Conroe State Appeals Lawyers

State Appellate Attorneys in Montgomery County

If you are a criminal defendant in Texas who has been handed a verdict or sentence that you believe is unjust, an appeal may be a viable option. An appeal is a request made to a higher court asking it to review and change the decision of a lower court. In state-level criminal cases in Texas, the process of pursuing an appeal can be complicated, and it is important to work with an attorney who understands the procedures that will be followed, the requirements that must be met, and the arguments that may be made to address errors that occurred during a criminal trial.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys of Pullan & Young are well-versed in the laws that affect criminal appeals in Texas, and we can guide you through the complex process of appealing a verdict or sentence. Every case is unique, and the possibility of success during an appeal depends on the specific circumstances of your case and the procedures that were followed during a criminal trial. We will review the details of your case to determine whether an appeal may be possible or whether other options for post-conviction relief may be available. We will make sure your appeal is prepared and filed correctly, and we will argue your case in appellate courts, fighting for justice on your behalf.

Understanding State Appeals in Texas

There are many situations in which a defendant may be unhappy with the verdict reached in a criminal trial, or they may believe that the sentence imposed by a judge is unfair or excessive. A defendant may be able to appeal these decisions, and they may ask an appellate court to review the case and reverse an incorrect verdict, adjust an unfavorable sentence, or order a new trial. However, simply being unsatisfied with a verdict or sentence will usually not be sufficient grounds to file an appeal. Instead, a defendant will need to show that errors occurred during their trial that led to an incorrect outcome.

Grounds for filing an appeal may include:

• Incorrect jury instructions - The judge may not have provided the members of the jury with the proper instructions about the issues they should have considered or the factors that should play a role in determining a defendant's guilt. These incorrect instructions may have led to a wrongful conviction.
• Violations of Constitutional rights - There are a variety of ways a defendant's rights may have been violated during a trial, leading to an incorrect verdict. For example, a defendant may be able to show that evidence was improperly admitted or excluded or that their Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination were violated.
• Prosecutorial misconduct - There are some situations where prosecutors may behave in an unethical or illegal manner during a criminal trial, and these actions may have led to a wrongful conviction. For example, a prosecutor may have failed to disclose evidence that may have exonerated a defendant of the alleged offense.
• Ineffective assistance of counsel - Everyone has the right to be represented by a competent attorney. If a defense lawyer failed to take the correct actions to protect the defendant's best interests or made mistakes during the trial, this may have affected the outcome of the case.
• Sentencing errors - The judge may have made mistakes in applying the law during the sentencing phase, resulting in an unjust or overly harsh sentence.

A defendant will generally have 30 days after the date their sentence is imposed to file an appeal. However, if a person files a motion for a new trial, the window for filing an appeal is extended to 90 days. If the appellate court rules against the defendant, they may appeal this decision to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which is the highest criminal court in the state. If the Court of Criminal Appeals issues an unfavorable decision, it may be possible to file a federal appeal.

Contact Our Conroe State Criminal Appeals Lawyers

Navigating the appeals process in Texas can be complex and challenging. It requires a deep understanding of the law, meticulous preparation, and persuasive argumentative skills. If you are considering an appeal, it is crucial to make sure you are represented by a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has experience pursuing criminal appeals in Texas courts. At Pullan & Young, we are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that our clients' rights are upheld at every stage of the legal process. Contact us by calling 936-647-1540 today for a free consultation. We can provide the legal assistance you need to protect your rights during this critical time.