If you are facing charges for assault and battery, it is essential that you seek the advice of a reputable Virginia criminal defense lawyer immediately. Assault and battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most severe type of misdemeanor charge in Virginia. It is one step short of a felony and can result in jail time of up to 12 months, a fine of up to $2,500 and other penalties. The penalties can become even more severe if you are convicted of assault and battery in the process of committing another crime.
A conviction on assault and battery charges can have a devastating impact on your life, including a serious impact on your potential employment and educational opportunities. It can also negatively impact your immigration status. You can also be sued by the injured party if he or she chooses to pursue a civil action.
There is a lot at stake in these cases, and having skillful representation behind you from the start can help to ensure a favorable outcome in your case. At the law firm of Surovell Isaacs Petersen & Levy, our Fairfax assault and battery defense attorneys utilize trial-proven strategies to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.
Assault and Battery: The Prosecution Must Prove Both
Under the law, assault occurs when violence is threatened. Battery occurs when violence is actually inflicted on another person. These are two separate elements, and the prosecution must prove both of them in order to get a conviction on assault and battery charges. In many cases, assault and battery claims come down to your word against the alleged victim's.
When you hire our firm, we fully investigate the matter in order to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf. We work closely with you to understand your side of the story and compare it to the alleged victim's. We review police reports, witness statements and any other relevant documentation, looking for holes that can be used to your advantage. We also look at the evidence that the prosecutor intends to use against you. Is there broken furniture, torn clothing or bruising that corroborates the victim's assertions?
Accord and Satisfaction
Depending on the circumstances of your case, the best approach to your case can also be negotiating directly with the alleged victim. This can be especially true if the prosecution appears to have a sound case against you. Accord and satisfaction allows for the dismissal of your case if you can reach an agreement with the victim. Accord and satisfaction is not available in domestic assault cases.
Our attorneys have extensive experience with accord and satisfaction arrangements. We work to understand what the person would want in order to confirm to the court that he or she had been satisfied in the matter. In some cases, the person only wants an apology. In others, reimbursement for medical bills and property damage is necessary. We attempt to negotiate a solution that serves your best interests and leaves you in the best possible position going forward. If the alleged victim's requests are unreasonable, we are fully prepared to protect your interests in court.
Speak To One of Our Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
We are committed to doing everything in our power to protect your rights. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. You can reach us by phone at 703-648-8279 or simply contact us online.
