At Brownstone Law, we specialize in appellate litigation, providing dedicated representation to clients navigating Texas’s complex judicial system and federal district courts. Our experienced attorneys are committed to delivering meticulous and effective advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Texas Appellate Court System Overview
Texas boasts a multifaceted judicial structure designed to handle a vast array of legal matters:
- Texas Supreme Court: Serving as the highest court for civil and juvenile cases, it comprises nine justices responsible for final appellate jurisdiction in these matters.
- Texas Court of Criminal Appeals: This court holds the highest appellate authority in criminal cases, including exclusive jurisdiction over death penalty appeals. It also consists of nine judges.
- Courts of Appeals: Texas is divided into 14 appellate districts, each with its own Court of Appeals handling intermediate appeals in both civil and criminal cases from district or county courts within their respective regions.
Caseload and Statistics
The Texas appellate courts manage substantial caseloads annually. For instance, the Courts of Appeals collectively handle thousands of cases each year, reflecting the state’s expansive and diverse legal landscape. Detailed statistical reports, including filings, dispositions, and pending cases, are available through the Texas Judicial Branch’s Statistics & Other Data page.
Rules of Appellate Procedure
Appeals in Texas are governed by the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. Key components include:
- Rule 25: Perfecting Appeal
- Rule 26: Time to Perfect Appeal
- Rule 38: The Briefs
Adherence to these rules is essential for the successful progression of an appeal.
Process for Appealing a Case
- Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the trial court clerk within 30 days after the judgment or order is signed.
- Docketing Statement: Submit a docketing statement to the appellate court to initiate the appellate process.
- Clerk’s and Reporter’s Records: Ensure the trial court clerk and court reporter prepare and file the necessary records with the appellate court.
- Briefs: The appellant submits an initial brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with their brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
- Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
- Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.
High-Profile Cases
Texas appellate courts have presided over numerous significant cases that have shaped the state’s legal landscape. For instance, the Texas Supreme Court’s recent intervention in the case of Robert Roberson, who was granted a temporary reprieve from execution, highlights the court’s pivotal role in addressing complex legal and ethical issues.
Contact Information
Texas Supreme Court
- Address: 201 W. 14th Street, Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: (512) 463-1312
- Website: Texas Supreme Court
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
- Address: 201 W. 14th Street, Room 106, Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: (512) 463-1551
- Website: Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Federal District Courts in Texas
Texas is served by four federal district courts:
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
- Address: 1100 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75242
- Phone: (214) 753-2200
- Website: Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- Address: 515 Rusk Street, Houston, TX 77002
- Phone: (713) 250-5500
- Website: Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
- Address: 211 W. Ferguson Street, Tyler, TX 75702
- Phone: (903) 590-1000
- Website: Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
- Address: 501 W. 5th Street, Suite 1100, Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: (512) 916-5896
- Website: Western District of Texas
Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates
At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the appellate process in Texas. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing exceptional representation, ensuring that your case is presented with the utmost precision and expertise.
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Texas Courts of Appeal – Statewide Appellate Overview
Texas maintains one of the largest and most complex state appellate court systems in the country. Appeals from Texas trial courts are heard by fourteen intermediate Courts of Appeals, with final review vested in the Texas Supreme Court (civil cases) and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases).
Brownstone Law represents clients in civil, criminal, and post-conviction appeals across every Texas Court of Appeals, handling cases involving constitutional error, trial court abuse of discretion, statutory misinterpretation, and sentencing irregularities.
Learn more about our statewide appellate practice:
Texas Appeal Lawyers – Brownstone Law
Texas Appellate Court Structure
- Texas Supreme Court – Final authority for civil and juvenile matters
- Texas Courts of Appeals (1st–15th) – Intermediate appellate review
- Texas Court of Criminal Appeals – Final authority for criminal cases
Brownstone Law regularly litigates appeals involving:
- Errors of law and preserved objections
- Improper jury instructions and evidentiary rulings
- Constitutional violations (Due Process, Sixth Amendment, Eighth Amendment)
- Improper sentencing and guideline miscalculations
Texas Courts of Appeal – Locations & Official Websites
Texas Supreme Court
Location:201 West 14th Street, Austin, TX
Official Website:https://www.txcourts.gov/supreme
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/supreme/
Texas First Court of Appeals
Location:301 Fannin Street, 15th Floor, Houston, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/1stcoa/
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/first/
Texas Second Court of Appeals
Location: 401 West Belknap Street, Fort Worth, TX
Official Website:https://www.txcourts.gov/2ndcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/second/
Texas Third Court of Appeals
Location: 209 West 14th Street, Austin, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/3rdcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/third/
Texas Fourth Court of Appeals
Location:300 Dolorosa Street, San Antonio, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/4thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/fourth/
Texas Fifth Court of Appeals
Location: 600 West Commerce Street, 2nd Floor, Dallas, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/5thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/fifth/
Texas Sixth Court of Appeals
Location:100 North State Line Avenue, Texarkana, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/6thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/sixth/
Texas Seventh Court of Appe
Location:201 W. 1st Street Amarillo, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/7thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/seventh/
Texas Eighth Court of Appeals
Location:500 E. San Antonio, Suite 1200 El Paso, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/8thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/eighth/
Texas Ninth Court of Appeals
Location:1001 Pearl Street Beaumont, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/9thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/ninth/
Texas Tenth Court of Appeals
Location:300 E. 15th Avenue Waco, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/10thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/tenth/
Texas Eleventh Court of Appeals
Location:100 E. Main Street Eastland, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/11thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/eleventh/
Texas Twelfth Court of Appeals
Location:1517 W. Front Street Tyler, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/12thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/twelfth/
Texas Thirteenth Court of Appeals
Location:100 N. Closner Blvd. Edinburg, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/13thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/thirteenth/
Texas Fourteenth Court of Appeals
Location:1301 Fannin Street Houston, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/14thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/fourteenth/
Texas Fifteenth Court of Appeals
Location:411 West 13th Street Austin, TX
Official Website:https://txcourts.gov/15thcoa
More Details:https://www.brownstonelaw.com/courts-of-appeal/texas/fifteenth/
Texas Appellate Representation by Brownstone Law
Brownstone Law handles appeals before every Texas Court of Appeals, including discretionary review and error preservation for further appeal to the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
What This Means for Your Case
Whether you’re appealing a civil trial decision, a criminal conviction, or seeking post-conviction relief, understanding which appellate court will review your case is critical to crafting winning legal strategy.
Brownstone Law’s appellate team:
- Files briefs tailored to each court’s rules and precedents
- Argues preservation of error and standards of review
- Coordinates effective jurisdictional strategy for further review
