Texas. He had served 5 years in prison.

Why Post Conviction Representation Matters

This case underscores a vital truth: justice doesn’t end at sentencing.

This is case that reflects our firm’s unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, correcting injustices, and restoring the rights and dignity of those who have been wrongfully accused.

Your Second Chance Starts Here

If you or a loved one needs guidance through the post conviction process, you don’t have to face it alone.

At Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys, we believe every person deserves the chance to rebuild their life.

Contact us today to schedule a risk free case review and take a step toward a new chapter.

Disclaimer

Attorneys Jacob Blizzard, Sarah Durham, and Morgan Walker work tirelessly to achieve the greatest possible results for each of our clients and their families. This is just one of their successful results, settlements, and verdicts. Every case and client is unique and depends upon the individual facts and circumstances of each case. Clients may or may not obtain the same or similar results in each case.