Searching for a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney in Texas? Meet Jacob Blizzard.
When you Google “board certified criminal defense attorney near me” or “best criminal lawyer in Abilene, Texas,” you’re probably not just browsing. You, or someone you love, may be facing one of the hardest moments of your life.
In a sea of paid ads and generic listings, one credential can help you cut through the noise fast: Board Certification in Criminal Law. And in Abilene and the surrounding West Texas area, criminal defense attorney Jacob Blizzard stands out with dual board certification in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS).
What Does “Board Certified” Actually Mean in Criminal Defense?
Not every lawyer who handles criminal cases is a criminal specialist.
In Texas, Board Certification is granted by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization to attorneys who have:
- Practiced a minimum number of years in their specialty
- Handled a significant number of cases in that field
- Passed a rigorous, specialty-specific exam
- Met strict standards for experience, recommendations, and ongoing education
Out of more than 100,000 licensed Texas attorneys, only a small percentage are board certified at all – and an even smaller group holds certification in both Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law.
That means when you choose a board certified criminal defense lawyer, you’re choosing someone who has gone far beyond the minimum required to practice law in Texas.
Jacob Blizzard: Dual Board Certified Criminal Defense & Criminal Appellate Attorney
Jacob Blizzard, partner at Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys in Abilene, Texas, isn’t just board certified – he’s dual board certified in:
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appellate Law
both by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
He is also certified in Criminal Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) which is a national credential held by only a select group of lawyers across Texas.
In Taylor County, and surrounding counties, he is recognized as the only practicing criminal defense attorney who holds both Texas board certifications in criminal law and criminal appellate law.
Why Dual Board Certification Matters for Your Case
Most people search online for a “criminal defense lawyer” or “DWI attorney” without realizing how much appeals and post-conviction work can affect the outcome.
Jacob’s dual focus gives clients an important advantage:
1. He Understands the Full Life Cycle of a Case
Jacob has handled cases from the moment of arrest through trial, appeal, and post-conviction writs of habeas corpus.
That big-picture view helps him:
- Spot issues at trial that might matter on appeal
- Preserve important legal arguments
- Evaluate the long-term impact of plea offers
- Structure a defense that protects you now and later
2. He Is Qualified for the Most Serious Cases
Jacob is capital murder appellate list qualified in the 7th Judicial Region of Texas. This means he meets the stringent standards to handle appeals in death-eligible and other extremely serious cases.
If he is trusted with the most serious criminal appeals in Texas, he brings that same level of preparation and seriousness to every case, from state jail felonies to high-stakes federal matters.
3. He’s Never Been a Prosecutor
Many criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors. Jacob has never prosecuted anyone – his entire career has been devoted to defending people accused or convicted of crimes in Texas state and federal courts.
That means he has always been on one side: yours.
Types of Criminal Cases Jacob Blizzard Handles
Jacob represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including:
Felony and misdemeanor charges, such as:
- Murder, manslaughter, and capital murder
- Aggravated assault and assault family violence
- Sex crimes, including sexual assault
- Drug crimes, including federal drug trafficking
- Burglary, robbery, white collar theft, and more
- DWI and intoxication-related offenses in Texas
- State and federal criminal appeals
- Post conviction relief, including writs of habeas corpus
Because he practices both trial and appellate work, he is often called on when the stakes are highest and the margin for error is the smallest.
What to Look for When You Search “Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney”
If you’re in the middle of a crisis, it’s tempting to just click the first ad that pops up. But here are a few things worth checking as you compare criminal defense lawyers online:
1. Board Certification Status
- Verify on the Texas Board of Legal Specialization website that the lawyer is truly board certified in Criminal Law, Criminal Appellate Law, or both.
2. Experience With Cases Like Yours
- Look at their case results and practice areas. Do they regularly handle the kind of charge or appeal you’re facing?
3. Trial & Appellate Experience
- A lawyer who understands both trial strategy and appellate issues can better protect your rights at every stage.
4. Client Reviews & Professional Recognition
- Independent recognitions like Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and strong client reviews can be a sign of consistent performance. Also check out our Google Reviews.
5. Personal Fit
- Do you feel heard when you talk to them? Are they clear about the process, possible outcomes, and fees?
How Jacob Blizzard Approaches Criminal Defense Cases
When someone hires Jacob, they’re not just getting a name with credentials, they’re getting a defense that is:
Thoroughly Investigated
He digs into the facts, police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and constitutional issues to look for weaknesses in the State’s case.
Strategically Planned
Because he understands how issues play out on appeal, he builds the trial strategy with long-term consequences in mind alal the time, not just “what happens at court next week.”
Client-Focused
Jacob consistently emphasizes personal attention and communication, taking the time to explain options and answer questions so clients can make informed decisions.
Prepared to Fight
He is not afraid to take cases to trial when that is in the client’s best interest and has tried serious felony cases, including capital murder, in difficult “law and order” jurisdictions.
When Should You Call a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney?
It’s almost always better to call sooner rather than later, especially if:
- You or a loved one has just been arrested
- You’ve learned there’s an active investigation or warrant
- You’re facing serious felony charges
- You want a second opinion on a plea offer
- You’re considering an appeal or post conviction writ
Early involvement gives your attorney more time to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and push back against the State’s narrative before it hardens.
Final Thoughts: Turn a Web Search Into Real-World Help
If your search history is full of:
- “best criminal lawyer in Abilene”
- “board certified criminal defense attorney Texas”
- “help with criminal appeal or writ of habeas corpus”
then you’re already asking the right questions.
Jacob Blizzard brings:
- Dual Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifications
- National Board of Trial Advocacy criminal trial certification
- Deep experience in both trials and appeals
- A defense-only career focused on protecting people, not prosecuting them
Call (325) 230-2751 to schedule a confidential consultation today.
