Assault Defense Lawyers
Trusted assault defense attorneys serving Fairfax, VA and surrounding areas
Being charged with any type of criminal offense is stressful, overwhelming, and downright frightening. This is especially true if you are facing violent charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence. In Virginia, assault and battery charges come in a wide range of different forms. All defendants charged with assault, battery, or a related offense should seek immediate legal assistance.
At Leary Law, our assault defense lawyers work tirelessly to protect the legal rights of our clients. Assault and battery charges must always be taken seriously, as a conviction could have considerable long-term ramifications, potentially including jail time. If you or your family member was arrested and charged with assault or battery in Northern Virginia, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm for a confidential consultation.
Virginia Statute: Assault and Battery Charges
In Virginia, the crime of assault (an actionable threat to injure someone) and the crime of battery (actually causing injury to another person) can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Indeed, under the Code of Virginia § 18.2-57, simple assault and battery is considered to be a Class 1 misdemeanor offense. According to the state statute, the maximum penalty for simple assault and battery in Northern Virginia is up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Though, in certain circumstances, simple assault and battery may be upgraded to a felony. Specifically, a defendant can be charged with felony assault and battery if the victim was:
- Selected based on their racial background;
- Selected based on their religious beliefs;
- An active law enforcement officer;
- A state or federal judge; or
- An emergency services worker.
With charges of felony assault and battery, Virginia courts must impose a mandatory minimum six month prison sentence. If you were alleged to have assaulted a protected employee or protected person, you need a lawyer right away.
Other Related Charges We Handle in Virginia
At Leary Law, our Virginia criminal defense attorneys handle the complete range of assault and battery charges in Virginia. This includes charges that are related to or often filed concurrently with assault. Some specific examples include:
- Disorderly conduct charges
- Reckless endangerment charges
- Malicious wounding
- Charges of assaulting a law enforcement officer
Why Choose the Assault Defense Attorneys at Leary Law
If you were charged with assault, you need an experienced defense attorney on your team. At Leary Law, we have handled criminal defense cases in every jurisdiction in Northern Virginia and in federal court. Our Fairfax, VA assault and battery defense attorneys are ready to fight to protect your rights. Among other things, we will:
- Conduct a confidential review of the charges filed against you
- Carefully explain your rights and options
- Gather all evidence related to the assault charges
- Devise the most effective legal defense strategy
Every case requires fully personalized attention. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution in criminal defense law. False assault and battery charges mandate an aggressive legal defense. Our law firm is trial-tested, and we will fight tirelessly to get unjust charges thrown out of the court. Of course, there are also cases in which it is best to focus on reaching a plea agreement that will keep our client out of jail protect them going forward.
Contact Our Virginia Assault Defense Attorneys Today
At Leary Law, our Northern Virginia violent crimes defense lawyers have the skills and experience needed to represent clients facing assault or battery charges. If you or your loved one was arrested on assault or battery charges, you need to take immediate action. To set up a strictly confidential legal consultation, please contact us right away. From our law office in Manassas and Fairfax, we represent defendants throughout Virginia, including in Loudoun County and Prince William County.