Who is Donnie Perales? McKinney attorney appointed to handle Carmelo Anthony’s appeal after 35-year-old murder conviction
Carmelo AnthonyTexas teenager Austin Metcalf has officially begun the appeals process after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of his classmate, Austin Metcalf.
Court records show Anthony filed a notice of appeal in Collin County and requested court-appointed legal representation, stating under oath that he could not afford an appeals attorney.
Attorney Donnie Perales has now been appointed to represent Anthony during the appeal, according to Collin County records cited by Texas Metro News.
Who is Donnie Perales?
Perales is a McKinney attorney associated with the Chesley & Perales law firm, Texas Metro News reported.
His professional background indicates that Perales has extensive experience handling criminal defense matters in Texas courts. his public Avvo Lawyer Profile said he has practiced law for more than two decades, focusing on criminal defense, DUI cases, juvenile matters and appellate representation in Collin County Law School District Court and County Court.
perales LinkedIn profile He was admitted as a partner at Chesley & Perales and highlighted his years of experience representing clients in North Texas courts. The firm handles criminal defense, family law and civil litigation matters.
His appointment means Anthony will receive legal representation funded through the court system as he claims he cannot afford an appeals lawyer.
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Carmelo Anthony’s appeal
Anthony found guilty of stabbing Austin Metcalfe During a track and field meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025.
A Collin County jury found him guilty of murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison. Shortly after the sentencing, Anthony filed a notice of appeal with the 296th District Court in Collin County.
Anthony was also transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on Wednesday. After completing the institution’s intake process, he was taken to his assigned cell at the Wallace Pack Unit, a medium-security prison about 30 miles southeast of College Station.
The documents included a Beggar’s Oath, a legal document in which Anthony declared that he was “penniless, destitute” and unable to pay for legal representation or appeals.
The filing calls for court-appointed counsel and for the court to provide transcripts and records necessary for appellate review.
An appeal would not overturn the verdict or change Anthony’s sentence. Instead, it reserved his right to seek review from a higher court. The Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas will evaluate whether an error of law occurred during the trial that would justify relief.
