Experienced Appeals Lawyer in Houston, Texas

Fighting for Justice When It Matters Most

Why Hire an Appeals Lawyer in Houston?

When your future hinges on the outcome of an appeal, experience and precision matter. At Brownstone Law, our appellate attorneys in Houston, TX, focus exclusively on appeals. Whether your case involves a criminal conviction or a complex civil dispute, we bring a deep respect for the rule of law, clarity, purpose, and a relentless advocacy to your fight.

Trusted Appeal Lawyers in Houston With Proven Results

Our appellate team in Houston has handled high-stakes cases that have reshaped lives:

Each win is built on deep legal research, meticulous record review, and persuasive written and oral arguments.

Persuasive Oral Advocacy

A compelling legal brief is only half the battle. Our attorneys are seasoned oral advocates, trained to stand before appellate judges and make the strongest possible case for justice.

“An appeal isn’t about retrying your case—it’s about showing where the trial court got it wrong, and making that argument impossible to ignore.” — Robert Sirianni, Texas appeal lawyer,

The Brownstone Law Advantage

Choosing Brownstone Law isn’t just about legal representation. It’s about:

Proven Success in Texas Appeals Cases

We have filed and won appeals in high-profile cases, including post-conviction matters like Dr. Theodore Okechuku’s federal 2255 motion and the petition for a new trial in Christopher Braughton’s Texas appeal case in Harris County.

Call our Houston Appeal Lawyers at (281) 845-8108.

Supreme Court of Texas

Texas Courts of Appeal

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Expert Representation for Your Appeal

From trial errors to sentencing issues, our appellate lawyers in Houston dissect trial records to build powerful legal arguments. We take on appeals others won’t, with an emphasis on precision and persistence.

Peace of Mind & Confidence in Your Case

Clients trust us because we communicate clearly, move fast, and stay committed. You’re never left wondering about the status of your case.

Quality Representation from Start to Finish

Our team includes former prosecutors, law clerks, and members of the Order of the Coif. Every step of your appeal is handled by legal professionals with extensive appellate experience.

Types of Appeal Cases We Handle

We specialize in both state and federal appellate cases, including:

Houston State and Federal Appellate Courts Overview

Texas Courts of Appeal

Handled through the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, which covers Houston and Harris County. All opinions follow Rule 47.4, which classifies them as either:

Federal Appeals in Houston, Texas

If your case originated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, your appeal will be argued at: 515 Rusk St, Houston, TX 77002

Appeals Lawyers in Houston: How the Process Works

Court Opinions and Classifications

Appellate opinions are public and available to the media. A “memorandum opinion” addresses settled legal issues, while full opinions typically involve constitutional questions, novel interpretations, or conflicts between authorities.

Rule 47.4 Designation

An opinion must be labeled a memorandum opinion unless it (a) creates/modifies law, (b) criticizes existing law, (c) raises constitutional issues, or (d) resolves legal conflicts.

Federal Courthouse in Houston

Our federal Houston appeal attorneys regularly argue cases at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. We ensure every appeal we file complies with federal appellate rules and is crafted for success.

Criminal Appeals Lawyers in Houston, TX

Specializing in Criminal Appeals

From drug trafficking to firearm possession cases, our Houston criminal appeal lawyers bring extensive knowledge of the Texas Controlled Substances Act and federal sentencing law.

Correcting Trial Errors

Many clients come to us because their trials involved mishandled evidence, flawed jury instructions, or ineffective assistance of counsel. These are valid grounds for appeal, and we know how to uncover and present them persuasively.

Winning Your Criminal Appeal

In cases like Garza v. State of Texas, a successful appeal can result in acquittals, sentence reductions, or retrials. We identify every possible error to fight for your freedom.

Our Houston Appellate Team

Our team is made up of top-tier legal minds: former clerks, experienced prosecutors, and seasoned appellate specialists who have argued before the Texas Courts of Appeals and federal appellate courts.

Next Steps After a Successful Appeal

What happens after a favourable ruling?

A favorable ruling can mean:

Our team prepares you for each potential outcome and provides ongoing legal support until your case is fully resolved.

Houston Texas Case Law Information Center: Recent Opinions of the Houston Courts of Appeal

Dr. Theodore Okechuku v. State of Texas (Federal 2255 Post Conviction Motion)(2019)

Dr. Theodore Okechuku appeals his conviction. Dr. Okechuku was charged with running a “pill mill‘. The trial court committed an Alleyne error by allowing an unresolved question of fact increase Petitioner’s sentence without submitting the question to the jury. The jury was not required to establish that Petitioner actually “brandished” a firearm with intent to intimidate, as that phrase is defined by law, and therefore the sentence enhancement for brandishing a firearm was applied in error to Petitioner and should be reversed.

Under clear Supreme Court precedent when a disputed question of fact could possibly increase the sentence for a crime, that question of fact must be submitted to a jury for review. Alleyne v. United States, 133 S.Ct. 2151, 215 (2013) (“Any fact that, by law, increases the penalty for a crime is an element that must be submitted to the jury and found beyond a reasonable doubt. Mandatory minimum sentences increase the penalty for a crime. It follows, then, that any fact that increases the mandatory minimum is an element that must be submitted to the jury.” Texas Criminal Appeals

In Re Stone: Writ of Habeas Corpus in Texas

Article 11.07, §3(d) of the Code of Criminal Procedure authorizes a trial court to hold a hearing on an application for habeas corpus in a non-death penalty felony conviction. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has established an extremely lenient standard for when a hearing should be held in a habeas corpus application. If an applicant “has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief, . . . the trial court [should resolve] the factual issues presented in accordance with Article 11.07, §3(d) of the Code of Criminal Procedure” by holding a hearing.

Ex parte Patterson, 993 S.W.2d 114, 115 (Tex.Crim.App. 1999); see also Ex parte Hernandez, 398 S.W.3d 369, 374 (Tex.App. – Beaumont 2013, no pet.) (“In our opinion, the issues raised by Hernandez in his application allowed the parties to have post-conviction hearing in Texas. Texas 1107 Writ of Habeas Corpus Petition

City of Denton v. Brian Rushing

In this Texas interlocutory appeal from an order denying a city’s plea to the jurisdiction and alternative motion for summary judgment, we must determine whether Local Government Code section 271.152, which waives a city’s immunity from suit on certain contracts, applies to these underlying claims. Read more about this Texas appeals case: City of Denton v. Brian Rushing The Local Government Code provides that a governmental entity that is authorized by law to contract and that enters into a contract waives its “immunity to suit for purposes of adjudicating a claim [under] the contract.” TEX. LOC. GOV’T CODE § 271.152.

RSL FUNDING, LLC AND RSL SPECIAL-IV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP v. RICKEY NEWSOME

The case originated from Dallas County and the 5th Court of Appeals District (05-15-00718-CV, 559 SW3d 169, 08-30-16). Bill of review action brought by Rickey Newsome to set aside an allegedly void nunc pro tunc order. RSL Funding, LLC and RSL SpecialIV Limited Partnership moved to compel arbitration and to stay the case pending arbitration. The arbitrable dispute grows out of a radical and punitive alteration of the parties’ contract made by an order approving a transfer under the state’s Structured Settlement Protection Act. Trial Court: The Honorable Carl Ginsburg presides over the 193rd Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas. Read the opinion here: Houston Texas Appeals

El Paso Marketing v. Wolf Hollow, LLP

November 26, 2014, Case No. 13-0816

A gas supplier (El Paso) sued a power plant owner (Wolf Hollow) seeking declarations construing the contract between the parties. The power plant counterclaimed for breach of contract and sued the pipeline transporter (Enterprise) for negligence, seeking a total of over $7.7 million in consequential damages. Only the breach of contract and declaratory judgment claims between the gas supplier and the plant owner remain.

Read the opinion of the Court of Appeal in the Texas Supreme Court: Texas Civil Appeals – El Paso Marketing v. Wolf Hollow

Texas Writ of Mandamus: In Re Essex Insurance Company

November 26, 2014, Case No. 13-1006

In a tort suit between an injured plaintiff and his former employer, both of these parties have wrongfully added the employer’s liability insurer, Essex Insurance Company (“Essex”), as a defendant in the same suit—in direct contravention of the no-direct-action rule and established principles of justiciability. Their maneuver appears to be a well-timed ploy to create pressure on Essex to fund a non-covered claim. Essex is already providing a defense to its insured under a reservation of rights, but these other parties are requiring Essex’ participation in the suit as a direct party, and the District Court is improperly compelling Essex to do so.

Read the opinion of the Court of Appeal in the Texas Supreme Court: Texas Supreme Court Appeal – In Re Essex Insurance Company

Texas Criminal Appeals from Harris County: Garza v. State of Texas.

No. 1691-02

Petition for Discretionary Review in Texas. The question in this case deals with preservation of error. Appellant was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Tex. Health & Safety Code Ann. arts. 481.102(3)(D), 481.112(a) (Vernon Supp. 2002). Police stopped appellant’s van after he made an illegal left turn, and while checking his driver’s license, they learned he had two outstanding arrest warrants.

Upon arresting appellant, the officers performed an inventory search on the van and discovered what appeared to be drug paraphernalia sitting in an open box in plain view. Shortly thereafter, one of the officers found what appeared to be a diaper wrapped tightly in a plastic bag. Inside the diaper was a white substance, which tested positively as cocaine, weighing 28.75 grams.

Read the Houston County Appeal: Houston Criminal Appeals

Get Appeal Evaluation

Our experienced attorneys will review your case and provide feedback on your appeal options at no cost.

All consultations are protected by attorney-client privilege. We respect your privacy and will not share your information.

Talk to Our Houston Appellate Lawyer Today

Your appeal is too important to leave to chance. Let our Houston appellate lawyers help you protect your rights and rewrite your future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal and Civil Appeals in Houston, Texas

1. Which appellate courts serve Houston, Texas?

Houston is served by two intermediate appellate courts:

First Court of Appeals: Handles civil and criminal appeals from lower courts in a 10-county region, including Harris County.

Texas Courts

Fourteenth Court of Appeals: Also has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases from lower courts in the same 10-county area.

Texas Courts

2. What types of cases do these courts hear?

Both the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals review:

Criminal Cases: Appeals from convictions and other criminal matters.
Civil Cases: Appeals involving disputes such as contracts, personal injury, family law, and more.

3. How do I file an appeal in a criminal case in Houston?

To appeal a criminal conviction:

Notice of Appeal: File a notice with the trial court clerk within 30 days of sentencing.
Appellate Briefs: The appellant submits a brief outlining errors in the trial, followed by the appellee's response.
Oral Arguments: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments.
Decision: The appellate court will issue a written opinion.

4. How do I appeal a civil case in Houston?

The process for civil appeals includes:

Notice of Appeal: File with the trial court clerk within 30 days after the judgment is signed.
Record on Appeal: Compile the trial court record, including transcripts and exhibits.
Appellate Briefs: The appellant and appellee submit briefs presenting their arguments.
Oral Arguments: May be requested and granted at the court's discretion.
Decision: The court will render a written decision after reviewing the materials.

5. Can I represent myself in an appeal?

While self-representation is allowed, appeals involve complex legal principles and strict procedural rules. It's advisable to consult with an experienced appellate attorney to navigate the process effectively.

6. What is the role of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the Supreme Court of Texas?

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals: The highest court for criminal cases in Texas.
Supreme Court of Texas: The highest court for civil and juvenile cases in the state.

7. How long does the appeals process take?

The duration varies based on case complexity, court caseload, and other factors. Generally, it can take several months to over a year for a final decision.

8. What are the possible outcomes of an appeal?

The appellate court may:

Affirm: Agree with the lower court's decision.
Reverse: Overturn the decision.
Remand: Send the case back to the lower court for further proceedings.
Modify: Change parts of the decision.

9. Are there specialized appellate attorneys in Houston?

Yes, firms like Brownstone Law focus exclusively on appellate litigation, handling both civil and criminal appeals in state and federal courts. Contact Texas appeal lawyer Robert Sirianni, Jr. to handle appeals in Houston Texas.

10. Where can I find more information about the appellate courts in Houston?

For detailed information, visit:

First Court of Appeals: https://www.txcourts.gov/1stcoa/
Fourteenth Court of Appeals: https://www.txcourts.gov/14thcoa/

Consulting with an experienced appellate attorney can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific case.

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