Virginia Assault and Battery Lawyers

If you have been arrested for assault and battery you need a strong and experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you confront the serious charges you are facing. In the Commonwealth of Virginia assault and battery is charged as a single offense.  In many instances assault and battery charges arise out of a heated dispute or conflict. Oftentimes it can be difficult to determine which party actually instigated the altercation and the wrong party may end up being arrested and charged by law enforcement officials.

Depending upon the specific circumstances of the case, an individual charged with assault and battery could be convicted of a class 1 misdemeanor which carries a jail sentence of up to twelve months in jail.  In certain situations, the penalties for an assault and battery will be increased.  For instance, under Virginia Code §18.2-57 if an individual commits an assault knowingly against certain public officials or employees, such as judges, magistrates, law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers/employees or emergency medical personnel, the charge will be a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum 6 months in jail. 

Additionally, if a person intentionally selects the individual against whom the assault is committed because of his or her “race, religious conviction, color or national origin” (a “hate crime”) the punishment will increase to a period of confinement of at least 6 months, with a mandatory minimum 30 days in jail.

Building Effective Defense Strategies

Casey R. Stevens and Lisa K. Caruso are seasoned criminal defense lawyers who know how to defend difficult cases.  As former state prosecutors, they can predict how the prosecution will build its case against you. They will analyze your situation from every angle and work directly with you to develop a strong and effective case strategy.  Casey and Lisa know the ins and outs of Virginia criminal law and they will carefully review the specific facts of your case to identify all defenses that may be available to you, including:

• Self Defense - Under Virginia law you are permitted to protect and defend yourself from harm by another person.
• Defense of Another Person - You are allowed to protect a third person from the threat or imposition of bodily harm.
• Defense of Property - You may use reasonable force, but not the threat of or deadly force, to protect property.
• Consent - If an individual has voluntarily consented to engage in an activity with you (e.g., boxing, a sports activity or game playing) the defense of consent may be available.

Contact our Virginia Assault and Battery Defense Lawyers

Assault and battery can be a difficult crime to understand.  If you have been arrested and charged with assault and battery in Fairfax County, Prince William County or anywhere else in Northern Virginia, contact the criminal defense lawyers at Stevens Caruso. 

Casey R. Stevens and Lisa K. Caruso are experienced defense attorneys who have each represented thousands of clients in all types of criminal cases. Casey and Lisa offer free in office initial consultations and can be reached through the firm’s online contact form or by calling 703-897-1777.