If you are facing assault and battery charges, continue reading and reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn the next steps you should take to defend yourself and your future.
What is the definition of assault and battery in Virginia?
Assault is when a person intentionally does something to make another person believe they are in danger of harmful or offensive contact. For someone to receive a battery and assault charge, they must actually succeed in making offensive contact with the victim.
What are the legal penalties for assault and battery in Virginia?
There are many different charges for assault and battery in Virginia which come with corresponding penalties. The consequences of assault and battery charges include the following:
- Simple Assault and Battery: You will likely face a Class 1 misdemeanor for simple assault and battery charges. This can entail up to one year of jail time and a $2,500 fine.
- Assault and Battery Based on Religion or Ethnicity: Being charged with assault and battery on the basis of religion or ethnicity is essentially a hate crime and will likely result in consequences of anywhere between one year in jail and five years in prison. This may also be paired with a $2,500 fine.
- Assault and Battery of Health Care Workers: Being charged with the battery of a health care worker while the employee was working may result in anywhere between 15 days and one year in jail.
- Assault and Battery of Police and Other Government Employees: You will like facing a Class 6 felony which warrants a five-year prison sentence if you are charged with the assault of a police officer or another government employee.
- Assault and Battery of Teachers: Assaulting a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal in Virginia will have consequences of anywhere between 15 days and one year in jail. This is true even if the assault did not injure the teacher.
What should I do if I am facing assault and battery charges?
If you are facing charges of assault and battery, you must reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney who will work to fight these charges. Our firm is prepared to fight for your rights in court. Give us a call today to discuss your next steps.
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.
