Henrico County Assault Lawyer

If you’re facing assault charges in the Richmond metropolitan area, don’t wait to obtain experienced legal representation.  A Henrico County Assault lawyer can work with you to design an effective defense plan and fight to uphold your rights in court.  It may be tempting to represent yourself or work with court-appointed counsel, but there are a number of advantages to hiring a private assault lawyer in Henrico County.

Working With An Experienced Legal Advocate

Even the most minor assault charges can result in a criminal record. When you decide to work with a Henrico County assault lawyer, however, you are making an investment in a better personal and professional future. Our experienced defense attorneys have handled numerous assault cases in Henrico County and throughout Virginia, and they provide a number of invaluable services to clients, including:

• Investigating your case and presenting you with a number of defense options and potential outcomes.
• Preparing you for any court appearances so that you know what to expect
• Overseeing any negotiations with the prosecution to ensure that your interests are served
• Alerting you to any changes in your case as they occur

The best way for us to get to know your case is to call in and conduct a free initial consultation with our legal team. Speak with a Henrico County assault lawyer to learn more.

How Virginia Defines Assault

Assault in Virginia is a criminal offense defined as the threat or use of force that gives another person reasonable fear of harm. The term “battery” is often used interchangeably with assault, and the two terms used together – “assault and battery” – more accurately describe the “offer of harm” or threat of harm, the assault, with the actual offensive or harmful contact, the battery. Virginia Code Section 18.2-57.

Types of Assault Offenses

Examples of assault offenses include a variety of crimes, including:

• Assault and battery
• Simple assault
• Aggravated assault
• Assault against law enforcement or emergency personnel
• Assault against a school administrator or teacher
• Domestic violence

There are other offenses that often include the elements of assault and/or battery, such as child abuse and assault with weapons. These offenses are more properly characterized under their own headings.

In Virginia, simple assault as well as assault and battery are criminal offenses, class 1 misdemeanors, punishable by up to 12 months’ incarceration and/or up to up to $2,500 in fines. Sections 18.2-11(a) and 18.2-57.  A class 1 misdemeanor reporting on a criminal record can have serious consequences beyond exposure to incarceration and fines.

Aggravated Assault

Virginia’s criminal code recognizes circumstances that aggravate simple assault and assault and battery into more serious crimes, such as:

• Assault with a gun or firearm
• Assault causing serious bodily injury
• Assault during a robbery
• Malicious wounding
• Assault and battery of a household/family member after prior domestic assault convictions
• Reckless endangerment

Virginia has also enacted assault offenses that provide enhanced penalties for acts that threaten or cause harm to certain classes of individuals:

• Hate crimes – If the defendant inflicts bodily injury on the victim based on the victim’s race, religion, color, or national origin, then the crime may be charged as a felony. Section 18.2-57(B).
• Assaults against protected employees – If the defendant commits an assault on certain classes of employees, the underlying misdemeanor may be treated as a felony if the defendant knows or has reason to know that victim is a protected employee. Section 18.2-57(C). Protected employees include most public servants, such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and judges.
• Domestic violence – Battery against a family or household member may be a felony or a misdemeanor if the defendant has a prior conviction for assault and battery, malicious wounding, or aggravated malicious wounding against a family or household member. Sections 16.1-228 and 18.2-57.2.

The enhanced-penalty assault crimes, whether felonies or misdemeanors, almost always carry mandatory minimum periods of incarceration. These are serious charges and require excellent representation by an experienced defense lawyer.

Call a Henrico County Assault Attorney Today

If you are accused of assault in Henrico County, or anywhere in Virginia, you have rights and are entitled to a vigorous defense. A Henrico County assault lawyer is prepared to secure and protect your rights and provide the representation you deserve. Call today to set up a free consultation.