Blizzard & Zimmerman Secures Freedom for Client After 19 Years, Conviction Overturned Due to Judicial Misconduct
Midland, Texas, June 12, 2025 — After serving 19 years of a 70-year sentence, Samuel Sanchez, Jr. walked free today following a plea agreement for time served.
The result marks a profound moment of justice in a case marked by one of the most serious judicial misconduct scandals in recent Texas history.
Mr. Sanchez was convicted by a jury in 2007 of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Nearly two decades later, attorneys Jacob Blizzard and Sarah Durham of Blizzard & Zimmerman discovered critical evidence that ultimately led to the reversal of his conviction.
Ralph Petty And Unethical Conduct
Through the post-conviction writ of habeas corpus process, the firm uncovered that Ralph Petty, a former Midland County prosecutor, had been simultaneously working for the judge presiding over Mr. Sanchez’s trial while also appearing as counsel of record in the case on behalf of the State.
County treasurer records confirmed that Mr. Petty was being paid for legal work on behalf of Judge Robin Darr, who was the sitting judge in Mr. Sanchez’s case. These dual roles were never disclosed, and they presented an unacceptable appearance of judicial bias. Although Judge Darr later denied that Mr. Petty had worked for her in this case, the documentary evidence and pattern of Mr. Petty told a different story.
Investigations by USA Today and the Texas Observer have found that Mr. Petty’s misconduct has impacted at least 355 cases where Mr. Petty worked for both the State and the District Judges on defendants’ cases. This broader pattern of unethical conduct underscored the seriousness of the violation in Mr. Sanchez’s case.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ultimately held that the appearance of bias alone was sufficient to overturn the conviction.
Right To Fair Trial
“This case was not about a technicality, it was about the right to a fair trial,” said Sarah Durham. “Every person has the right to be tried before an impartial judge. That principle was violated in this case, and it took nearly 20 years to correct.”
During his incarceration, Mr. Sanchez experienced a profound transformation. He became a devoted follower of Christ and devoted himself to ministry within the prison, encouraging young men to turn away from violence and crime and to pursue a life of purpose and redemption. He became a steady presence for many, offering hope to those who had none.
“Samuel Sanchez is a changed man,” said Jacob Blizzard, managing partner of Blizzard & Zimmerman. “He has taken responsibility for his past and committed his life to building a better future for others. His release today is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance.”
Recognizing Mr. Sanchez’s reformed life and the time already served, the current Midland County District Attorney prosecutors, who played no part in the original wrongdoing to Mr. Sanchez, extended a plea offer of time served. Mr. Sanchez entered a plea of guilty to accept responsibility, but also to move forward as a transformed man and continue his mission of service.
This outcome is another in a series of successful post-conviction cases handled by Blizzard & Zimmerman, shining a light on deep institutional failures and restoring justice for individuals whose rights were violated.
In April 2021, Weldon Ralph Petty, Jr. resigned as an attorney and counselor at law in lieu of disciplinary action. The Texas Supreme Court accepted his resignation, finding that it was in the best interest of the public and the legal profession, as noted in Misc. Docket No. 21-9033.
About Blizzard & Zimmerman
Blizzard & Zimmerman, based in Abilene, Texas, is a statewide leader in criminal defense, post-conviction relief, and appeals. The firm is known for its aggressive investigations, appellate litigation, and commitment to ineffective assistance of counsel and prosecutorial misconduct. Through habeas corpus and appellate advocacy, Blizzard & Zimmerman continues to secure justice for individuals failed by the system.
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