Sterling Domestic Violence Attorney
The stakes are indeed high when you’re facing a domestic violence charge. An allegation or conviction can negatively impact many aspects of your life, including personal relationships, custody battles, and even employment opportunities. Domestic violence charges can span from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged actions.
Misdemeanor charges, while lesser in severity compared to felonies, should not be underestimated. They can still lead to substantial fines, mandatory participation in intervention programs, and jail time. On the other hand, felony charges generally come into play when the offense includes severe bodily harm, repeated offenses, or use of a weapon. A felony conviction can lead to prison sentences, larger fines, and long-term restrictions on your rights, such as the ability to own firearms.
Having a dedicated Sterling domestic violence attorney by your side can significantly influence the outcome of your case. At Simms Showers LLP, our legal team has extensive experience dealing with domestic violence cases. We understand the seriousness of these charges and the intricacies of the law surrounding them.
Who Does Virginia’s Domestic Violence Laws Protect?
In Virginia, domestic violence is referred to as assault and battery against a family or household member under Virginia § 18.2-57.2. Assault is an “attempt or threat to inflict bodily injury upon another, complemented by an apparent present ability to execute the attempt” while battery refers to the “unlawful use of force” against another person which incorporates assault “and the actual exertion of force or violence resulting in injury to another person.” Importantly, you don’t need to physically harm another person to be charged with assault and battery. Actions such as throwing objects, trying to hit or push another person, or screaming and making threats can lead to a domestic violence charge, classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Class 1 misdemeanors can result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500, besides potentially more significant civil penalties payable to the injured party. As per Virginia § 16.1-228, family or household members include:
- The defendant’s current or former spouse;
- A person with whom the defendant shares a child;
- Anyone who presently lives with the defendant or who cohabited with the defendant within the last 12 months;
- The defendant’s parents, stepparents, children, stepchildren, siblings, half-siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren, regardless of whether they live in the same household as the defendant.
We can help
We work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and strive to achieve the best possible outcome. We diligently investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations and build robust defense strategies, whether it involves challenging the credibility of the accuser, demonstrating self-defense, or other legal defenses. Our approach is always tailored to the unique aspects of each case, ensuring that our clients get a personalized, effective defense.
It’s critical to remember that an accusation is not a conviction. Our legal team is prepared to fight on your behalf and navigate the complex legal landscape of domestic violence charges. If you find yourself facing such a situation, remember to act promptly. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances are of defending your rights and challenging the charges effectively.
Get in Touch with a Skilled Sterling Domestic Violence Attorney Today
If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence or if a restraining order has been placed on you, it’s in your best interest to promptly consult an experienced attorney. The Sterling domestic violence attorney at Simms Showers LLP offer professional defense services against domestic violence charges and ardently champion our clients’ rights in Virginia courts and beyond.
