Post-Conviction Requests

Post-conviction requests are requests for HFSC to conduct work on a criminal case that has been disposed of in a trial court (plea, jury verdict, or judgement entered by the court). Work requests may include issuance of a written expert opinion, testimony, analysis or reanalysis, review of previous testimony, and similar scientific work. A request for records related to a post-conviction matter should be submitted as a request under the Public Information Act and should be emailed to pia@hfsctx.gov. However, if you are an attorney requesting records related to a post-conviction case that is currently being litigating through the appellate/writ process, please submit your request triage@hfsctx.gov.

HFSC operates as an independent, science-driven entity. While we aim to collaborate transparently, our analyses will be conducted objectively and follow accreditation standards as well as HFSC’s internal processes and procedures.  HFSC is also guided by statutory provisions regarding post-conviction matters and any relevant caselaw.

Request Process

Once a request is submitted through the post-conviction request form, HFSC will review the form for sufficient information. In order for HFSC to assess the request, please ensure all required fields are completed thoroughly.  HFSC will assess the request and then determine if the request can be completed based on HFSC’s capabilities, policies, procedures, and resources.

By submitting a request, the requester acknowledges the following:  

  • That HFSC retains full discretion in determining the appropriate scientific methods for analysis, if deviations from methods are necessary, documentation will be retained. 
  • There may be instances, where HFSC may outsource analysis to an external provider, if necessary, to fulfill the request.
  • That any work performed which requires a report, will be issued in compliance with HFSC’s simplified report format and the requestor agrees to accept the terms of the HFSC simplified report format agreement.

AT THIS TIME, HFSC DOES NOT ACCEPT POST CONVICTION REQUESTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

To submit a post-conviction request, in accordance with the parameters described above, please complete the request form.

Request Form

Questions may be directed to postconviction@hfsctx.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Please do not reach out to individual staff members as this is inconsistent with HFSC policy.  All inquiries should be directed to postconviction@hfsctx.gov or submit the post-conviction request form if appropriate. 

Please email your request to postconviction@hfsctx.gov and provide a detailed description of the information you seek.

At this time, we do not accept requests from members of the public or defendants without legal representation. Post-conviction request forms must be submitted by a licensed attorney who has been hired or appointed by the court, to represent the Defendant whose case is the subject of the request. Defendants who have been approved by the court to proceed as a pro se litigant, should fill out the post-conviction request form and select the “pro se” option for question number 1, “Attorney’s Role.”

No.  Post-conviction records can be obtained via the Public Information Act request process and emailed to pia@hfsctx.gov.  If the post-conviction matter is actively being reviewed by an appellate court and is currently being litigated (motion for new trial, writ, appeal, etc.), please submit your request to triage@hfsctx.gov and clearly note that the request is related to active post-conviction litigation.  If post-conviction litigation is contemplated, but no live pleadings have been filed, please submit your records request to pia@hfsctx.gov

HFSC does not routinely accept requests to perform post-conviction work on cases where HFSC was not the initial testing laboratory.  Due to the high demand for work on cases where HFSC is the initial testing laboratory, requests for additional outside work are strictly scrutinized. You may submit the post-conviction request form or email postconviction@hfsctx.gov for further guidance.

An initial response and acknowledgement should be sent within 1-3 business days of submission.  A decision regarding acceptance or denial of your request will vary due to several factors. If you have any questions regarding status, please contact postconviction@hfsctx.gov.