Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Dismissed by Grand Jury
A Floydada couple were accused of assaulting a cashier at Allsup’s in Idalou during New Year Eve’s Weekend.
Each were charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a second degree felony in Texas. The maximum penalty is 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
In Texas, a grand jury is required to indict criminal defendants of felony charges. Similar to a criminal trial, a grand jury includes a panel of local citizens. Chuck Lanehart represented the couple and prepared a packet of evidence that corroborated the couple’s story. In addition, a recording from the convenience store’s surveillance cameras showed the couple acted in self-defense.
Lanehart was pleased to see the Lubbock Grand Jury found no probable cause for arrest, issuing a “No Bill”. As a result, this grand jury decision is equivalent to dismissing all charges. The couple will soon be able to file a petition for expunction and clear their criminal record and arrest history.
“This is a tragic story, and an example of how good people can be wrongfully accused of crimes they are not guilty of because of sloppy police work,” Lanehart told the Record.
