Actual Innocence in Texas
Review Texas actual innocence procedures, issue-specific records, official sources, and attorney or non-attorney support options.
Focus on evidence of factual innocence
An actual-innocence inquiry focuses on whether the person committed the offense. A claim that the trial was unfair may be significant, but it does not by itself satisfy an innocence organization’s intake criteria. Identify evidence that can be independently examined.
Texas procedure and this issue
For a Texas factual-innocence inquiry, separate evidence already presented at trial from evidence that became available later. Scientific changes may call for analysis under Article 11.073, while a physical item that can yield DNA may implicate Chapter 64. Article 11.07 Section 4 imposes specific restrictions when a prior application has already been finally disposed of. Do not equate the statutory gateway for a later writ with every possible innocence claim. An innocence organization’s acceptance is also different from a judicial finding.
Check the record and procedural history
For a final non-death felony conviction, the Article 11.07 process begins with the clerk of the convicting court and ultimately reaches the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. A community-supervision case requires separate attention to Article 11.072. Keep the original judgment, revocation history and earlier writ orders together: they determine the procedural category before anyone evaluates the requested relief. A family member’s current city does not move the conviction to a different county.
What evidence points to a different person or contradicts participation? Can it be tested or independently verified? Has it already been evaluated by a court?
Help with documents and court representation
PCRC is a non-attorney legal support and document-preparation service for pro se clients. Attorney advice and court representation are distinct services. Compare the provider type and written scope before engaging help; a featured directory listing does not establish a right to relief.
Records for this issue
- New witness material
- forensic or DNA records
- original exhibits
- investigation reports
- trial testimony
Provider roles for this issue
| Type of help | Typical purpose | Confirm first |
|---|---|---|
| Law firm | Legal advice and court representation | Licensing, case fit, and engagement terms |
| Non-attorney legal support | Document preparation, research, organization | Permitted scope; who signs and files |
| Nonprofit / innocence review | Qualifying case review or legal services | Eligibility, intake, and representation status |
| Official resources | Forms, rules, records, and court contacts | Current version and local requirements |
Listings have no scores or ratings. Listing methodology
Innocence Project of Texas
Free investigative and legal services for people incarcerated for crimes they did not commit. Review its case criteria before applying.
Texas Indigent Defense Commission — Innocence Projects
Official list of Texas law-school innocence projects. A resource directory rather than a commercial service.
Post-Conviction Relief Center (PCRC)
Non-attorney legal support and document preparation for people representing themselves. PCRC operates this directory; services do not include attorney representation.
L&L Law Group, PLLC
DFW law firm publishing Article 11.07 and 11.072 habeas services. Confirm case fit and geographic coverage directly.
Jessica Graf Law
Attorney practice offering Texas Article 11.07 habeas applications and criminal appellate work.
Bennett & Bennett
Houston attorney practice publishing statewide Texas post-conviction habeas services. Consultation and litigation fees are described on its site.
Related Texas guides
Sources for Actual Innocence
Common questions
Does finding a provider preserve a court deadline?
No. A directory visit, inquiry or service agreement is not itself a court filing. Use the actual judgment and filing history to check the procedure, current requirements and any applicable exception.
What records are useful for this inquiry?
Start with new witness material, forensic or dna records, original exhibits, investigation reports, trial testimony. Include all earlier orders on the same subject rather than sending only a new summary.
PCRC offers non-attorney legal support and document preparation for pro se clients.
Updated October 8, 2026. General information; the appropriate filing, deadline, and relief depend on the case. Provider information is based on linked public pages, not a licensing audit.