Not Guilty Verdicts

Case Outcome Not Guilty Verdict in San Antonio, Texas Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Intoxication Assault Charges Dunham & Jones attorneys Deborah Sandheinrich and John Sandheinrich secured a Not Guilty verdict in the 144th District Court in San Antonio, Texas after a four day felony jury trial. The case was tried in Bexar County and involved allegations of Assault, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Aggravated Assault with Serious Bodily Injury. After two years of litigation and a full presentation of evidence, the jury deliberated for only thirty five minutes before returning a unanimous Not Guilty verdict. This result confirms that even in high exposure felony cases, the State must still prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. When the facts do not support the charges, a jury has the power to stop the case. The Legal Challenge Serious Felony Allegations and Claimed Intoxication The State charged the client with multiple felony offenses arising from a traffic incident involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. Prosecutors alleged that intoxication caused a crash and sought an affirmative deadly weapon finding. The charges carried the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence and long term consequences. From the beginning, causation…

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In Midland, Caleb Weeldreyer and Lacey Holloman represented a client charged with DWI. The case relied on a claimed blood alcohol level above 0.15. The State came to court expecting that number to carry the day. Our lawyers took a different path. For a year and eight months they reviewed the stop, the roadside investigation, and the handling of the blood sample. They studied the video, the reports, and the lab paperwork. They met with the client again and again to build a clear account of what happened and what did not happen. At trial, Caleb and Lacey walked the jury through each stage of the State’s proof. They focused on what the officer actually observed, how the field sobriety tests were given, and whether those tests were scored in a fair way. They questioned the timing of the draw, the storage of the vial, and the methods used in the lab. The witnesses could not explain the gaps. Small details added up to large doubts. By the end of the evidence, the jury understood that the case was not as solid as it had been sold. This was the turning point for the defense. After closing arguments, the panel…

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In El Paso, Texas, Wes Navidomskis and Justin Fischer stood beside a client who had lived under the pressure of life changing felony accusations for five long years. The allegations were serious and carried the kind of label that can erase a person’s future before trial ever starts. From the beginning, the State treated the case as a foregone conclusion and, right before trial, demanded a 30 year sentence in TDC. Our client refused to surrender to a number that did not match the proof. Wes and Justin prepared this case the way hard cases must be prepared, step by step, with no shortcuts. They dug into the timeline, the investigation, and the way the claims were gathered and repeated over time. They challenged the weak spots in the State’s story during voir dire and positioned the case for what mattered most, whether the evidence could meet the burden beyond a reasonable doubt. That work paid off quickly once trial began. After jury selection, the State dismissed seven counts outright. When the prosecution rested, the court granted a directed verdict on one more count. The jury then considered the remaining charges and returned Not Guilty on all of them. Three…

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In Fort Worth, Texas Kathy Ehman-Clardy and Jahmecia Beasley stood before a jury on an Indecent Assault charge that carried serious consequences. The case involved difficult testimony and a record the State hoped would sway the panel. Our team approached each witness with careful, steady questioning that exposed the weaknesses in the accusation. When the evidence was laid out in full, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict. This result reflects the level of preparation and focus we bring to every defense. At Dunham & Jones, we work to protect the rights of our clients and make sure their voice is heard in the courtroom. If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, our attorneys are ready to guide you through the process and fight for your future.

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In Bryan, Texas Emily Lawrence stood before a jury on a charge of Assault Family Violence. From the start, the case carried problems the State chose not to confront. Officers dismissed our client’s account and overlooked clear signs that pointed to defensive injuries. Emily brought those facts into focus and worked methodically to show the jury where the State’s version fell apart. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict. This result shows the value of a defense that digs into the details and brings the truth forward. At Dunham & Jones, we stand with our clients when the stakes are high and their future depends on a fair review of the evidence. If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, our defense attorneys are ready to guide you through the process and fight for your rights at every step.

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In Houston, Texas Willis Ray, Danielle Saenz, Jeremy Sims, and Vanessa Botella stood before a jury on a charge of Sexual Assault of a Minor. The case turned on claims that were not supported by any physical evidence. Our criminal defense team worked through each part of the record, questioned every assumption, and pressed the State’s witnesses on the gaps in their statements. As the trial unfolded, the weaknesses in the accusation became clear. After hearing the full story, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict. This outcome highlights the value of steady work, careful review, and a courtroom strategy built on the facts rather than fear. At Dunham & Jones, we bring that approach to every case because a person’s freedom deserves nothing less. If you are facing criminal charges in Houston or throughout Texas, our criminal defense attorneys are ready to stand with you, prepare your defense, and fight for the truth in front of a jury.

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In Denton, Texas Jonathan Churchill and Benjamin Griffin defended a client accused of a hit and run. The case involved conflicting officer accounts and a strong push from the State for heavy probation. Our criminal defense team worked through each part of the record, challenged the weak points in the testimony, and made sure the jury saw the evidence as it truly stood. After a short hour of deliberation, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict. This result shows the power of a defense built on careful preparation and clear presentation of the facts. At Dunham & Jones, we stand with our clients when their future is on the line and give them a voice in a system that can move too quickly to judge. If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, our criminal defense attorneys are ready to guide you through the process and fight for a fair outcome.

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Case Outcome Not Guilty Verdict in Lubbock, Texas Resisting Arrest Jury Trial Dunham & Jones attorneys Chase Stewart and Kordell Tindle secured a Not Guilty verdict in a resisting arrest jury trial in Lubbock, Texas in 2025. The case was tried before a Lubbock County jury and concluded with a swift acquittal after only several minutes of deliberation. The charge stemmed from a brief encounter between law enforcement and an older woman who was stopped in the parking lot of a medical clinic. The State pursued a conviction despite the absence of evidence showing force, violence, or physical resistance. The jury rejected that position and returned a clear Not Guilty verdict. This result reinforces a basic principle of Texas criminal law. Being upset, frustrated, or verbally confrontational does not amount to a crime. The Legal Challenge Resisting Arrest Allegation Without Proof of Force The State charged the client with resisting arrest, a charge that requires proof of force used against an officer. From the outset, the case lacked that element. The arresting officer admitted under oath that the client was belligerent but did not use force. Despite this admission, the prosecution continued forward. The defense filed a motion to quash…

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In Midland, Texas Yancarlo Villa defended a client facing a serious Family Violence accusation. Working alongside Lacey Holloman as second chair, he presented the evidence with clarity and challenged the parts of the State’s account that failed to match the facts. After hearing the full case, the jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning a Not Guilty verdict. This outcome reflects the value of steady preparation and a defense that brings the truth to the forefront. At Dunham & Jones, we stand with our clients when their future is at risk and ensure their story is heard in the courtroom. If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, our attorneys are ready to guide you through the process and fight for a fair and just result.

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In Aransas County, Casey Kellum and Tim Rusk defended a client accused of DWI in a case marked by uneven testimony and hostile witnesses. Through steady questioning and a focused review of the record, they revealed the gaps in the State’s account and brought the jury’s attention back to the evidence itself. By the end of the day, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict. This result reflects the importance of preparation, clear strategy, and a defense that stands firm even when the courtroom atmosphere turns difficult. At Dunham & Jones, we work to ensure every client is heard and every case is presented with care and precision. If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, our attorneys are ready to guide you, protect your rights, and fight for a fair outcome.

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In Fort Worth, Texas Mary VanRavenswaay and Fred Howey defended a client charged with DWI in a case built around field sobriety tests that raised more questions than answers. Through steady questioning and a careful review of each step taken by the officers, they showed the jury where the State’s account failed to match what was actually recorded. Once the evidence was laid out, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict. This result highlights the value of a defense that pays close attention to detail and does not accept assumptions as fact. At Dunham & Jones, we work to make sure every client receives a fair assessment of the evidence and a strong voice in the courtroom. If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, our attorneys are ready to guide you through the process and fight for a just outcome.

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In Fort Worth, Texas Kathy Ehmann-Clardy and Sara Thornburg defended a client charged with DWI after a late night stop in Colleyville. The stop began with an allegation of speeding. From there, the case turned on field sobriety testing and on what the officer thought those tests meant. The video mattered, and it told a calmer story than the report. The arresting officer was new to the job. Two training officers were present and pushed the testing in a direction the video did not support. On the horizontal gaze test, the State claimed a full set of clues. On the other tests, the officer initially marked only minor issues, then changed his call after pressure from his supervisors. Kathy and Sara brought that shift into the open. They walked the jury through what was done, how it was scored, and why the scoring did not line up with the actual performance. The State also relied on a blood result taken about two hours after the stop. That number was above the legal limit. But the law requires proof of impairment at the time of driving, not later in a chair at the station. The defense showed the gap. A DPS…

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Not Guilty Verdict in Hays County Texas Aggravated Assault Jury Trial With No Felony Conviction In San Marcos, Texas a Hays County jury returned Not Guilty verdicts in a case arising from a violent road rage incident on Interstate 35. The defense was led by Alex Joyner, with Robert Leahey assisting at trial. The client faced charges of Aggravated Assault and two counts of Deadly Conduct Discharge of a Firearm. Before trial, the State sought five years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The jury rejected that outcome. After hearing the evidence, jurors found that the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the client’s actions were unjustified. The verdict resulted in no felony conviction, and the court later granted an expunction of the arrest and charges under Texas law. The Legal Challenge Road Rage Allegations and Firearm Use The case stemmed from a prolonged and dangerous encounter on I-35. Evidence showed that the complaining witness followed the client for an extended distance, attempted to run the client’s vehicle off the road, and forced a roadside stop. The situation escalated quickly, placing the client and passengers in fear of serious harm. The prosecution characterized the incident as…

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Not Guilty Verdict in Fort Worth, Texas for Assault Family Violence and Unlawful Restraint In Fort Worth, Texas, a Tarrant County jury returned Not Guilty verdicts on all charges in a case involving allegations of Assault Causing Bodily Injury Family Violence and Unlawful Restraint. The defense was led by Mary VanRavenswaay and Alexandra Schooley of Dunham & Jones, and the outcome followed a trial in which the evidence did not support the accusations presented by the State. From the start, prosecutors insisted on pursuing charges that carried a mandatory family violence finding. No offer was extended that avoided that designation. As a result, the case proceeded to a jury trial in Fort Worth, where the facts were examined closely rather than accepted at face value. What the State Alleged The prosecution claimed that an argument between spouses escalated into physical violence inside a bedroom, resulting in bodily injury and unlawful restraint. According to police reports, officers relied heavily on assumptions made after the incident rather than clear proof of criminal conduct. A third party call and partial observations formed the basis of the arrest. Body camera footage was incomplete, and key moments were not recorded. What the Evidence Actually Showed…

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Not Guilty Verdict in Fort Worth, Texas Assault Family Violence Strangulation Case Dunham & Jones attorneys Rob Hayden and Kathy Ehmann-Clardy secured a Not Guilty verdict in a felony Assault Family Violence Strangulation case tried in Fort Worth, Texas. The charge of Assault Family Violence Strangulation carried the possibility of long term prison exposure and permanent felony consequences. After hearing the full evidence a jury found our client not guilty on all counts. This case shows that family violence allegations in Texas require proof, not emotion, and that context matters when force is used inside the home. The Legal Challenge Video Evidence and a Forced Entry The State relied on a short video clip that appeared violent when viewed in isolation. Prosecutors argued that the recording alone proved criminal conduct. What the video did not capture was how the confrontation began. The evidence showed that the complaining witness forced her way into the apartment to remove two children against their wishes. During that entry one of the client’s daughters was injured. The client repeatedly told the complaining witness to leave. She refused. The situation escalated as the safety of the children inside the home became a concern. The State also…

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In Ector County, David Phillips and Sara Spector tried a case in which our client faced a charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The State claimed our client had pointed a gun at the complaining witness and pushed the case toward a felony conviction. From the start, the defense focused on what the evidence actually showed and on what the investigation failed to do. One of the central problems was how the case was built. The lead officer did not take a clear statement from the complaining witness at the time of the event. Months later, her account changed in key ways, and she could not explain those shifts on the stand. She said the relationship had ended before the incident, yet phone records showed continued contact in the days leading up to it. Those records mattered because they spoke to motive, context, and credibility. When the State’s story depends on one version of events, details like these are not side issues. They are the case. David cross examined the officer on the gaps in the investigation. He brought the jury’s attention to what was not collected, what was not verified, and what was left to assumption. Sara’s…

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Case Outcome Not Guilty DWI Verdict in San Patricio County, TX Dunham & Jones attorney Casey Kellum secured a Not Guilty verdict in a DWI jury trial in San Patricio County, Texas. The case was tried in 2025 and resulted in a unanimous verdict after only ten minutes of jury deliberation. San Patricio County is known as one of the most challenging venues for DWI defense in South Texas. Prosecutors often rely heavily on officer opinion testimony and expect juries to defer to law enforcement conclusions. In this case, the jury did exactly what the law requires. They examined the evidence closely and rejected assumptions unsupported by facts. This verdict confirms that a DWI arrest does not equal a conviction, even in counties with a reputation for harsh outcomes. The Legal Challenge Officer Opinion Without Supporting Evidence The State’s case rested almost entirely on the testimony of a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper. The trooper claimed the client was obviously intoxicated based on demeanor and behavior during the stop. However, those conclusions were not supported by the physical evidence or the video recordings. The prosecution argued that the client’s attitude toward the trooper showed intoxication. They suggested that being…

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In Ward County, Sara Spector and David Phillips defended a client charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The case came out of a violent moment inside a long pattern of abuse. Our client was trying to leave in her car when her husband forced the situation to a crisis point. He opened her door, blocked her exit, and put his hands on her while she pleaded for space. What mattered most at trial was not rumor or hindsight, but the immediate danger she faced and the choices she had in that instant. The defense presented the full context the State tried to strip away. The jury saw that this was not an act of aggression. It was a response to a threat. Texas law allows a person to protect herself when she reasonably believes she is in danger of serious harm. Sara and David stayed focused on that standard. They walked the jury through the timeline, the physical imbalance between the two people, and the way a history of control and violence shaped what a reasonable person would fear. Self defense is not a technical trick. It is a right, and it applies when the evidence shows a…

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