San Benito, TX (KRGV) — A death sentence triggered an automatic appeal for Rogelio Martinez's case following his conviction in the shooting death of San Benito police Lt. Milton Resendez.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will review what happened during Martinez's trial and look for possible legal mistakes. Attorney Sarah Stapleton Barrera, who is not affiliated with the case, said that is only the first step.

“I think a lot of people assume he's been sentenced to death and expect something to happen pretty quickly, but because this is the ultimate type of penalty and is 100% irreversible, there are a bunch of different mechanisms for sort of just double-checking along the way,” Barrera said.

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Martinez's attorneys can also file additional challenges in state and federal courts. Those challenges could include claims of ineffective legal representation or constitutional rights violations.

Martinez remains at the Cameron County Jail. Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño said the state will take him into custody as soon as it approves his transfer, and there is no word yet on when that will happen.