Manassas Assault Lawyer
Arguments and disagreements accelerated by intense emotion can quickly lead to a physical confrontation that can end with the arrest of one or more involved parties. Facing charges of assault and battery or aggravated assault is a serious event which can lead to fines, jail or prison, and a criminal record that can be detrimental to your future opportunities. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, it is critical that you find qualified legal counsel who can effectively defend you against all charges. An experienced Manassas assault attorney has the resources and skill to craft a strong defense in court. Whether negotiating sentencing options a defendant can live with or aggressively pursuing a dismissal or acquittal of unjust charges, our assault defense attorneys can provide each of their clients with an effective defense for his or her unique situation. For information or representation concerning other Manassas criminal charges, see here.
Importance of An Attorney
Often assault arrests are made based on the best judgment of police officers responding to a fight. In some cases, the person arrested may, in fact, be the instigator; however, with conflicting statements and inconclusive evidence, police may make an arrest when one is not warranted. The alleged perpetrator may be someone who was acting in self-defense or may be someone who is no more at fault than the alleged “victim.” There are several strategies that a Manassas assault lawyer can use for defending against assault charges, but fighting criminal allegations is a daunting task and should be handled by a professional. Regardless of the situation in which you find yourself, retaining a quality Manassas assault attorney can mean the difference between having your criminal charge dismissed and being convicted of a crime.
Manassas Assault Charges
Virginia assault crimes encompass a number of offenses ranging from the attempt to inflict harm to inflicting serious bodily injury. Frequently charged as a misdemeanor, assault may be charged as a felony if certain factors are involved, including use of a weapon, severe injury to the victim, or certain characteristics of the victim. Assault on a police officer, emergency personnel, school administrator or teacher or assault where the victim was selected on the base of ethnicity or religion is subject to enhanced penalties and mandatory minimum sentencing.
There are several assault charges, including both misdemeanor and felony violent crimes, with which you could be charged:
- Assault and Battery
- Aggravated Assault
- Domestic Violence or Family Assault
- Assault on a Police Officer (APO)
- Reckless Endangerment
Being criminally charged as a result of an act of violence or a physical confrontation can have a profound impact on your life. With penalties including jail time and expensive fines, it is important to learn as much about your charges as possible before deciding how to proceed.
Penalties for Assault Crimes in Manassas
The various types of assault charges are outlined in Section 18.2 Chapter 4 of the Code of Virginia. According to Section 18.2.-57, simple assault and assault and battery are categorized as Class 1 misdemeanors. A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. If the victim of the alleged assault is chosen specifically based on their race, nationality, or religion, the punishments become harsher and include a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days in jail. As outlined in Section 18.2-57(B), if the victim is specifically targeted because of their race, nationality, or religion and they experience bodily injury, the charge is escalated to a Class 6 felony, which is punishable by one to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Section 18.2-51.2 outlines the charge of aggravated malicious wounding, which is defined as maliciously shooting, stabbing, cutting, or wounding another person or causing them bodily injury with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill. It is classified as a Class 2 felony, which is punishable by 20 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, according to Section 18.2-10.
Virginia doles out extremely harsh penalties for assault crime convictions and the long-term effects can follow you for the rest of your life. You may experience financial strain due to exorbitant fines and possible job loss due to jail terms. You may also endure strain in your personal and professional relationships. Having a criminal conviction on your record can even make it difficult to find future employment or get approved for a loan. As such, it is important to take assault charges very seriously with the help of a Manassas assault attorney.
Finding the Right Manassas Assault Lawyer for You
No ethical attorney will guarantee an acquittal. There are no guaranteed outcomes in any criminal case. However, a reputable assault lawyer in Manassas who is committed to offering wise legal counsel and strong defense services regardless of the circumstances of your case can be an asset. They can represent you before the General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue to ensure that your rights are protected and that your voice is heard.
Minimize your chance of conviction and maximize your potential for achieving a favorable outcome by letting a well-qualified defense attorney handle your case. For a free evaluation of your case by a skilled Manassas assault attorney dedicated to providing quality legal services, contact our office today.
