SAN ANTONIO – After it was revealed that an informant had “planted” evidence that led to the conviction of John Cape, 49, and Louie Garcia, 48, on drug charges, District Court Judge Velia Meza ordered both men released on bond Thursday. Among the court’s options are to make a finding of actual innocence under the state’s Actual Innocence Law. “It’s an avenue of relief that a defendant can file once they’ve been convicted," Court of Criminal Appeals Court Judge Bert Richardson said. There’s a lot of ground to cover outside the legal world by just finding new evidence, whatever that evidence might be. Whether it’s new scientific evidence or whether it’s new legal evidence.”After reviewing the evidence, it is up to the appeals court to set aside the conviction with a declaration of actual innocence.

AUSTIN – The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals heard oral arguments this week outside of the court's cavernous courtroom. “Surreal, nothing to compare it to,” said Judge Bert Richardson, a member of the court. Instead of appearing before the nine-member court in person, attorneys made their arguments remotely on a TV screen, with their images appearing along with the judges. “I think the lawyers find it a little bit more comfortable because they’re not standing in front of nine judges,” Richardson said. “It’s nice being in the courtroom and nice being with the lawyers,” Richardson said.

SAN ANTONIO – Election results will begin to populate on this page when early voting results are released at 7 p.m. (CST) on March 3 and we’ll have an election night livestream on KSAT.com. You can find additional election results by clicking here. For more election coverage, go to our Vote 2020 page or sign up for our free election newsletter.