Appeals & Writs of Habeas Corpus Overturn Your Criminal Conviction

Houston Appeals & Writs of Habeas Corpus Attorney

Providing Post-Conviction Relief to Clients Across the Greater Houston Area

If you or someone you love has been unfairly convicted of a crime, you still have options to seek justice. If your case went to trial or involved a contested sentencing hearing, you can appeal and ask a higher court to review your case with the goal of overturning your conviction or sentence. Alternatively, you may be able to file a writ of habeas corpus—a legal action that can successfully challenge your criminal conviction if your constitutional rights were violated.

Navigating these post-conviction legal avenues is complex. You need a lawyer with significant experience in appeals and writs of habeas corpus. Stephen Aslett is one of the few defense attorneys in the Houston area who handles both appeals and writs of habeas corpus, and who has successfully obtained reversals of clients' convictions using both approaches. He has argued before the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals and is among the few attorneys who are board certified in criminal law—a distinction that only 1% of Texas attorneys hold.

If you need your criminal conviction reviewed or overturned, contact The Aslett Law Firm by calling (346) 567-8671 today for a free consultation with an appeals lawyer in Houston.

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Focused on Justice, Dedicated to You

Stephen Aslett is here to help you get the results you need.

  • Results That Matter

    When reputations, freedoms, and futures are at stake, practical solutions and dedicated advocacy make all the difference. I am committed to helping my clients move forward with confidence after challenging circumstances.

  • Former Prosecutor’s Insight

    My years of experience as a Harris County felony prosecutor provide valuable insight into what works in criminal cases. This knowledge allows me to craft practical strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

  • Client-Focused Representation

    Every case is unique, which is why I take a personalized approach. By limiting the number of cases I handle at one time, my clients receive the attention and time necessary to build a defense strategy tailored to their situation.

  • Direct Attorney Access

    My clients work directly with me, ensuring clear communication and consistent support throughout the legal process. I never pass cases off to associates or assistants.

  • Writ granted State v. A.B. (writ of habeas corpus)
  • Writ granted, case dismissed and expunged State v. A.G. (writ of habeas corpus)
  • Dismissed State v. A.P. (writ of habeas corpus)
  • Dismissed State v. D.K. (writ of habeas corpus)
  • Writ of habeas corpus granted and case dismissed State v. K.R. (writ of habeas corpus)
  • Writ granted and case dismissed State v. M.A. (writ of habeas corpus)
  • Writ granted, case dismissed and expunged State v. M.O. (writ of habeas corpus)
  • Writ granted, case dismissed and expunged State v. S.S. (writ of habeas corpus)

    What Is an Appeal?

    An appeal is a request for a higher court to overturn your conviction or sentence on the basis of errors that occurred during your trial. In Houston, working with an appeals attorney or appeals lawyer can help you identify and present these critical errors to maximize your chances for post-conviction relief.

    Appeals in Texas are not new trials—they do not involve presenting new evidence or calling witnesses. Instead, the appellate court’s role is to review the legal proceedings from your original trial to look for specific mistakes or due process violations. 

    It is critical to act quickly, as Texas law requires that a notice of appeal be filed within a strict deadline, often as soon as 30 days after sentencing. Missing these deadlines can severely limit your legal options, making immediate action with an experienced appeals attorney in Houston crucial. 

    The appellate judges will comb through transcripts, rulings, and the judicial record to determine if your trial was conducted fairly under Texas law. Successfully challenging a conviction often hinges on identifying reversible errors or demonstrating that your rights were not properly upheld at trial.

    What are Valid Grounds for an Appeal in Houston?

    There are several arguments I can present as your appeals attorney in Houston to help overturn your case on appeal, including:

    • Insufficient evidence to support the conviction
    • Ineffective assistance by your trial lawyer
    • Mistakes in the jury charge
    • Violations of your constitutional rights
    • Mistakes in evidentiary rulings by the judge

    What is the Appeals Process With a Houston Appeals Lawyer?

    The appeals process begins when I file a notice of appeal as your Houston appeals lawyer or appeals attorney. The court reporter then prepares the trial transcript, which I carefully review for errors and potential appellate issues. Next, I prepare a set of legal arguments, known as a brief, explaining why your conviction or sentence should be overturned.

    In some cases, the appeals court will hear oral argument before issuing a decision, but most of the time, it does not. The appellate process usually takes 18 months to 2 years, after which the court issues a decision either affirming or reversing your conviction.

    If your appeal is unsuccessful, I can petition the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals—the highest criminal court in Texas—to review your case. If that court declines or affirms the conviction, I can also appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

    • If I didn't have him representing me I'm certain that I would've been convicted on false charges.
      - Shaina W.
    • He got my son off a murder charge.
      - Cary W.
    • If you need a criminal defense attorney, this is the lawyer to call.
      - David B.

      What is a Writ of Habeas Corpus?

      A writ of habeas corpus is another option for post-conviction relief. A writ of habeas corpus challenges your conviction by asserting that your constitutional rights were violated during the legal process. Working with a Houston appeals attorney or appeals lawyer is important for successful preparation, as Houston’s courts follow rigorous guidelines when reviewing post-conviction claims.

      When Am I Eligible to File a Writ of Habeas Corpus in Houston?

      You are eligible to file a writ of habeas corpus after you have exhausted all other appeals. Claims you can raise in a writ of habeas corpus include:

      • Ineffective assistance of counsel
      • Involuntary plea
      • Illegal sentence
      • Actual innocence

      If you have an eligible claim, you typically have only one opportunity to file it, making it essential to have an appeals lawyer or appeals attorney Houston with significant handling of writs of habeas corpus.

      What Deadlines Apply to Appeals and Writs?

      One of the most critical aspects of appeals and writs of habeas corpus is timing. 

      Missing a filing deadline can mean losing the opportunity for relief entirely. For example:

      • Notice of appeal must generally be filed within 30 days after sentencing.
      • Habeas corpus petitions in state court may have time limits based on when the conviction became final.
      • Federal habeas petitions typically must be filed within one year of the conviction becoming final, subject to exceptions.

      We emphasize deadlines because they are unforgiving. Having an appeals & writs of habeas corpus lawyer in Houston ensures that your rights are protected and no opportunities are lost due to procedural errors.

      What Remedies are Available Through Appeals and Writs?

      The outcomes of appeals and habeas petitions vary depending on the case. Possible remedies include:

      • Reversal of Conviction – Overturning the guilty verdict entirely.
      • Remand for New Trial – Sending the case back to trial court for retrial.
      • Sentence Modification – Reducing or altering the punishment imposed.
      • New Hearing – Ordering hearings on specific issues, such as sentencing or evidence.
      • Release from Custody – In rare and powerful cases, immediate release may be ordered.

      Our role as an appeals & writs of habeas corpus lawyer in Houston is to pursue every remedy that could change the course of your case and future.

      Why Choose The Aslett Law Firm?

      When facing a criminal charge in Houston, you need an attorney who offers more than just legal services—you need a dedicated advocate who truly listens and cares. At The Aslett Law Firm, we believe that choosing the right defense firm is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and our approach is built on integrity and a relentless commitment to your future.

      • Former Prosecutor’s Insight: I bring years of experience working as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. This invaluable insight allows me to look at cases from all angles, anticipating the tactics the prosecution may use against you and leveraging that knowledge to build a strong defense.
      • Client-Focused Representation: I am committed to delivering results that matter. By limiting the number of cases I handle, I ensure that each client receives the time and attention necessary to build a personalized defense strategy. You will always work directly with me, never an associate, ensuring clear communication and consistent support from start to finish.
      • Dedicated Advocacy: I won't just fight for you; I will take the time to think things through, positioning you in the best light possible. From the initial arrest to post-conviction actions, you can trust me to help you through the process and reclaim your life.

      Trust Our Houston Appeals & Writs of Habeas Corpus Lawyer to Fight for You

      Our lawyer often addresses the complexities that others have left unresolved, from significant judicial mistakes to mismanaged cases. Whatever challenges you or your loved one have faced, you can count on Attorney Aslett, an appeals lawyer in Houston, to serve as a caring and dedicated advocate. Schedule a free consultation with our firm today. 

      Call (346) 567-8671 or reach out online to discuss filing an appeal or writ of habeas corpus and learn more about the next steps for working with me, your appeals attorney in Houston.

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