Not Guilty Verdict in Fort Worth for Assault Family Violence & Unlawful Restraint

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

At trial, the complaining witness testified under oath and made several admissions that contradicted the original narrative. She acknowledged that she felt no pain, requested no medical treatment, and did not experience any impairment of breathing. She also admitted that she threw the first punch during the argument.

The alleged unlawful restraint was based on the claim that the bedroom door was closed. Testimony showed that the door was closed to prevent children in the home from witnessing an argument, not to restrain or imprison anyone. No evidence established that force was used to prevent movement, nor that any injury resulted from the conduct alleged.

Rather than relying on a self defense argument, the defense presented a clearer position. The State failed to prove that an assault with bodily injury occurred at all. Without proof of injury, the charge could not stand.

The Jury Verdict

After hearing the testimony and reviewing the evidence, the jury returned Not Guilty verdicts on both charges. The decision reflected a careful evaluation of what was proven versus what was assumed. The verdict confirmed that accusations alone do not satisfy the State’s burden of proof.

Expunction Granted

Following the acquittal, the court granted an expunction of the arrest and charges under Texas law. The expunction order removed the record of the arrest from public view, restoring the client’s legal standing as if the case had never occurred.

What This Case Shows

This Fort Worth verdict reinforces an essential principle of Texas criminal law. Family violence allegations must be supported by credible evidence of injury and criminal conduct. When that proof is missing, a jury can and will reject the charge.

Dunham & Jones continues to defend clients across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and throughout Texas in serious criminal cases. Trial preparation, disciplined strategy, and a refusal to accept unsupported accusations remain central to that work.

If you are facing criminal charges in Fort Worth or anywhere in Texas, the outcome of your case may depend on whether the evidence is tested in court rather than assumed to be true.