Facing an assault charge can be frightening. You may be concerned about the impact a criminal charge can have on your reputation, your profession, and your personal life. But an arrest or charge is not the same thing as a conviction, and a Manassas assault lawyer can give you the legal counsel and aggressive defense you need to successfully defend yourself. Call and schedule a consultation with a criminal attorney in Manassas today.
An assault charge can be the result of one of several different scenarios, and rarely is the incident involved an unprovoked attack. Often, a mutual conflict escalates, and one of the participants is deemed the instigator and arrested. Other times, a person may be arrested for assault when he or she was acting in self-defense or a person may be wrongfully accused through mistaken identity or even through a false and vengeful accusation.
An attorney may be able to demonstrate that any physical contact was an act of self-defense. And finally, your assault lawyer in Manassas can hold prosecutors to their burden of proof, challenging their evidence and providing evidence that counters the assault charge.
The Commonwealth of Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Some charges, like assault, may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the particular details of the alleged act.
“Assaults and Bodily Woundings” are outlined in Virginia Code § 18.2-51 through 18.2-57.4. These acts range from simple assault and battery to assaults committed with an intent to kill:
Other assaults include maiming, poisoning, reckless handling of firearms, reckless endangerment, strangulation, and more.
In general, assault and battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of one year in jail; however, the actual sentence for simple assault and battery is often far less.
There are certain circumstances that enhance sentencing for defendants accused of assault. Hate crimes, for example, are those which target a person because of his or her “race, religious conviction, color or national origin.” Hate crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences—at least six months, 30 days of which is the mandatory minimum confinement.
Likewise, assault on a law enforcement officer, judge, corrections worker, Juvenile Justice employee, firefighter, paramedic, or other emergency personnel is a Class 6 felony that carries a mandatory minimum of six months.
Because of the seemingly endless variables that can affect a charge and its associated penalties, having a lawyer in Manassas with experience fighting assault charges is critical for your success. Through effective defense representation, your Virginia assault lawyer may be able to have excessive charges reduced. In many cases, an assault lawyer is able to get the case dismissed completely.
Fight your assault charge through wise legal counsel and aggressive defense representation. Our skilled Manassas assault lawyers are ready to help you. Call to schedule a free consultation on your case.
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