How Does the State of Virginia Define Assault? | What to Know

To learn more about the consequences of an assault charge and your options if you were charged, reach out to a skilled Richmond assault attorney today. Our legal team is on your side no matter what.

What is assault in Virginia?

The state of Virginia defines an assault as threatening a harmful or offensive act. This suggests that there is a threat to commit a battery or another physical act with the purpose of committing a battery. A battery is the physical contact part of the act which typically arises from dangerous or inappropriate touching that is done in a rude, vengeful, insulting, or angry way.

Reach out to our firm today to speak with a skilled Richmond criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with assault. Our firm is committed to our clients. Our firm is on your side.

What are the consequences of assault in Virginia?

The outcomes of an assault charge can vary from fines to jail time depending on the situations encompassing your case, your criminal record history, and the scope of the crime. If this is your first violation, you may have more ease than you would if you had a prior charge.

It is also critical to note that if you have been charged with a felony, you will likely face more stringent penalties than you would if you were charged with a misdemeanor. The punishments will be decided by the court by assuming the identity of the victim, whether the assault was related to religion, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation, and how severe the injuries were.

An assault is generally described as a Class 1 misdemeanor which is punishable by the court with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. In some cases, one can be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

What are the different kinds of assault?

The 2 most common types of assault in Virginia include the following:

  • Domestic Assault: This refers to a battery against a family member or household member and is a distinct offense from the regular assault and battery.
  • Simple Assault: This is a charge in the event that an individual deliberately tries to cause bodily injury to someone or intentionally acts in a way that causes fear of harm in the person. The fear must be reasonable, meaning that most people would feel intimidated by the act.

Contact Our Firm

If you live in Virginia and have been charged with a crime, the time to speak with an experienced Richmond criminal defense attorney is now. Led by Attorney James A. Bullard Jr., our firm has fought on behalf of clients facing serious legal penalties for decades. We handle various criminal and traffic cases, including reckless driving tickets, DUIs, violent crimes, drug crimes, and so much more. Contact James A. Bullard Jr. P.C. today so we can begin formulating a comprehensive defense on your behalf.

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