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Occoquan Domestic Violence Lawyer

Facing charges of domestic violence can be a frightening experience. Depending on the nature of the allegations, an emergency protective order could be issued that prevents you from having contact with certain family members. However, an Occoquan domestic violence lawyer could help you defend yourself against domestic violence charges and fight to lift any protective orders that might have been issued.

Having a dedicated defense lawyer on your side could improve your chances of obtaining a satisfactory resolution to your situation. Additionally, an attorney could help you make sure your constitutional and legal rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges

Section 18.2-57.2 of the criminal code of Virginia defines domestic violence as assault and battery against a family or household member. Specifically committing assault and battery against a family member or someone who resides in the same household, whether related or not, is what makes the offense an instance of domestic violence versus general assault and battery.

Domestic violence includes a wide range of offenses that expands beyond assault and battery. Examples of acts constituting domestic violence when committed against a family or household member include:

  • Threatening to cause harm
  • Assault and battery
  • Malicious or unlawful wounding
  • Aggravated malicious wounding
  • Malicious bodily injury
  • Strangulation

An Occoquan lawyer for domestic violence could answer specific questions about each of these examples of violence against a family member or a member of the household.

Emergency Protective Orders in Occoquan

Emergency protective orders can be issued in situations involving alleged domestic violence. An emergency protective order is issued by a judge on behalf of an alleged victim of domestic violence. When an order is issued, the individual charged with domestic violence is prohibited from contacting or being in the physical presence of the alleged victim while the order is in effect.

Violating an emergency protective order could result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the nature of the alleged violation. A person could also be charged with contempt of court for violating a protective order. An Occoquan lawyer for domestic violence could explain the provide details regarding the potential legal penalties for violating an emergency protective order and help to fight any existing orders.

Possible Penalties for Domestic Violence

Committing domestic violence against a family or household member is a Class 1 misdemeanor offense. Upon conviction, Class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a possible fine of $2,500.

Prior convictions for domestic violence could result in a new charge being elevated from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony, which is punishable by confinement in prison for a period of one to five years and a possible $2,500 fine. An attorney for domestic violence in Occoquan could answer questions regarding the possible legal penalties associated with the specific domestic violence charge against an individual.

Contact an Occoquan Domestic Violence Attorney for Assistance Today

An Occoquan domestic violence lawyer could provide legal assistance in several ways, from working to have a protective order lifted to preparing an evidence-based defense against the charges you are facing. A lawyer could also protect your legal rights throughout the entire legal process.

You do not have to face charges of domestic violence on your own. An attorney could help you fight for the best resolution to your situation. Contact an Occoquan domestic violence attorney today for assistance with your case.