Simple assault or assault and battery crimes in Virginia can permanently affect one’s personal and public life. These types of offenses can be classified as felonies or misdemeanors depending on their circumstances and any aggravating factors present. There can be long-term consequences of charges or a conviction for assault. Anyone dealing with these types of charges should seek a local Alexandria defense attorney for legal representation. If you are facing assault charges, consider hiring a professional Alexandria assault lawyer to litigate on your behalf. Whether labeled as simple assault, battery, or some other offense defined by the Virginia code, knowledgeable attorneys are here to assist you every step of the way. A skilled Alexandria assault lawyer can review your case’s evidence to fight for your best possible outcome. Read on to learn more about how a dedicated Alexandria assault lawyer can offer you their assistance today.
Both simple assault and assault and battery are defined by the Virginia Code as a Class One misdemeanor, meaning that there can be up to $2,500 in fines and up to a year of imprisonment. Hate crimes and crimes against public officials are considered Class Six felonies. The main difference between assault and battery is any action or threat of force said to have taken place before the alleged physical injury. The legal definition of assault is a threat of violence coupled with the physical means of carrying out that threat, while battery is defined as the actual violence taking place. Reach out to a dedicated criminal attorney to learn more.
Potential defenses against assault charges can include self-defense and lack of intent. If an individual harmed another in order to defend their self against a perceived threat, they could not be held accountable for assault. Likewise, if the prosecution cannot prove that someone possessed any actual intent to assault the other individual, they would be unable come to a conviction. A determined Alexandria assault lawyer could help to protect the accused from the prosecution by gathering evidence, interviewing key witnesses, and acting as an aggressive advocate for their defense. In this way, a weathered Alexandria assault lawyer could use their experience from years of dedicated legal practice to build a professional defense strategy on their behalf.
Alexandria assault lawyers are familiar with the many defenses to simple assault and assault and battery charges. If there were any threats of violence alleged against an individual, an attorney could review that evidence and challenge those claims. While an assault charge is a serious allegation, a local attorney familiar with Virginia’s assault laws will be capable of helping you get the representation you need in court. A seasoned Alexandria assault lawyer who has experience working with your prosecutors in the past will have insider knowledge on how they go about proving investigations, as well as the types of sentences a judge may give out. In this way, an attorney could potentially help you plead down your penalties in certain situations if you were unable to show that you were not guilty by other means. For these reasons, do not hesitate to contact a professional Alexandria assault lawyer today for your initial consultation.