What Happens if Your Article 11.07 Writ Is Denied?

 Posted on February 18, 2026 in Appeals

If your Article 11.07 writ is denied, it means the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has decided not to grant relief based on your habeas corpus application. This can feel discouraging and overwhelming, especially if you were hoping this would correct a wrongful conviction or unfair outcome. However, a denial does not always mean your legal options are over.

As of 2026, Article 11.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure remains the main way to challenge a felony conviction after direct appeals have ended. Our Conroe, TX criminal appeals lawyers can help you understand what the denial means and whether you still have options.

What Is an Article 11.07 Writ in Texas?

An Article 11.07 writ is a type of habeas corpus application used to challenge a felony conviction after sentencing. Habeas corpus allows you to argue that your conviction or imprisonment violated your legal or constitutional rights.

This type of writ is governed by Article 11.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and applies to individuals who are serving a sentence for a felony.

Common reasons people file Article 11.07 writs include:

• Ineffective assistance of trial counsel
• Prosecutorial misconduct
• Newly discovered evidence
• Constitutional violations
• Invalid guilty pleas

These claims must show that a legal error affected the outcome of your case.

What Does It Mean When Your Article 11.07 Writ Is Denied?

When the Court of Criminal Appeals denies your writ, it means the court did not find enough legal grounds to grant relief. This can happen for several reasons.

The court may decide there is not enough evidence to support the claims. In other cases, the court may find that the claims do not meet the legal requirements.

A denial does not always mean your claims were ignored. It means the court did not find a sufficient legal basis to overturn or change your conviction under this specific writ.

Can You File Another Article 11.07 Writ After a Denial?

Filing another Article 11.07 writ after a denial is difficult, but it may be possible in limited situations. The law states that a second writ must meet strict requirements.

You may be allowed to file another writ if:

• New evidence was discovered that was not available earlier.
• A new legal rule applies to your case.
• You can show actual innocence.

These situations are rare, and courts review repeat writs very carefully.

Can You File a Federal Habeas Corpus Petition After a Denial?

After your state writ is denied, you may be able to file a federal habeas corpus petition. This allows you to challenge your conviction in federal court based on violations of federal constitutional rights.

Federal habeas petitions are governed by 28 U.S.C. § 2254. This process has strict deadlines and procedural rules. Missing deadlines or filing errors can prevent your case from being heard.

Why Is Legal Help Important After a Habeas Corpus Denial?

Post-conviction cases involve complex legal rules and strict procedures. Even small mistakes can affect your ability to seek relief.

A lawyer can review your case, identify possible legal options, and help you decide what to do next. This can provide clarity during a difficult and uncertain time.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Conroe, TX Defense Attorneys

A denied Article 11.07 writ can feel like a major setback, but it does not always mean your case is over. At Pullan & Young, we understand how important this process is and work closely with clients to evaluate their legal options and pursue further relief when possible.

Attorney Pullan was formerly an Assistant District Attorney, and Attorney Young is a former prosecutor. Their experience gives them valuable insight into how cases are built and challenged. They use this knowledge to carefully review each case and identify possible paths forward. If your Article 11.07 writ has been denied, contact our Texas criminal defense lawyers. Call 936-647-1540 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.