RESULTS: Freedom After 19 Years
Blizzard & Zimmerman Secures Freedom for Client After 19 Years, Conviction Overturned Due to Judicial Misconduct.
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.
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.
“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.
Midland, Texas, June 12, 2025
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.
Midland 385th District Court – Case: CR32192
Related Story-
Midland Reporter Telegram – Man walks free after ‘appearance of impropriety’ by former judge, ADA
About The Attorneys
Jacob Blizzard is a Texas board-certified expert in criminal law and criminal appeals, dedicated to providing exceptional defense services. He is also nationally certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. His expertise and tactical negotiation skills are instrumental in achieving positive results for his clients, highlighting his commitment to protecting client rights and minimizing the impact of criminal charges on their lives.
Among over 100,000 licensed attorneys in Texas, Mr. Blizzard is one of only 87 to hold dual board certifications in both criminal law and criminal appellate law, positioning him within the top 0.087% of attorneys in the state. He’s among only 32 in Texas with NBTA certification in criminal trial law. His expertise and dedication make him a leading figure in his area of practice.
Sarah Durham stands at the helm of our post-conviction division, she is a beacon of hope for those who seek it most. Under her stewardship, the division has reached significant milestones, tirelessly advocating for those unjustly behind bars. Armed with her law degree and a master’s in education, Sarah’s approach intertwines legal principle with human compassion.
Disclaimer
Attorneys Jacob Blizzard and Sarah Durham work tirelessly to achieve the greatest possible results for each of our clients and their families. This is one of their successful results, settlements, and verdicts. Every case and client is unique and depends upon the individual facts and circumstances of each case. Clients may or may not obtain the same or similar results in each case.
