Fauquier County Assault Lawyer

Assault cases can result from escalated confrontations that cause bodily harm, but can also stem from other actions that do not necessarily involve physical contact or cause injuries. A person can be convicted of assault if the complainant demonstrates reasonable grounds to show the defendant intended to injure them or their actions caused them imminent fear. Whatever the grounds, an assault conviction attracts extended jail terms or fines. If accused of harming or threatening another person, contact a Fauquier County assault lawyer to build a strong defense.

An experienced defense attorney understands a simple confrontation can be inflated to a felony that can land you in prison or attract huge penalties. That’s why you require a strong defense even when your actions appear as nothing outside of a minor altercation. Call our team for a free consultation and set the foundations of a strong defense.

What Is Assault?

An assault in Fauquier County is defined as an overt physical act intended to harm another person. Assault cases can also stem from actions that do not lead to injury, but cause the complainant to live in fear of physical harm or contact. One can be accused of assault if they threaten another person or use force, and make the other party develop fear of looming injury or contact.

An assault can be verbal or physical (simple, aggravated). Verbal assault involves issuing oral threats or insults. A physical assault, on the other hand, refers to an action that causes contact between the complainant and the defendant. The action can be simple or aggravated. Simple physical assault can include a push, a kick, or a punch, and can lead to minor injuries or leave the affected party with no injuries. Aggravated physical assaults lead to severe injuries, often from a weapon.

Types of Assault Cases

Persons accused of assault can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances that lead to the attack or the injuries caused. A person accused of simple assault can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor that can lead to a jail term of one year and fines of up to $2,500. First-time offenders may qualify for probation or less fines, depending on their defense.

Assault cases can, however, escalate to felonies that result in huge fines and extensive jail terms, if one is accused of aggravated attacks or fails to establish a strong defense. Felony assaults also result from:

• Attacking protected persons like police officers, judges, teachers, or firefighters
• Malicious wounding
• Use of firearms or other weapons
• Domestic violence

The punishment for assault felonies can range from five years’ imprisonment to lifetime sentencing. Working with an assault attorney in Fauquier County may help the accused build a strong defense and reduce jail terms or fines.

Accused parties may build their case around self-defense, demonstrating that their actions were not intentional or planned. However, accused parties may require an assault lawyer to defend and protect their rights.

Call Our Fauquier County Assault Attorneys Today

Minor differences may escalate to confrontations that injure another person or make them believe you intend to harm or kill them. What began as defending your rights to something can land you before the court, accused of simple or aggravated assault. The prosecution may charge you with a misdemeanor or a felony that brings fines or a jail term when convicted.

However, a strong defense may reduce the fines and jail term, or even exonerate you from wrongdoing. Get a free consultation from a Fauquier County assault lawyer if you or your loved one is accused of this crime and needs representation.