Lance Kennedy Law has secured a complete dismissal of all charges against a client who was wrongfully accused of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping based on an alleged CODIS DNA database match. The result of our work means an innocent man who had spent months in jail, separated from his wife and young children, is now rightfully free. While every positive case result is worth mentioning, a total dismissal of all charges for a case involving first-degree felony allegations carrying potential life sentences is worth celebrating.
Arrested on Alleged DNA Evidence
The Williamson County District Attorney’s Office charged our client with Aggravated Sexual Assault and Aggravated Kidnapping with Intent to Commit Sexual Assault after law enforcement claimed a DNA database match connected him to an unsolved case. Bonds were set at $1 million. Despite maintaining his innocence from the outset, he remained incarcerated because the bond amount was so steep.
An Aggressive, Multi-Front Defense Strategy
Senior Trial Attorney Jeffrey Parker led the defense effort in Williamson County. When the trial court denied a bond reduction, effectively keeping our client jailed based on the nature of the charges rather than any evidence of flight risk, we pivoted immediately.
Our defense strategy included:
- Filing notice demanding the client’s constitutional right to a speedy jury trial
- Requesting an examining trial to challenge probable cause
- Preparing to cross-examine investigating officers under oath
Rather than defend the case at an examining trial, the State presented the matter to a Grand Jury, securing indictments and avoiding open-court scrutiny of the investigation. Then, on the eve of jury selection, the State admitted it did not have the DNA testing results, which were the very evidence upon which the case was built, and requested a three-month continuance. The court granted the delay.
Within one hour of the court’s ruling, our firm filed writs of habeas corpus demanding our client’s immediate release. On the morning of February 13, 2026, before the habeas hearing even began, the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office dismissed all charges rather than attempt to justify continued incarceration without complete evidence.
“This case demonstrates what happens when law enforcement and prosecutors rush to judgment based on incomplete investigation and flawed evidence,” said Attorney Lance Kennedy. “Our client spent months separated from his family, held on excessive bonds, while the State attempted to build a case it ultimately could not prove. We are grateful that justice ultimately prevailed, but this should never have happened. We are very proud of the work Jeffrey Parker and the rest of the staff at Lance Kennedy Law did in this case. This case is a perfect illustration of the important role defense attorneys play in the administration of justice and a great example of the importance of having an expert defense team on your side.”
Experience Matters in High-Stakes Criminal Cases
Lance Kennedy Law in Texas is led by Attorney Lance Kennedy, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, former Assistant District Attorney, and U.S. Army Judge Advocate. He has handled numerous federal jury trials and dozens of Texas state trials and has worked alongside agencies such as the FBI, IRS, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Border Patrol. His background provides critical insight into how complex investigations are built and how they can fall apart under careful scrutiny from an experienced defense team.
When someone is facing life-altering criminal charges in Texas, the stakes could not be higher. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime or arrested and charged, turn to Lance Kennedy Law now. With our full team of attorneys and support staff, we can defend against charges involving sex crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, drug crimes, and more, so you can be confident when you choose our team.
Call (737) 324-7540 to request a FREE case review to learn more about our criminal defense services and your legal options.
