Suffolk Domestic Violence Lawyer
Being convicted of a domestic violence charge can be a life-altering experience. Suffolk, Virginia authorities treat domestic violence allegations very seriously and so should you. A Suffolk domestic violence lawyer may be able to defend your reputation as well as fight to lighten any penalties you may be facing.
Therefore, if you have been accused of a domestic violence offense, it is a good idea to meet with a Suffolk domestic violence lawyer and see what can be done to limit the consequences of the accusation. You deserve to have someone fighting to defend your reputation and your record.
Domestic Violence Offenses in Virginia
The Virginia Code defines domestic violence offenses as some sort of assault and/or battery against a member of your family or household (Virginia Code Section 18.2-57.2). The term assault, for purposes of domestic violence, is generally used to describe when someone intentionally causes a family or household member to reasonably fear an imminent, harmful, or offensive contact. Battery is the actual physical contact.
The domestic violence crime of assault or assault and battery is a class 1 misdemeanor in Suffolk, Virginia. That means that the penalty for such an offense is up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500 (Section 18.2-57).
However, if the assault and battery ends up resulting in bodily injury, then you could be sentenced with a prison term of one to five years (Section 18.2-57(B)). That is a very serious penalty, so you may want to call a Suffolk domestic violence lawyer if you are accused of domestic violence and there is the possibility of an injury being involved.
Because domestic violence charges often arise between two people who are in a sexually intimate relationship, the circumstances of the alleged assault may generate Sexual Battery charges, the penalties for which can be a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in prison.
How a Suffolk Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help
There are many ways a Suffolk domestic violence lawyer can help you if you have been accused of a domestic violence crime. A Suffolk domestic violence attorney can:
- Negotiate with the prosecutor’s office or the judge. The prosecutor’s office may be willing to accept a guilty plea on a lesser offense.
- Fight for you in court. If you do go to trial, a domestic violence attorney in Suffolk will know the ins and outs of the offense you have been charged with and will be in a situation to best prepare your defense. An attorney may be able to get the other side to agree to drop the charges, or at least to lighten the charges, if you agree to attend counseling or enter into a rehabilitation center.
- Introduce mitigating circumstances. Your attorney can introduce evidence that may be able to lessen your penalties and get the charges against you reduced.
Being accused of domestic violence can be a big deal. If you find yourself accused, call today and speak to a Suffolk domestic violence lawyer. Your initial consultation is free.
