Texas 11.07 Writ of Habeas Corpus
Post-Conviction Relief for Those Seeking a Second Chance
When a person has been convicted of a felony in Texas and has exhausted their direct appeals, the 11.07 writ of habeas corpus becomes the primary legal tool to continue fighting for their freedom. At Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys, our post-conviction team - led by board-certified criminal defense and criminal appellate attorney Jacob Blizzard and supported by attorneys Sarah Durham and Morgan Walker - focuses extensively on preparing and litigating 11.07 writs with precision, urgency, and care.
What Is an 11.07 Writ of Habeas Corpus?
An 11.07 writ is a special legal proceeding authorized under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 11.07. It allows a person convicted of a felony (who is serving a Texas Department of Criminal Justice sentence) to challenge their conviction or sentence after the normal appeal process is over.
It is not a second appeal.
It is not a retrial.
It is a post-conviction attack on the legality of the conviction itself.
An 11.07 writ gives a person one final opportunity to show that something fundamentally went wrong in their case - something serious enough that their conviction cannot stand under the law.
When Is an 11.07 Writ Used?
Individuals file an 11.07 writ when they can demonstrate that a constitutional or legal violation affected the outcome of their trial, plea, or sentencing. Common grounds include:
1. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel (IAC)
Examples include:
- Failure by your defense attorney to investigate key evidence
- Failure to call critical witnesses
- Failing to challenge illegal searches
- Poor advice about plea deals
- Not presenting mitigating evidence
2. Newly Discovered Evidence
This includes:
- Witnesses who recant, take back their testimony at trial
- New scientific evidence
- Previously unavailable records
- Actual evidence of innocence
3. Due Process Violations
Such as:
- Prosecutorial misconduct
- Withholding exculpatory evidence (Brady violations)
- Involuntary pleas
4. Actual Innocence Claims
A powerful - but high burden - pathway for clients who can present new, credible evidence showing they did not commit the crime.
5. Changes in the Law
Sometimes new constitutional rulings or statutory changes apply retroactively to a case.
Why an 11.07 Writ Matters
The 11.07 writ is often the last meaningful chance to correct a wrongful conviction in Texas. For many incarcerated individuals, it is the only legal mechanism left to:
- Clear their name
- Get a new trial
- Reduce a sentence
- Expose constitutional failures in their case
- Fight for freedom when all other avenues have closed
Without a properly prepared writ, the conviction becomes final - and nearly impossible to reopen later.
Why Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys Excel in 11.07 Writs
Post-conviction law is complex, highly specialized, and deadline-sensitive. Many attorneys simply do not practice in this field. Our firm, however, devotes significant resources and expertise to post-conviction relief, and we have successfully litigated numerous 11.07 writs across Texas.
Our strengths include:
Board-Certified Legal Expertise
Attorney Jacob Blizzard is board-certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law, a distinction held by very few attorneys in Texas. This ensures your writ is handled by someone with the highest level of knowledge and experience.
A Dedicated Post-Conviction Team
With attorneys Sarah Durham and Morgan Walker, our team collaborates on every writ - researching, drafting, investigating, and identifying the constitutional issues that make your case stand out.
In-Depth Case Investigations
We don’t rely on surface-level information. We dig deep, in most cases literally boxes of information. We review trial transcripts, evidence, police reports, videos, attorney files, science, and witness statements.
Story-Driven Advocacy
Post-conviction relief is both legal and human. We work to uncover the truth and present your story in a compelling, fact-driven narrative to the courts.
The 11.07 Writ Process: What to Expect
- Case Intake & Preliminary Review
We gather case documents, speak with the client or family, and identify possible writ issues. - Comprehensive Investigation
Our team examines trial records, plea paperwork, attorney performance, evidence handling, and any constitutional errors. - Drafting the Writ Application
We prepare a detailed filing outlining the legal arguments and supporting evidence. - Filing with the Trial Court
The writ is filed in the court of conviction. The judge may request answers from the State or order an evidentiary hearing - Forwarding to the Court of Criminal Appeals
Under Article 11.07, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) makes the final decision.
The CCA may:
-
- Grant relief
- Deny relief
- Order more findings
- Remand for a hearing
The timeline varies, but writs are often multi-month to multi-year matters depending on complexity.
Who Qualifies to File an 11.07 Writ?
Article 11.07 writs apply only to individuals who:
- Were convicted of a Texas felony, and
- Are serving a TDCJ sentence, and
- Are not on direct appeal anymore.
If your case is still on appeal, or if you received a misdemeanor conviction, other types of writs may apply (11.071 for death penalty; 11.072 for probation; 11.08/11.09 for county-level detention, etc.).
Why Time Matters
While Texas does not impose a strict statute of limitations for writs, delays can kill a case:
- Evidence disappears
- Judges, lawyers, witnesses involved in cases pass away
- Memories fade
- Records get lost
- New evidence becomes harder to verify
Starting early gives you the best chance of success.
Ready to Fight for Post-Conviction Relief?
At Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys, we believe that justice should not end with a conviction. Our mission is to uncover the truth, expose constitutional violations, and fight for the freedom and future of our clients.
If you or a loved one needs help with an 11.07 writ of habeas corpus, we are ready to review the case and provide guidance.
Contact Us Today for a Risk Free Case Review
We serve clients across Texas and would be honored to help pursue justice in your case. Contact us today for a risk free case evaluation (325) 252-6064.