Norfolk Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney

Understanding Assault and Battery Charges in Virginia

At Protogyrou Law, we understand the high stakes involved with an assault or battery charge. An assault and battery conviction can have a lasting impact on your life, making it difficult to find a job, housing, or even a place to live. You need a strong legal advocate on your side to defend your rights and protect your future.

Our Norfolk assault and battery lawyer is committed to providing aggressive legal representation to those facing criminal charges. Backed by over 100 years of combined legal experience, we can effectively navigate you through the complexities of the legal system while helping you make well-informed decisions about the future.

Call us today at (757) 267-6611 or contact us online to find out how our assault and battery attorney in Norfolk can help you. We offer free initial consultations.

What Constitutes Assault and Battery in Virginia?

In Virginia, assault and battery are actually two separate crimes. Assault refers to the act of threatening someone with harm. Battery refers to the act of making physical contact with someone in a harmful or offensive manner. You can be charged with assault in Virginia even if you never touched the alleged victim.

Assault and battery charges are broken down as follows:

• Simple Assault: Threatening someone with serious bodily harm or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to someone, without the use of a weapon. If a weapon is involved, the charge may be elevated to aggravated assault.
• Simple Battery: Physically touching someone in a harmful or offensive manner, without the use of a weapon. If a weapon is involved, the charge may be elevated to aggravated battery.

Keep in mind that, in Virginia, assault and battery are separate crimes. In other words, you can be charged with assault even if you never touched the alleged victim and you can be charged with battery even if you never threatened the alleged victim. If you are charged with assault and battery, you are facing two separate criminal charges.

Potential Penalties for Assault and Battery in Virginia

Assault and battery are considered misdemeanors in Virginia, but that doesn’t mean you should take these charges lightly. If you are convicted of assault and/or battery, you could be facing significant criminal penalties, as well as long-term consequences for your personal and professional life.

The penalties for assault and battery in Virginia include:

• Simple assault: Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500
• Simple battery: Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500
• Aggravated assault: Class 6 felony punishable by one to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500
• Aggravated battery: Class 6 felony punishable by one to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500

Keep in mind that, even if you are not sentenced to jail or prison, you will still be left with a permanent criminal record if you are convicted of assault and battery. This can make it difficult to secure housing, employment, or a loan, and may even affect your personal and professional relationships.

Defenses Against Assault and Battery Charges in Virginia

Being charged with assault and battery does not mean you will be convicted. The prosecution has the burden of proving that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a very high legal standard. Our assault and battery lawyer in Norfolk can help you develop an effective defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Some potential defenses to assault and battery include:

• Self-Defense: You have a right to protect yourself and others from immediate harm. If you can prove that you were acting in self-defense or defense of others, you may be able to avoid a conviction.
• Defense of Property: You have a right to protect your property. If you can prove that you were acting in defense of your property, you may be able to avoid a conviction.
• False Accusations: Unfortunately, people are falsely accused of assault and battery all the time. If you can prove that the accusations against you are false, you may be able to avoid a conviction.
• Lack of Evidence: If the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you may be able to avoid a conviction.

Our Norfolk assault and battery attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into your case, review any available evidence, and help you determine the best course of action. Whether you need help negotiating a plea deal or taking your case to trial, we can provide the strong legal representation you need.

How Our Norfolk Assault and Battery Attorney Can Assist You

Our Norfolk assault and battery attorney is committed to providing each and every client with the personalized legal representation they deserve. We are available to answer your questions and address your concerns 24/7, and will provide you with regular updates about the status of your case.

When you choose to work with our firm, you can expect to receive the one-on-one attention you need and the supportive counsel you deserve. We will take the time to listen to your story, explain your rights and options, and help you determine the best course of action. Our team will then work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf.

If you are facing assault and battery charges in Norfolk, Chesapeake, or the surrounding areas, reach out to our firm today for a free initial consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and begin building a defense strategy that is tailored to your unique goals.

Call us today at (757) 267-6611 or contact us online to find out how our assault and battery attorney in Norfolk can help you. We offer free initial consultations.