RICKY EVERETT FOUND GUILTY OF ASSAULT

  

Ricky Everett, 52 of Brenham, was found guilty by a jury of two charges of Assault Causing Bodily Injury of a Family or Household Member with a Previous Conviction late Thursday. The 18 years sentences were pronounced after a hearing on Friday and will run concurrently.

Family Violence Assault is typically a Class A Misdemeanor, but becomes a Third-Degree Felony when the person has a previous conviction for family violence. A third-degree felony has a punishment range of 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The indictment also contained an allegation that the defendant had a previous felony conviction, increasing the punishment to a second-degree felony, with a punishment range of 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.  At trial, multiple Washington County Sheriff Deputies testified about 6 different occasions when they responded to disturbances at the same residence, and described escalating injuries on each time.

At closing, First Assistant District Attorney Derek Estep conceded that the victim did not appear despite being subpoenaed but that her voice was still heard in the courtroom through 911 calls and other records and testimony. He highlighted one particular recorded call where the victim is recorded saying, “he’s not assaulting me no more” and pointed out, “she’s not here, but her voice has been heard.”

Full Press Release:

18 YEARS FROM JURY FOR MULTIPLE DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES

BRENHAM, TEXAS, December 1, 2023 – Ricky Everett, 52, of Brenham, was found guilty by a jury of two charges of Assault Causing Bodily Injury – Family or Household Member With Previous Conviction late Thursday. The 18 years sentences were pronounced after a hearing on Friday and will run concurrently. At trial, First Assistant District Attorney Derek Estep and Assistant District Attorney Ryon Adams represented the State, and Lee Van Richardson represented the defendant.
Family Violence Assault is typically a Class A Misdemeanor, but becomes a Third Degree Felony when the person has a previous conviction for family violence. A third degree felony has a punishment range of 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The indictment also contained an allegation that the defendant had a previous felony conviction, increasing the punishment to a second degree felony, with a punishment range of 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The cases were indicted on February 21, 2023, from offenses on November 16 and December 9, 2022. At trial multiple Washington County Sheriff Deputies testified about 6 different occasions when they responded to disturbances at the same residence, and described escalating injuries on each time.
At closing, Estep conceded that the victim did not appear despite being subpoenaed but that her voice was still heard in the courtroom through 911 calls and other records and testimony. He highlighted one particular recorded call where the victim is recorded saying, “he’s not assaulting me no more” and pointed out, “she’s not here, but her voice has been heard.”
The evidence for the State at the punishment trial was all of Everett’s previous convictions including multiple prior misdemeanor charges for assault, resisting arrest, and felony charges of theft, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Possession or Transport of Chemicals to Manufacture Controlled Substances, and four other felony drug possession charges.
In his closing during punishment Estep reminded the jury that they represent the expectations of Washington County and encouraged them to “say with your sentence that this is unacceptable behavior and that you won’t stand for it.”
After the trial he echoed his closing remarks, “One of our concerns is always the safety of the victim, but in this case we had to think about preventing any further victims.” Asked about the verdict Estep commented, “This jury worked hard all week, and heard a ton of evidence. They heard the defendant’s history and punished him accordingly. We can’t thank them enough for their service.”