At Jones & De La Garza, we provide comprehensive appellate and post-conviction representation for individuals convicted of capital murder in San Antonio, Bexar County, and throughout Texas. If you or a loved one has been sentenced to life without parole or the death penalty, we are the defense team prepared to challenge the conviction with precision, strategy, and legal authority.
Capital murder is defined under Texas Penal Code §19.03 and includes intentional homicide under specific aggravating circumstances, such as:
Convictions for capital murder carry the harshest penalties allowed under Texas law: life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
In capital cases, appellate and post-conviction remedies are governed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly Articles 37.071, 11.071, and appellate rules under the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure (TRAP).
Our firm brings unmatched experience in capital litigation:
We understand the procedural and substantive nuances of capital post-conviction work, including the need for forensic experts, mental health evaluations, and deep investigation into the record.
Our Capital Murder Appeal Services Include:
A: A direct appeal focuses on errors within the trial record and is automatically filed in death penalty cases. A writ of habeas corpus raises new constitutional issues outside the record, such as ineffective counsel or new evidence.
A: In most cases, the writ must be filed within 180 days of the appointment of habeas counsel or after the direct appeal concludes. Timeliness is crucial, as missing the deadline may forfeit the claim.
A: You may pursue a federal writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. §2254, provided you have exhausted all available state remedies.
A: Yes. Newly discovered evidence that could have changed the trial outcome can be grounds for relief in both state and federal post-conviction proceedings.
A: No. Some capital cases result in a sentence of life without parole. However, both sentences can be challenged on appeal and in post-conviction proceedings.
If your future—or a loved one’s life—depends on overturning a capital murder conviction, you need a firm that understands the full spectrum of criminal defense. From trial through final appeal, Jones & De La Garza offers the advocacy and insight needed for capital murder appeals and post-conviction relief in San Antonio and across Texas.
Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your options.
Our office is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio at 401 S. Presa Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205, inside the historic Walter Tynan Building. This iconic location not only places us steps away from local and federal courthouses, but also reflects our deep roots in the San Antonio legal community. We are proud to serve clients from across Bexar County and beyond with unmatched dedication and accessibility.
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