Clark County judge clears Moermond & Mulligan client in domestic violence case

A Clark County, Ohio judge found a Moermond & Mulligan, LLC client not guilty of domestic violence and assault after a bench trial on Jan. 12, 2026. The verdict ended a case built around allegations of a domestic dispute and highlights how pretrial work can shape the outcome in misdemeanor and felony defense.

Why it matters: - The verdict spared the defendant a criminal conviction in a domestic violence case. - A not guilty finding means the State did not prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. - The case shows how a bench trial can turn on witness credibility, timeline disputes and the strength of the evidence.

What happened: - A Clark County, Ohio judge found a Moermond & Mulligan, LLC client not guilty of domestic violence and assault after a bench trial held Jan. 12, 2026. - The criminal complaint alleged the client’s live-in girlfriend accused him of body-slamming her during a domestic dispute. - Attorney Emily Smith represented the client at trial and prepared the case for a bench trial instead of a negotiated resolution.

The details: - The State charged the client with domestic violence and assault tied to the alleged incident. - Defense counsel prepared through witness interviews, an independent investigation and a reconstruction of the timeline around the dispute. - At trial, the defense argued the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the client committed an act of violence. - The defense also argued inconsistencies in the timeline undermined the allegation as charged. - After hearing the evidence and testimony, the court entered a not guilty verdict. - The verdict occurred in Clark County, Ohio. - The article notes that a not guilty verdict means the court found the State failed to meet its burden of proof, but it is not a finding about whether the underlying incident occurred. - Moermond & Mulligan, LLC handles domestic violence, assault and related criminal matters throughout southwestern Ohio. - The firm’s attorneys regularly appear in Clark, Montgomery and Hamilton County courts.

Between the lines: - The case underscores the value of early trial preparation in criminal defense. - The outcome suggests the defense’s factual reconstruction and cross-checking of the timeline created reasonable doubt. - Emily Smith said, "Trial preparation is everything. We invested significant time interviewing witnesses, organizing the evidence, and developing the facts. In the end, the court agreed that the State had not met its burden of proof." - The firm says additional outcomes are listed on its case results page.

What's next: - The case is closed after the not guilty verdict. - Moermond & Mulligan, LLC will likely continue representing clients in domestic violence, assault and other criminal cases across southwestern Ohio. - The firm says more case results are available on its case results page.