If you were charged with assault in Virginia, you and your future will be at risk. It is in your best interest to reach out to our firm today to speak with a dedicated and skilled Virginia criminal defense attorney.
What is an assault in Virginia?
In Virginia, assault is defined as threatening a harmful or offensive act. This indicates that there is a threat to commit a battery or another physical act with the intention of committing a battery. A battery is the physical contact portion of the act which usually stems from harmful or offensive touching that is done in a rude, vengeful, insulting, or angry way.
You will need to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with assault. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring that you and your future are protected. Contact our firm today to get started.
What are the penalties for assault in Virginia?
The consequences of an assault charge can range from fines to jail time depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, your criminal record history, and the extent of the crime. If this is your first offense, you may gain more leniency than you would if you had a previous conviction.
It is also important to note that if you have been charged with a felony, you will likely face stricter consequences than you would if you were charged with a misdemeanor. The penalties will be determined by the court by considering 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 typically characterized 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 instances, one can be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
What are the different types of assault?
There are several different types of assault that are punishable by Virginia courts. The 2 most common include the following:
- Simple Assault: This applies to when someone purposely attempts to cause bodily injury to someone or intentionally acts in a way that causes the fear of harm in the person. The fear must be reasonable, suggesting that most people would feel threatened by the action.
- Domestic Assault: A battery against a family member or household member is referred to as domestic assault and is a separate offense from the regular assault and battery.
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.
