Facing charges of assault can be frightening and worrying about how to defend yourself in court can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you do not have to face the charges alone. With a Vienna assault lawyer representing you, someone familiar with the legal system could defend you against the charges.
A lawyer for assault could prepare an appropriate defense strategy, as well as help protect your rights. A criminal lawyer could also fight to help you obtain the best outcome possible. En Español.
There are several ways in which a Vienna assault attorney could help a person facing assault charges. An attorney for assault could answer questions about the charges and explain the possible penalties that could be imposed if a person were to either be found guilty of assault or plead guilty to the charges.
A lawyer could also provide legal representation, protect a person’s due process rights, and work to achieve an optimal resolution for a person charged with assault.
Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia outlines all the different crimes and offenses prohibited in Vienna, as well as throughout the entire state. Laws specifically pertaining to assault-related offenses, including both simple assault and assault and battery, can be found in section 18.2-57 of chapter four, which pertains to crimes against the person.
Simple assault involves attempting to physically attack or batter someone. The attempt does not have to be successful for the incident to constitute assault. Further, merely threatening to attack or batter a person could also result in assault charges. The offense of assault and battery involves both threatening another person and actually physically attacking that person.
The law also outlines various situations in which assault charges could be elevated to a higher class misdemeanor or felony, such as when the assault can be categorized as a hate crime. A Vienna lawyer for assault could explain the laws on assault in more detail and answer specific questions.
Assault charges, whether for simple assault or assault and battery, are generally classified as Class 1 misdemeanors. However, the charges could be elevated to a Class 6 felony, which is more serious, under certain conditions. For example, allegedly assaulting another person based on that individual’s nationality or religion or knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer are both situations that could result in being charged with assault at the higher level of a Class 6 felony.
The penalty for committing a Class 1 misdemeanor assault in Vienna is a jail sentence of 12 months or less and a fine of $2,500 or less. The penalty for committing a Class 6 felony assault in Vienna is a prison term of one to five years, as well as a fine of up to $2,500. A Vienna assault lawyer could answer questions regarding the possible penalties for an assault conviction of the specific charges a person is facing.
Attempting to defend yourself against charges of assault can be a daunting undertaking. It is important to be familiar with both the legal system and the laws regarding offenses involving assault. A lawyer for assault could provide the knowledge and assistance you need to achieve an optimal outcome in your case.
A lawyer for assault could represent you, prepare your defense, and fight on your behalf. Contact a Vienna assault lawyer today.