Continuing the Fight: East Texas Criminal Appeals, Probation & Parole
The Fight After the Trial
The legal battle often continues long after a judge or jury has rendered a verdict. Whether you are seeking to overturn a wrongful conviction, fighting to stay on probation, or preparing for a parole hearing, you need an attorney with a completely different skill set than a trial lawyer. Post-conviction work is about meticulous legal research, persuasive writing, and strategic advocacy in front of appellate courts and administrative boards. Our firm provides experienced representation in all aspects of post-conviction relief for clients across East Texas.
Our Post-Conviction Services
Criminal Appeals
A criminal appeal is not a new trial. We cannot introduce new evidence. Instead, our job is to perform a deep dive into the trial record to find significant legal errors made by the judge, the prosecutor, or even your previous defense attorney. If we find a harmful error, we can argue for your conviction to be reversed. Common grounds for appeal include:
- Improperly admitted evidence or testimony
- Incorrect jury instructions
- Prosecutorial misconduct
- Ineffective assistance of counsel
Strict deadlines apply to filing a Notice of Appeal, so it is critical to act quickly after a conviction.
Probation Violation Defense
Being on probation is a second chance, but one misstep can land you in jail or prison to serve out your original sentence. If the state files a Motion to Revoke Probation (MTR), you are entitled to a hearing. The state's burden of proof is much lower than in a criminal trial. We defend clients accused of all types of violations:
- Allegations of a new criminal offense
- Failed drug or alcohol tests
- Failure to report to a probation officer
- Failure to complete required classes or pay fines
Our goal is to either disprove the allegation or negotiate with the prosecutor and judge to have your probation reinstated, modified, or terminated successfully.
Parole Representation
For incarcerated individuals, the parole hearing is the most important day of their lives. Simply showing up and hoping for the best is not a strategy. We help inmates and their families prepare a comprehensive and persuasive parole packet for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. A well-prepared packet goes beyond the basic facts of the case and presents a compelling narrative for release by highlighting:
- Rehabilitative programs completed in prison
- A stable and supportive home plan
- Letters of support from family, friends, and potential employers
- Acceptance of responsibility and remorse
We work to present you as a person who is ready to successfully rejoin society, not just as an inmate number.
Oilfield & Industrial Accidents
The oil and gas industry is vital to East Texas, but it's also dangerous. We fight for workers injured in drilling, transport, and refinery accidents.