Frank Butler was tried in California state court for an assault on his former wife. The former wife testified that Butler attacked her and hit her on the head with a heavy object when her back was turned.

The jury found Butler guilty of corporal injury to a spouse and assault with a deadly weapon or by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. As enhancements, the jury found that Butler used a deadly and dangerous weapon and that he inflicted great bodily injury during the crime.