Protecting Your Right to a Fair Outcome After Conviction
West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC Handles Direct Appeals and Petitions for Discretionary Review for Clients in El Paso
West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC represents individuals who have been convicted of criminal charges and need appellate counsel to challenge errors that occurred during trial. If you believe your conviction or sentence resulted from legal mistakes, constitutional violations, or improper procedures, a direct appeal or petition for discretionary review may be the most effective way to seek a reversal, remand, or modification of your sentence. This work is technical and requires close review of trial records, objections made by counsel, and preserved errors that can be raised before the Texas appellate courts or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
An appeal is not a retrial. It is a written legal argument that focuses on what went wrong during your case and why that error justifies relief. The firm prepares comprehensive appellate briefs that explain how specific trial rulings violated your rights, applied the wrong legal standard, or prejudiced the outcome. When a case warrants further review, the firm files petitions for discretionary review with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest criminal court in the state. These petitions argue that your case involves issues of statewide importance or conflicts with existing law that require correction.
If you are facing a final judgment and want to pursue appellate relief, reach out to discuss whether your case presents viable grounds for review.
How the Appellate Process Unfolds
Once you retain West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC, the firm requests and reviews the full trial record, including transcripts of testimony, motions filed by both parties, jury instructions, and rulings made by the trial judge. The attorney identifies preserved objections and constitutional claims that can form the basis of appellate arguments. Briefing includes citations to controlling case law, statutory authority, and constitutional provisions. Oral argument may follow if the appellate court grants a hearing.
After the appeal is filed and briefed, you will know what legal issues are being raised and what outcome the firm is requesting. In some cases, the appellate court reverses the conviction outright. In others, it remands the case for a new trial or resentencing. Even when relief is not granted at the intermediate appellate level, a petition for discretionary review can bring the case before the highest criminal court in Texas if the issues warrant that level of scrutiny.
Appeals are governed by strict deadlines. Notices of appeal must typically be filed within thirty days of sentencing. The firm manages those timelines and ensures all procedural requirements are met. This process does not address claims that were not raised at trial unless they involve fundamental error or constitutional defects that can be reviewed for the first time on appeal.
Speak Directly with An Attorney and Get Clear Answers About Your Options and Next Steps.
Questions About Appealing a Criminal Conviction
The following questions address common concerns about the appellate process and what you can expect when working with counsel on a direct appeal or discretionary review petition.
What types of errors can be raised on appeal?
You can raise any issue that was properly preserved through an objection at trial, including evidentiary rulings, jury charge problems, and improper argument by the prosecution. Constitutional claims such as ineffective assistance of counsel or violations of due process may also be raised under certain conditions.
How long does the appellate process take in Texas?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the record and the court's docket, but most intermediate appeals take several months from the filing of briefs to a written opinion. Petitions for discretionary review add additional time if the Court of Criminal Appeals grants review.
Why is oral argument sometimes requested?
Oral argument allows appellate counsel to respond to questions from the judges and clarify points raised in the briefs. It is not granted in every case, but when it is, it provides an opportunity to emphasize the most compelling aspects of your appeal in real time.
What happens if the appellate court denies relief?
If your appeal is denied, you may still file a petition for discretionary review with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. That court has the authority to review decisions from intermediate appellate courts and can grant relief even when lower courts have ruled against you.
Can an appeal be filed if I was represented by a public defender at trial?
Yes. You have the right to appellate counsel regardless of how you were represented at trial. West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC works with clients throughout Odessa & Midland, TX, and the surrounding region who are seeking independent appellate representation after conviction.
If you have been convicted and believe trial errors affected the outcome, contact the firm to review your options for filing a direct appeal or pursuing discretionary review with the state's highest criminal court.
Trusted by Clients Across West Texas
Real Feedback from Real People We’ve Helped
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“I can't recommend Mr. Alhanna enough. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed, and fought hard for the best possible outcome.”- Brian F.
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“Excellent experience from start to finish! From the first contact, the team demonstrated impeccable professionalism, responding quickly to my inquiries and offering customized solutions that exceeded my expectations.”- George C.
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“Their legal expertise and strategic approach were evident from our very first meeting. The team was always accessible, communicative, and genuinely invested in my case.”- Ashley R.
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“I’m truly grateful for him and his team. If you’re looking for a reliable, professional lawyer in El Paso, especially for a similar case, I highly recommend Mr. Alhanna!”- Elijah V.
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“If you’re looking for a lawyer in El Paso who actually picks up the phone, gets things done, and treats you with respect — Al Hanna is the one.”- Irving M.
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“As soon as he was retained he took over all communication and relieved so much stress. He followed through on getting the matter handled before any charges were brought and walked me through the entire process in a way that made sense.”- Brittany G.
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“I highly recommend Alhanna! He was so easy to work with, moves fast, and gets the job done.”- Oscar D.
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“Adam Setra is the lawyer you want for your criminal defense. He operates with a proactive approach. He kept me well informed on any case updates he recieved. I couldn't have picked a better lawyer.”- Former Client
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“Love this firm, they are very professional and friendly but most importantly they really keep you updated in your case and actually pay attention on every detail.”- Elizabeth C.