Criminal Appeals Attorney In El Paso

Protecting Your Future After A Conviction Or Harsh Sentence

A conviction or severe sentence can feel final, especially when you believe the court did not hear the full story or your rights were not fully protected. In Texas, there are strict deadlines and specific procedures for criminal appeals, and knowing whether you have options is not always clear. At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we help individuals and families review the court proceedings and assess whether an appeal is a viable path to pursue.

Attorney Ruben Ortiz has been practicing law since 1998, and our firm has spent decades defending clients’ futures and rights in serious criminal cases. We take the time to listen, review the record, and explain in plain language what an appeal might entail. We also offer a free consultation for criminal defense matters, including potential appeals, so you can ask questions and get guidance before deciding what to do next.

Our El Paso criminal appeals attorney is ready to help you seek the defense you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz today at (915) 308-8850 or contact us online to get started! 

Why Choose Our Firm To Handle Your Criminal Appeal

An appeal is not simply another court date. It is a focused legal review of what happened in the trial court and whether significant legal errors affected the result. This type of work calls for an attorney who understands criminal law, who is willing to dive into transcripts and rulings, and who treats your case as more than a file number. That is how we approach appellate work at Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz.

Ruben Ortiz has represented clients in criminal matters since 1998, which means our firm has seen how serious charges are handled over many years. This background matters when we evaluate issues such as evidentiary rulings, jury instructions, or sentencing decisions. We are licensed in both Texas and New Mexico and are based here in the border region, which can benefit people whose lives or legal issues cross state lines.

Our goal is to build personalized legal strategies rather than forcing every case into a template. We work to understand how the conviction affects your life, your family, and your plans. Then we review the record carefully to identify potential appeal points that align with those concerns. Throughout the process, we communicate clearly so you know what we are doing and why.

Understanding Criminal Appeals & How They Differ From Trials

Many people picture an appeal as a second trial, with new witnesses, new evidence, and a new jury. In most criminal cases, that is not how a Texas appeal works. A criminal appeal usually involves a higher court reviewing the trial court’s record to decide whether legal errors occurred that require a change in the outcome.

When we talk about an appeal, we are generally referring to a challenge to the conviction or sentence based on the existing record. The appellate court looks at transcripts, exhibits, motions, and rulings that were part of the original proceedings. It typically does not hear new testimony or consider evidence that was never presented before. That is why the quality of the trial record and how issues were preserved can be so important.

There are also other post conviction options, such as motions for a new trial or certain writs, that may be available in specific situations. Each path has its own rules and deadlines. As a criminal appeals attorney, El Paso residents can consult, we work to explain the differences between these options so you understand what may fit your case. Our focus is to give you a realistic view of what an appeal can and cannot accomplish, then help you decide how to move forward.

What To Do After A Conviction Or Harsh Sentence

The period right after sentencing is often confusing and emotional, and it is also when important deadlines start to run. In Texas, the time to file a notice of appeal is limited, and the specific deadline usually depends on the date the judgment is signed and whether certain motions are filed. Acting quickly can preserve choices that might otherwise disappear.

If you are considering an appeal, it can help to gather any paperwork you have from your case. This may include the judgment, plea documents, sentencing paperwork, and correspondence from your trial lawyer. Family members often hold these documents, especially when a loved one is in custody. Bringing whatever you have to a consultation helps us understand where your case stands.

Relatives and close friends often take the lead in contacting an appeals lawyer El Paso clients trust when the person convicted is in jail or prison. We regularly speak with family members in that role and can explain how communication with the client typically works. Before filing anything on your own, it is usually wise to talk with a lawyer about the potential consequences and the best sequence of steps. We offer a free consultation so you can ask questions about timing, next steps, and what information we would need to review.

How Our Team Reviews & Builds A Criminal Appeal

Appeals are built on preparation. When you contact our firm about a possible appeal, we begin by listening to your account of what happened and reviewing any documents you can provide. We want to understand which parts of the trial or sentencing felt unfair to you, because that perspective often points to areas of the case that deserve close legal analysis.

If we move forward together, we typically work to obtain the trial court record, including transcripts of hearings and trial, motions that were filed, and written rulings. We review these materials carefully, looking for potential legal errors involving issues such as evidence, constitutional rights, jury instructions, prosecutorial conduct, and the way the sentence was imposed. Our goal is not to reargue every detail, but to identify issues that have a meaningful chance to matter on appeal.

Throughout this review, we keep you and your family informed about what we are doing. Appeals often take months, and sometimes longer, because they depend on court schedules and the time required to prepare written briefs. We discuss timelines as clearly as we can, based on the court that will hear the case and the complexity of the record. Not every case reveals strong appellate issues, and when that happens, we work to give you honest feedback, explaining what we see and why certain arguments may or may not be worth pursuing.

Appeals In El Paso Courts & Across The Region

Criminal cases that begin in the trial courts in El Paso County can move into the Texas appellate system if a notice of appeal is filed. Which appellate court reviews a case usually depends on the county where the case started and the type of conviction involved. We are familiar with how serious charges are typically handled in the trial courts here and how that record later appears on appeal.

Being located in this area allows us to understand the practical side of how cases move from local arrest and prosecution into the appellate process. Sentencing patterns, plea practices, and common issues in certain types of cases can all influence what we look for in the record. When we review a case that arose here, we are not reading the transcripts in a vacuum. We consider how local procedures and decisions might affect potential appeal points.

Our firm is licensed in both Texas and New Mexico, which can help clients with ties to both states or with legal issues that cross the border. Some clients or families live outside the city even though the case was tried in this region. We regularly speak with people in that situation and can often handle communication by phone or video while still focusing on the details of the local case.

When To Contact A Criminal Appeals Lawyer About Your Case

It is usually best to speak with a lawyer about an appeal as soon as you can after a conviction or sentencing. The rules that govern criminal appeals in Texas generally require that certain documents be filed within a short time after the judgment. Waiting can limit what options remain, and it can also make it harder to gather information while events are still fresh in your mind.

You may want to contact a criminal appeals lawyer El Paso defendants rely on if you believe the sentence was unusually harsh, if you think important evidence was mishandled, or if you feel your rights were not fully respected in court. Speaking with our firm does not commit you to filing an appeal. It gives you a chance to tell your story, have us review what we reasonably can at that stage, and hear how the process might unfold.

During a free criminal defense consultation that focuses on appeals, we typically discuss what happened in the case, what documents are available, and what your goals are. We also talk about our role, potential fees, and how communication would work if we move forward together. Our aim is to be transparent so you can make an informed decision about whether an appeal with our help is the right step for you and your family.

To discuss your situation with our team and learn whether an appeal might be available, call (915) 308-8850.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Do I Have To File A Criminal Appeal?

In many Texas criminal cases, the time to file a notice of appeal is limited to a short period after the judgment is signed. The exact deadline can depend on whether certain motions are filed and on the type of case involved. If you are considering an appeal, it is important to speak with a lawyer quickly so you do not miss a time limit that might close off this option. During a consultation, we can look at the dates in your case and explain which deadlines appear to apply. Our goal is to give you clear guidance about timing so you can act before important windows close.

Can You Review My Case If Another Lawyer Handled My Trial?

Yes, it is common for one lawyer to handle the trial and another to review the case for appeal. When you contact our firm, we do not require that we be involved in the original proceedings. Instead, we focus on examining the trial record, the rulings that were made, and how issues were preserved. We also listen closely to your concerns about what felt wrong during the case, because that often highlights areas that deserve our attention. Our role is to provide an independent look at the record and to explain what we see, not to criticize your prior lawyer or your past decisions.

What Can A Criminal Appeal Actually Change In My Case?

A criminal appeal asks a higher court to review the legal decisions made in your case, so it can sometimes lead to changes, but it does not guarantee them. Depending on the issues and the appellate court’s findings, possible results can include leaving the conviction and sentence in place, ordering a new trial, or sending the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. In some situations, an appellate court may require that a sentencing error be corrected. Which outcomes are realistically possible depends on the specific facts of your case and the legal issues identified in the record. We work to explain these possibilities in plain language so you understand what an appeal may offer before you decide to move forward.

How Will I Stay Updated If I Am In Jail Or Prison?

If you are in custody, we understand that staying informed can feel difficult and stressful. When we handle a case for an incarcerated client, we make communication a priority. We typically use a combination of mailed letters, facility-approved calls, and contact through trusted family members, always with respect for your privacy and legal rights. We let you know when important filings occur or when we receive notice from the court about your appeal. Our aim is to keep you from feeling left in the dark while your case moves through the appellate process.

What Happens During A Free Consultation About A Criminal Appeal?

During a free consultation, our goal is to learn about your case and give you a clearer picture of what an appeal might involve. We usually start by asking about the charges, the outcome in court, and any paperwork you have, such as the judgment or plea documents. We listen to what you believe went wrong and what you hope to achieve, then we explain in general terms how appeals work and what we would need to review more deeply. We also talk about fees and how communication would take place if we accept the case. By the end of the conversation, you should have a better sense of your options and of how our firm approaches appellate work.

Will Hiring An Appeals Lawyer Guarantee My Conviction Is Overturned?

No lawyer can ethically guarantee that a conviction or sentence will be overturned on appeal. An appellate court’s decision depends on the specific facts of the case, the legal issues preserved in the record, and the court’s interpretation of the law. What we can control is the effort and care we bring to reviewing the record and presenting any viable arguments that exist. We work to identify strong issues where possible and to explain both the strengths and limits of your case, so you are not given false expectations. Our commitment is to give your appeal the thorough consideration it deserves, not to promise outcomes that no one can control.

Can Your Firm Handle Appeals For Cases From Outside The Local Area?

We often review and handle appeals for cases that were tried here, even when the client or their family now lives elsewhere. Modern communication makes it possible to share documents and hold detailed conversations by phone or video, while we remain focused on the record from the local court. What matters most is where the original case was heard and which appellate court will review it, not where you currently live. During a consultation, we can discuss where your case began and which courts are likely to be involved. We then explain how we would coordinate with you and your family throughout the process, regardless of your physical location.

Contact us today for legal help! Call (915) 308-8850 today to schedule an appointment.