Appeals
Abilene Post-Conviction & Criminal Appeals Lawyers
Fighting Wrongful Convictions, Unfair Sentences, and Failed Appeals Across West Texas
If you or someone you love has already been convicted, it can feel like the system has stopped listening. Many people in Abilene, San Angelo, Midland, Lubbock, Brownwood, Sweetwater, and throughout the Big Country believe they are out of options after sentencing. That is not always true.
At Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys, our post-conviction and criminal appeals team aggressively fights for people seeking relief after a conviction in Texas state or federal court.
Led by dual board-certified attorney Jacob Blizzard and board-certified criminal appellate specialist Sarah Durham, our firm handles serious post-conviction matters for clients across West Texas who need experienced legal help now - before deadlines expire and opportunities are lost.
If you are searching for an Abilene post-conviction lawyer, Texas criminal appeals attorney, or federal habeas corpus lawyer in West Texas, contact our office today for a free case review at (325) 230-2751.
Convicted Does Not Mean Your Case Is Over
After a conviction, many people are overwhelmed, scared, and unsure where to turn. Families often contact us after:
- A guilty verdict in Taylor County or surrounding areas
- A harsh sentence that feels excessive or unjust
- A failed trial defense
- Newly discovered evidence
- Prosecutorial misconduct
- Constitutional violations
- Ineffective assistance of trial counsel
- Denial of an appeal
- Federal sentencing issues
- Probation or parole complications
The consequences of a conviction can follow you for the rest of your life:
- Prison or jail time
- Loss of employment
- Damage to your reputation
- Immigration consequences
- Loss of firearm rights
- Difficulty finding housing
- Professional licensing issues
- Separation from your family
When everything is on the line, you need an experienced legal team that understands both trial-level criminal law and the highly technical appellate and post-conviction process.
Call (325) 230-2751 now to speak with an Abilene criminal appeals and post-conviction attorney.
Why Clients Across West Texas Choose Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys
At Blizzard & Zimmerman, we don’t just ‘dabble’ in appeals. We are deeply engrossed in the study and practice of appellate law. There is a profound difference between general criminal defense lawyers who occasionally handle appeals and an attorney like Jacob Blizzard, who specializes and excels in this challenging field.
Led by Dual Board-Certified Attorney Jacob Blizzard
Very few attorneys in Texas hold board certification in both:
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals
Jacob Blizzard has earned both distinctions from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, demonstrating advanced knowledge, courtroom experience, and appellate expertise in complex criminal cases.
He is also licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas, United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the United State Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Board-Certified Criminal Appellate Specialist Sarah Durham
Our post-conviction team lead is Sarah Durham, a board-certified criminal appellate specialist with extensive experience handling criminal appeals and post-conviction litigation.
Together, our attorneys provide focused representation for clients facing some of the most serious legal challenges possible after a conviction.
Texas State Criminal Appeals
If errors occurred during your trial, you may have grounds to appeal your conviction or sentence.
Our Abilene criminal appeals lawyers handle appeals involving:
- Improper admission of evidence
- Constitutional violations
- Jury misconduct
- Prosecutorial misconduct
- Insufficient evidence
- Trial court errors
- Improper sentencing
- Ineffective assistance of counsel
Texas criminal appeals involve strict deadlines and procedural rules. Waiting too long can permanently damage your ability to seek relief.
If you were convicted in Taylor County or anywhere in West Texas, contact our office immediately.
Federal Criminal Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
Federal criminal cases involve complex procedural rules that require experienced appellate counsel.
Our team handles:
- Federal criminal appeals
- 2255 motions
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Federal sentencing challenges
- Constitutional claims
- Post-conviction relief in federal court
We represent clients throughout federal courts in Texas, including individuals convicted in serious drug, firearm, fraud, conspiracy, and white-collar cases.
Habeas Corpus & Post-Conviction Relief
Even after an appeal, you may still have options.
Our post-conviction lawyers help clients pursue:
- State habeas corpus applications
- Federal habeas corpus petitions
- Newly discovered evidence claims
- Actual innocence claims
- DNA evidence issues
- Brady violations
- Ineffective assistance of counsel claims
Post-conviction cases are highly technical and time-sensitive. Every filing, deadline, and procedural requirement matters.
What To Do After a Conviction
If you or a family member has been convicted:
Do Not Wait
Critical appeal deadlines can begin immediately after sentencing.
Do Not Assume Nothing Can Be Done
Many convictions and sentences can still be challenged.
Preserve Your Rights
Speaking with an experienced board certified post-conviction attorney early may protect opportunities for relief later.
Get a Second Opinion
If you believe mistakes were made during your case, another experienced attorney may identify legal issues that deserve review.
Aggressive Post-Conviction Representation in West Texas
We represent clients in:
- Taylor County
- Tom Green County
- Midland County
- Ector County
- Nolan County
- Brown County
- Lubbock County
- Federal courts throughout Texas
We routinely help clients from:
- Abilene
- San Angelo
- Midland
- Odessa
- Lubbock
- Brownwood
- Sweetwater
- Big Spring
- Snyder
- Stephenville
- The Big Country region
Our firm is strategically positioned to serve West Texas clients who need experienced appellate and post-conviction counsel without competing against larger metro-focused firms in Dallas, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio.
Local Experience Matters
When your future is on the line, local court knowledge can make a difference.
Our firm has experience handling criminal and appellate matters involving:
- Taylor County courts
- West Texas prosecutors
- Regional judges
- Local jury dynamics
- State and federal criminal procedure
We understand the legal landscape throughout the Big Country and West Texas communities where our clients live and work.
Speak With Us Today
If you are searching for:
- Abilene post-conviction lawyer
- Abilene criminal appeals attorney
- Texas habeas corpus lawyer
- Federal criminal appeal attorney in West Texas
- Taylor County appeals lawyer
- West Texas post-conviction attorney
Our team is ready to review your case.
Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys represents clients throughout Abilene, San Angelo, Midland, Lubbock, Brownwood, Sweetwater, and surrounding West Texas communities in serious criminal appeals and post-conviction matters.
Free Case Review Available
Call (325) 230-2751 today to speak with our team.
Time matters in post-conviction cases. The sooner you act, the more options may be available.
Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys are Criminal Appeal Lawyers.
What Our Clients Say
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely happy with the results of my case and truly grateful for the professionalism and dedication shown throughout the entire process. Mr. Blizzard and Amanda were both exceptional to work with knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely supportive every step of the way. Their attention to detail and clear communication gave me confidence and peace of mind, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. I sincerely appreciate all of their hard work and commitment.once again thank you all,God bless.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I want to thank Matt Zimmerman and his wonderful staff for their efficiency, proficiency, and personal attention demonstrated while handling my case. I never felt ignored. I was able to speak with a person and get updates on my case or questions answered. I hope I never again need a lawyer, but if I do, I will employ Blizzard and Zimmerman Law Firm.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely grateful for the work Jacob blizzard and Madison Zajdel did on my case. From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. They took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome. Their dedication and expertise made a stressful situation much easier to handle.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Blizzard, Karisa and their team were great with my case. They were proficient and tedious in my case. Everything came out as we had planned and I couldn't ask for better help. 10 out of 10 in my book and I highly recommend them.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t thank Sarah and Yazmin enough for their help with my nondisclosure. The process was quick and they made everything easy to understand. Highly recommend.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jacob and Madison were PHENOMENAL!! Officially dubbed “The Dream Team”!!! Choosing this firm saved my husbands life! What’s different is that they actually care about helping people. I cannot say that about some attorneys I’ve experienced in the past for sure. Words cannot express how truly grateful we are for the solid representation! Thank you Jacob and Madison for everything!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Blizzard and Madison were a fantastic duo. Turned a 2-10 year prison sentence into deferred adjudication probation. Thank you for all your help. 10 out of 10 recommendPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Mr. Blizzard and Amanda help me with my personal case. Mistakes were made during a very tough time in my life, I was scared and felt hopeless about my charges, However, deciding to use these guys was the best decision to make. Anytime I Contacted Amanda, she literally responded right away, every time, and answered anything I needed to know. She walked me through the process, and I truly believe Mr. Blizzard Got me the best result that I could’ve gotten. No regrets, I honestly wish I would’ve used this Lawyer after a family Member passed instead of the other one that we chose. If a lawyer is ever needed again, this is where I will go.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Blizzard and Amanda, Are the best in the west! Highly recommendable. They have the best customer service I ever experienced, communication, financially, and etc. Thank you.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Blizzard cares for his clients. He kept me level headed with sound advice and a honest outlook on the case.
