Texas Petition for Discretionary Review (PDR) Law Firm | Texas Highest Courts 

An unfavorable outcome at a Texas Court of Appeals does not always signify the absolute end of your legal journey. For a select few cases, an avenue for further review exists through a Petition for Discretionary Review (PDR). Both the Texas Supreme Court (for civil cases) and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (for criminal cases) hold the power to grant a petition for discretionary review, allowing them to examine your case, but as the name implies, whether the Texas Supreme Court or the Court of Criminal Appeals grants a petition for discretionary review is left up to the Court's discretion. As a result, even having a petition for discretionary review catch the Court's attention is an immense uphill battle, and discretionary review is granted only to a tiny fraction of the thousands of cases appealed in Texas each year. This is where highly specialized, strategic appellate advocacy becomes indispensable, representing perhaps your final opportunity to achieve justice.

At Larman Law, navigating the complexities of a petition for discretionary review is a cornerstone of a statewide appellate practice. Jason Larman understands the unique challenges and the razor-thin margin for success at this level. Larman Law is dedicated to providing the elite legal representation required to present your case to Texas' highest courts.

The Unparalleled Expertise Required for a Texas PDR

Petitions for Discretionary Review are not ordinary appeals. They demand an attorney with a profound understanding of the nuances of appellate jurisprudence, the ability to identify issues of statewide importance, and superior persuasive writing skills. Jason Larman's recognition as a Board Certified specialist in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization underscores the deep expertise required for this rarefied level of appellate practice. This distinction is paramount when:

• Seeking Criminal PDRs: For criminal cases, his Board Certification directly reflects the highest level of proven skill and recognized authority in the very court you are petitioning – the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. He possesses the knowledge of what issues are most likely to garner the Court's attention.

• Addressing Civil PDRs: While Jason's Board Certification is specific to criminal law, the rigorous analytical skills, exceptional persuasive writing, and profound understanding of appellate procedure are directly applicable and equally vital when petitioning the Texas Supreme Court in civil matters. His appellate experience is invaluable in identifying conflicts in law, questions of first impression, or significant errors that warrant the Supreme Court's rare intervention.

With a track record of successfully arguing cases before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and a meticulous approach to identifying compelling legal questions, Larman Law possesses the specialized insight necessary to determine if your case has a legitimate chance at discretionary review.

Understanding the PDR Process

A Petition for Discretionary Review is not a re-trial of your case. Instead, it is a focused argument designed to convince the highest court that your case presents a significant legal issue that warrants their attention and a definitive ruling. This could be due to:

• A conflict between decisions of different Courts of Appeals.

• An important question of State law that has not yet been addressed by a high court.

• A major departure from established legal precedent.

• Constitutional issues or questions of public importance.

Larman Law's process for evaluating and preparing a PDR involves:

• In-depth Analysis of Court of Appeals Opinion: Scrutinizing the intermediate appellate court's decision for potential errors, conflicts, or unaddressed legal questions.

• Rigorous Legal Research: Identifying the precise legal questions and supporting authority that align with the criteria for granting discretionary review by the Texas Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals.

• Masterful Brief Crafting: Developing a concise, compelling, and intellectually rigorous PDR that clearly articulates why your case warrants the extraordinary attention of Texas' highest courts. This requires precise legal writing and a deep understanding of what these courts are looking for.

Time is Critical: Act Swiftly After a Court of Appeals Decision

Strict and unforgiving deadlines govern the filing of Petitions for Discretionary Review. Missing these deadlines can permanently close off your opportunity for further review by the Texas Supreme Court or the Court of Criminal Appeals. If you have received an adverse decision from a Court of Appeals in either a civil or criminal matter, or anticipate one is coming soon, it is absolutely imperative to act swiftly and consult with an attorney immediately.

Don't let an unfavorable appellate decision be your final word. Contact Larman Law today for a confidential consultation. Obtain an honest assessment of your case's viability for a Petition for Discretionary Review, and learn how an experienced Texas Petition for Discretionary Review lawyer can assist you or your loved one.

Has your deadline for a petition for discretionary review expired? Relief may be available through a writ of habeas corpus. Click here to learn more.

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Disclaimer: This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While Larman Law makes a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and to update posts as the law changes, laws are constantly evolving and subject to interpretation. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.