San Antonio Writs Attorney

What is a Writ?

A court writ is a document from a higher court that can order a lower court or government entity to take a certain action. In a trial. A defendant can only file an appeal one time but can file multiple court writs.

As a defendant, you can seek various types of writs from an appellate judge directed at either the trial court or a lower appellate court. The procedures and requirements pertaining to writs can be complex, so it is best to seek counsel from a trusted criminal defense attorney.

At LaHood Norton Law Group, our San Antonio writs lawyers are well-versed in how to properly apply for and obtain a writ. We are eager to put our seven decades of combined experience to work for you.

Different Types of Writs

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure annul certain writs and instead grant relief through a lawsuit or a motion.

Examples of writs commonly available in federal courts include writs of:

• Certiorari: Allow a case to be reviewed
• Habeas corpus: Challenge a prisoner’s detention
• Prohibition or injunctions: Compel or prevent certain actions
• Error Coram Nobis: Set aside a conviction

At the state level, there may be other types of writs available, including writs of:

• Attachment: Allow a person or piece of property to be seized
• Capias: Essentially a warrant for an arrest
• Fieri facias: Allows the seizure and auction of property to pay debts
• Venire facias: Summon jurors to appear in court

A writ is considered an extraordinary remedy, which means courts only permit them when a defendant has no other option, like an appeal.

Why Seek a Writ?

A defendant might seek a writ if:

• The defense failed to object in a timely fashion when an error in injustice occurred
• They need immediate relief to prevent injustice or expense
• They already lost an appeal and have no other form of recourse
• An attorney failed to properly investigate a potential defense