Domestic Assault Acquittal: Winning on Legal Technicalities
In this domestic assault case, our client faced serious allegations that could have resulted in a criminal conviction, reputational damage, and potential jail time. The prosecution brought forward a case filled with conflicting narratives and multiple alleged incidents - but failed to present a clear and singular charge.
FrizWoods attorney Luke Woods recognized a critical legal flaw in the State's case: the assault charge was duplicitous-meaning it improperly combined multiple alleged acts into a single charge, leaving the court unable to determine which act formed the basis for a conviction.
Despite the State presenting their full case at trial, Mr. Woods' understanding of criminal procedure and evidentiary rules led to a Not Guilty verdict.
The Challenge
The client was charged with domestic assault, but the prosecution's case suffered from a fundamental flaw:
- The charge was duplicitous, lumping together multiple alleged incidents without specifying which one formed the basis of the charge.
- This left the judge unable to determine which act, if any, the client was guilty of-a violation of the client's constitutional right to a fair trial.
The State presented several alleged incidents during trial, but without narrowing the focus to a single event, the charge failed to meet the legal standard required for a conviction.
Our Strategic Approach
1. Recognizing the Duplicitous Nature of the Charge
- From the outset, Mr. Woods identified that the assault charge improperly combined multiple alleged events into one count.
- In criminal law, a duplicitous charge violates due process because it prevents the judge or jury from making a clear, specific determination of guilt regarding a single act.
2. Allowing the State to Present Its Case
- Instead of objecting pretrial, Mr. Woods allowed the State to proceed, knowing the issue would come to a head during trial.
- As the State introduced evidence of multiple, distinct incidents, it became increasingly clear that the prosecution had failed to pinpoint a singular act of assault.
3. Strategically Exposing the Flaw at Trial
- After the State rested its case, Mr. Woods highlighted to the court that the assault charge was legally defective.
- Because the State had not clarified which specific incident formed the basis of the charge, the judge could not determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Mr. Woods argued that under constitutional principles, a conviction could not stand when the fact-finder (in this case, the judge) was left to speculate about which event, if any, was the basis of the charge.
4. The Judge's Ruling
- The judge agreed with Mr. Woods' argument, recognizing that the duplicitous nature of the charge prevented a lawful conviction.
- Despite the State's evidence, the judge was legally bound to issue a Not Guilty verdict.
The Outcome
The client was found Not Guilty, avoiding:
- A criminal record
- Potential jail time
- Fines, probation, and mandatory counseling
- The long-lasting social and professional stigma of a domestic violence conviction
Why This Case Matters
This case highlights how technical legal arguments can be as powerful as cross-examination or witness testimony. It shows that:
- Constitutional protections matter. Even in emotionally charged cases like domestic assault, the State must follow proper legal procedures.
- Duplicitous charges are unlawful. Courts require that each count clearly reflect a single alleged act so that a fair and accurate verdict can be rendered.
- Defense attorneys must know the rules. Mr. Woods used his knowledge of criminal law not just to question facts-but to challenge the foundation of the charge itself.
At FrizWoods, we don't just defend the facts-we defend the process.
Facing Assault Charges? Every Legal Detail Matters.
Domestic assault charges can have life-changing consequences-but the State has to play by the rules. At FrizWoods Criminal Defense, we examine every angle of your case, including whether the charges themselves are legally sound.
FAQs
Q: What is a duplicitous charge?
A: A duplicitous charge improperly combines multiple alleged acts into a single count, making it unclear which specific act the defendant is being charged with. This violates the defendant's right to a fair trial.
Q: Can a case be dismissed just because of a technicality?
A: Yes. If the State's charges violate legal standards-such as by being duplicitous or vague-a court can dismiss the case or issue a not guilty verdict, regardless of the evidence presented.
Q: How can a defense attorney identify issues like duplicitous charges?
A: Experienced defense attorneys scrutinize the charging documents, evidence, and trial strategy to find legal flaws that can be used to secure a dismissal or acquittal.
Contact FrizWoods today for a free consultation. Sometimes, it's not about what happened-it's about how the State fails to prove it.