06/08/2026
RELIEF GRANTED.
Years ago, our client was arrested after his parents called law enforcement seeking help during a mental health crisis. Their goal was not punishment—they were trying to get their son, who is autistic and struggles with other mental health conditions, to a treatment facility where he could receive the care he needed.
Instead, he was arrested and charged with a felony.
Although the felony charge was ultimately reduced through a plea agreement to a misdemeanor family violence offense, the consequences followed him for years. Because of the nature of the conviction, it could never be sealed or expunged under Texas law. It became a permanent barrier to employment opportunities, volunteer activities, and other aspects of daily life.
After Dayna Jones reviewed the case, it became clear that this resolution never should have occurred. A criminal charge was not the appropriate answer to a family seeking help during a mental health crisis.
Dayna used her training, experience, and attention to detail and figured out a way to undo this case.
Today, justice was done.
The Court granted habeas corpus relief, vacated the plea, and set aside the conviction.
We are grateful to Matt Howard, Chief of the Bexar County District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit, and District Attorney Joe Gonzales for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to ensuring that the right result was reached. Conviction Integrity Units play a vital role in correcting errors and strengthening confidence in our justice system.
Cases like this serve as an important reminder: when the system gets it wrong, we have an obligation to work together to make it right.
