Denton, Texas Criminal Appellate and Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal Appeals
Appellate Attorney Trial Advisor
Having an experienced appellate attorney as early as possible is key. An appellate attorney's involvement during trial allows trial attorneys to obtain advice and assistance with legal research and arguments, focuses on ensuring the preservation of issues for appellate purposes, and paves the way for possible future appellate representation.
Direct Appeals
Once a conviction has been entered in the trial court the defendant has a deadline of 30 days to file a notice of appeal. The appellate process centers around each party's written legal arguments as to any errors that occurred during trial. The written brief is limited to the court reporter's records of all hearings and trials related to your case. With over 15 years experience, primarily as an appellate attorney for a district attorney's office, I am the experienced attorney you need at this stage of your criminal proceeding. The appellate process requires the nerdiness of an appellate lawyer. My passion is to read, write and research criminal law. Let me be the nerd in your corner.
11.07 Writs of Habeas Corpus
One bite at the apple. Once the appellate process is complete a defendant can proceed pro se or by counsel via an application for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 11.07. The avenue available pursuant to a writ allows one final chance to prove the defendant has suffered harm as a result of a constitutional violation, or prove a claim of "actual innocence."
Many inmates burn their one bite at the apple by filing an application without an attorney. All filings made after a first application has been denied is called a "successive writ." It is very difficult to overcome the hurdle of a subsequent or successive writ. Get it right on the writ the first time!
Andrea R. Simmons
An appellate attorney is not limited to a specific geographic region in Texas. Any attorney in the State of Texas can represent you on direct appeal. But ensuring that your attorney is experienced at appellate law is crucial.
I was born and raised in Denton County, Texas. I left Texas for three years to attend law school at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas. After graduation, I returned to Texas and became licensed to practice law in 2006. I worked for the Denton County District Attorney's Office for sixteen years, practicing primarily appellate law.
I now work for myself and am using my experience, skills, and passion to serve you.
Types of Cases on Appeal
My appellate representation includes juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, and parental termination cases.
Appellate Advisor
My appellate assistance in trial courts have included misdemeanor and felony cases, including a capital murder case wherein the State sought the death penalty, but a jury sentenced the defendant to life without parole.
Juvenile Criminal Defense
I am available for the representation of juveniles in the juvenile court in Denton County, Texas. I also work with other attorneys in the representation of adult clients in other courts both within and outside of Denton County.