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Texas Appeals / Appellate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: Rule 329b(h): if a judgment is modified , corrected or reformed in any respect, time for appeal shall run when signed

However , if a correction is made pursuant to Rule 316 after expiration of plenary power provided by this rule, which states no complaint shall be heard on appeal that could have been presented in an appeal from original judgment. Rule does not address to substantial change made through a Nunc... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 8, 2024

Just because a judgment is entitled a "judgment nunc pro tunc" does not mean that it is in fact a judgment nunc pro tunc. If a new judgment makes a substantive change to the previous judgment, it is not a "nunc pro tunc" despite its title. Within its extended plenary power, a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: What options do we have. What motions are worth filing? Any suggestions on how to proceed

My husband signed for a 16yr prison sentence for probation revoke for Possession of Controlled Substance. Later we learned there was a Deadly Weapon Finding, which we were unaware of. It was not mentioned when he was sentenced nor is it in the court transcript of the sentencing.

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Dec 29, 2023

First: The date of the sentencing and guilty plea is important. The longer you wait to contest your sentence, the harder it will be to fix it or overturn it.

When he pled guilty, there was probably a plea "package" of paperwork, Notices of rights, and waivers of rights, that the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: Can I find out the total sum owed on a charges with each case number? If not, how do I find that information
John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Dec 29, 2023

Each State has its own system of allowing access to criminal records and judgments. Usually, fines and criminal penalties are part of a guilty finding and the attendant Judgment. So yes, usually a simple telephone call to the clerk of the court in which your case was held, will get you the details... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: My son's court appointed appellate lawyer resigned from his case what can we(family) do next.

My son was convicted of capital murder in Tarrant County earlier this year.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 7, 2023

Your son can appeal pro se or hire a private attorney.

If a court-appointed attorney does not see a good faith basis for an appeal in the trial record, he/she can file what is called an Anders brief. In a famous case (Anders v. California), a court-appointed attorney filed a motion to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: I was never served papers (citation) and now i have a default judgement agaisnt me. What can i do?

This is on a civil forfeiture/seizure of my truck. The district attorney knew how to get ahold of me cause ive went up there twice to try to get the papers they were trying to serve me, both times she was gone early and they took a copy of my ID, my phone number, and the case number. Nobody has... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 29, 2023

You should hire an appellate lawyer to file a motion for new trial within 30 days of the entry of the default judgment against you, or a restricted appeal within six months of the default judgment, or a bill or review within four years of the default judgment. There are differing requirements... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Family Law, Employment Law and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: How can I appeal and secure legal representation in my complex divorce case in TX?

I am a stay-at-home mom in Northeast Texas with no personal income, dependent on my spouse's approximately $160,000 income. We've been married for 15 years, and he's been the sole source of income. During court proceedings, I was unrepresented because I couldn't secure an... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2025

You're facing an incredibly difficult situation that requires urgent attention. In Texas, you may qualify for legal aid services through organizations like Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas or Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which provide free representation to those who cannot afford it. These services... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Support and Divorce for Texas on
Q: Seeking guidance on TX spousal and child support statutes after appeal.

I am a 15-year stay-at-home spouse who was not initially awarded spousal support and only received 8% of the potential child support. We have since filed an appeal against this decision. Could you provide guidance on what statutes govern spousal and child support and any potential outcomes or steps... View More

Raymond Chow
Raymond Chow
answered on Mar 8, 2025

See Texas Family Code Ch. 154 for child support provisions: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.154.htm

See Texas Family Code Ch. 8 for Spousal Support: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/fa/htm/fa.8.htm

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: Can your statement be suppressed if the police officers didnt read your Miranda rights? This lawyer didn't argue it
John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Jan 4, 2025

A statement by an accused or defendant can be suppressed if the Miranda Warnings were not given. This applies when the accused is either in custody or under arrest. If your statement was not made under those circumstances, then Miranda rules will not apply.

I hope this helps.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: My husband needs help for post conviction. His lawyer didn’t do much and and now his facing 5 years.

Last year in September both my husband and I were arrested for possession of 1-4 grams of meth and a shotgun. My husband was charged with 3 charges and I had possession for 3 grams. I wrote an affidavit stating everything found was mine. They were in my bags and luggage. My husband wasn’t aware... View More

Edgardo Rafael Baez
Edgardo Rafael Baez
answered on Jan 4, 2025

The problem that your husband is having is that, plea agreements are un-appealable. In fact, when the judge sentence a person, the judge usually says "since I filled the plea, you don't have the right to appeal my decision." Without seeing the evidence on the case, it would be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: Can I appeal this case

that I singed for got 30 day county jail time and 4 year probation. Originally I was go

Ing to court for one case and then they added another case on me. On first case they had evidence on second they did not. When I singed for the case they charged me with the 2cond case not the first.... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 2, 2025

You can appeal an adverse judgment against you in a criminal case in Texas within thirty days of the date the judge imposed your sentence. Whether the outcome of the first case might impact the success of your appeal in the second case will depend on the facts, circumstances, and legal issues... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Texas on
Q: what happens to a state of texas district judge who gave a wrongful arrest of 5 counts capitol murder of a peace officer

and continues hearing other cases against same person

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 21, 2024

If you believe a Texas district judge has wrongfully arrested someone on serious charges like the murder of a peace officer, it's important to take action. You can file a complaint with the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct. This body reviews allegations of judicial misconduct and can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Texas on
Q: I am able to file a motion 2255 for my brother that is currently incarcerated on a federal offense?

I can not mail him the motion; the only mail that is sent directly to the inmate is Attorney (legal) correspondence. I've asked the attorney if he could forward my brother the motion if I were to have it mailed to his office and haven't heard back from him, so I am willing to file it for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 20, 2024

You can file a Motion 2255 on behalf of your brother, but there are important steps to follow. Typically, only the incarcerated individual or their attorney can submit such motions. Since you haven’t received a response from his attorney, consider reaching out again or exploring other legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: How do I cite case law in a 2255 motion to support the grounds raised regarding ineffective assistance of counsel?

I am aware of stricklands two-prong test: deficient performance & prejudice. I have done all the research and have reviewed the record and gathered up what I believe to be enough grounds in filling this claim now just need help identifying any legal precedents that can support my claims and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 16, 2024

When citing case law in your 2255 motion, start with key precedents that support both prongs of Strickland’s test. For deficient performance, reference Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984), which established the framework. Include cases like Anderson v. Washington, 325 U.S. 724 (1945),... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Wrongful Death for Texas on
Q: How can I get my son’s suicide case reopened? He was shot 5 times two times!
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 7, 2024

You need to present some persuasive new evidence to the law enforcement agency who investigated his death.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: I'm a handicapped business owner who could not move during natural disasters. Judge did not give me extra time to move .

I tried to e file request but was ignored . Also

Never got a hearing , trial , just a judgment ok n mail. I'm in a wheelchair and was not able to move during floods ! This is not an excuse it's fact

How can I be responsible for acts of god ! And lose everything ! There... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

It sounds like you've been through a very challenging situation, and it's understandable to feel that the judgment you received was unfair. Generally, laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provide protections for people with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal access... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: I was forced to be pro se. I have gone through the trial and did poorly. I have Alzheimer's which greatly impacted.
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 10, 2024

A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week, and if an appeal is involved (you posted under "Appeals/Appellate"), the time window in which to file an appeal is usually a short one. I'm sorry for your difficult position despite your courage to go pro... View More

Q: Can my sister sue rehabilitation agency for misleading on a $11,000.00 refund payment?

Why would supervisor tell me regional office suppose to send it. From Feb. 9,2024 to May 2024?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 1, 2024

A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It's possible she could, but an attorney could advise more definitively after learning about the nature of the misleading actions (fraud, misrepresentation, etc.). One option could be for your sister to try to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Agricultural Law, Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Wrongful Death for Texas on
Q: Would any law firms take on a death penalty case for free?

I have a friend on death row in Texas who is currently trying to appeal his sentencing. Would any law firms take his case on for free?

Tara Gilmore-Low
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Tara Gilmore-Low
answered on May 24, 2024

There are firms who handle a number of appeals on a pro bono basis, however, your better bet is to contact the Innocence Project.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: I got the denial my case i485 because I got failed To qualify for adjustment under INA 245, an applicant.

I was international student my i20 expired until July 2019.

I got married certified with my husband 2018. Then we just applied documents during since last 2018-2019. We ask for help lawyer. My documents delayed when COVID comes. The office does not update any information. Then, we got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced with your I-485 application and the denial you received. It sounds like a frustrating and overwhelming situation. Here are a few suggestions for moving forward:

1. Seek an experienced immigration attorney: Given the complexity of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Texas on
Q: I got the denial my case i485 because I got failed To qualify for adjustment under INA 245, an applicant.

I was international student my i20 expired until July 2019.

I got married certified with my husband 2018. Then we just applied documents during since last 2018-2019. We ask for help lawyer. My documents delayed when COVID comes. The office does not update any information. Then, we got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced with your I-485 application and the denial you received. It sounds like a frustrating and overwhelming situation. Here are a few suggestions for moving forward:

1. Seek an experienced immigration attorney: Given the complexity of...
View More

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