Roanoke Assault Lawyer

The difference between assault and battery in Virginia

Even though they are often charged together, assault and battery (Virginia Code §18.2-57) are actually two different violent crimes. Assault is the threat to harm another individual with the potential to actually execute said harm, whereas battery is the execution of unwanted physical contact or harm to another. To illustrate, let’s say you are walking down the street and you notice an individual walking towards you and carrying a hammer. As the person approaches, you start to worry that he or she will strike you. The person has done nothing to indicate that they intend to strike anyone, even though you may feel threatened, no assault has been perpetrated. However, if that same individual approaches you and raises the hammer as if to strike you, then he or she has committed assault. If the person actually lands a blow to you with the hammer, then he or she has also committed battery.

Assault and battery charges can range in severity from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 5 Felony, depending on the specific circumstances involved. The actual charge and associated penalties are assessed by the following:

1. Who was the victim of the assault and/or battery?

2. Was the assault and/or battery committed because of race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation?

3. How severe was the bodily injury caused by the battery?

Regardless if you are facing misdemeanor or felony level assault and battery charges, a conviction for either offense can have serious and long-lasting consequences, including time in jail or prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. Being charged with a violent crime will undoubtedly be a very stressful and confusing time, but you don’t need to go through the process alone. It is important to consult an experienced and highly skilled Roanoke assault lawyer, who can explain the specific details of your charges and build an effective defense strategy.

Gain a better understanding of your case and how a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help. Contact Roanoke Criminal Attorneys today at (540) 343-9349 for a free and confidential consultation.

Misdemeanor Simple Assault and Domestic Violence

Misdemeanor simple assault is the lowest level assault charge in Virginia. The charge usually applies when the alleged victim is not a protected employee such as a member of law enforcement or fire rescue. In simple assault cases, the victim is usually not seriously injured and implies that the suspected assault was not a hate crime and weapons were not used. Even though it is Virginia’s lowest grade assault charge, it is still considered a Class 1 Misdemeanor and carries potential penalties that include up to twelve (12) months in jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,500.

While the penalties and offense level are the same as a simple assault, assault on a family member, sometimes known as domestic violence is a different charge. One of the most important distinctions between simple assault and domestic violence is the involvement of the Commonwealth. In domestic violence cases, the Commonwealth reserves the right to press charges even if the victim does not wish to do so. If you are charged with this offense, and it is your first domestic violence offense, you may be eligible for a first-time offender program. It is very important that you contact an attorney to help you apply for this program.

Felony Assault & Battery Charges and Enhancements

When aggravating factors exist such as using a weapon or the degree of the alleged victim’s injury warrants it, assault & battery charges can be heightened to felony-level crimes that include increased penalties. Typically, these are treated as Class 6 felonies and may be punished by up to one year in jail, or one to five years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $2,500. Examples of assault and battery offenses that may be pursued as felonies include:

• Assault as a Hate Crime
  When assault or battery occurs because of a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, it is considered to be a hate crime. Assault as a hate crime has greater penalties than simple assault. If the offense is assault without battery then the offense is still a Class 1 Misdemeanor, but this offense carries a penalty of six months in jail with a 30-day mandatory minimum. If the battery resulted in injury to the victim, then the offense level escalates to a Class 6 Felony. 

  If you have been charged with this offense then the prosecution must prove that you intentionally targeted the victim specifically because they are a member of a certain group. For example, if during your assault you began shouting slurs about a group to which the victim belongs, then there is probable cause that you committed the offense solely because of the victim’s membership of that group.

• Assault on a Police Officer or Fire and Rescue Personnel

  Virginia code classifies assault and battery against a member of law enforcement, fire/rescue personnel, or a public servant as a Class 6 Felony. In order to be convicted of this offense, the state must prove that you knew, at the time of the alleged offense, that the victim was a member of one of these protected groups and that the victim was engaged in official duties at the time of the offense.

Defending Against Assault and Battery

To be convicted of assault and battery in Virginia Courts, the State has to prove two things.

1. That you intentionally touched another individual without prompt.

2. That the manner of touching was offensive.

A common defense for assault or battery charges in Virginia is that the touching was in response to an assault by the complaining witness or that the touching occurred in self-defense. Common defenses are:

Consent: This defense would claim that the alleged victim gave consent to some form of physical contact. Mutual combat, or an agreement to fight, is a form of consent. 

Self Defense: In Virginia, you can help prove self-defense by proving the record of the complaining witness for violence. In some cases, you do not even need to have been aware of the past history to use it in proving self-defense.

Public Authority: This defense would apply if you are a member of law enforcement and needed to engage in unwanted physical contact in order to arrest an individual.

There are certainly other defenses that can be used to protect your rights. We encourage you to contact a Roanoke criminal defense attorney to discuss the details of your case and what can be done to better your situation.

Call a Roanoke Assault Lawyer Today

The terms assault and battery are so commonly used that their accurate legal meanings can be difficult to understand, which only compounds the fear you are probably experiencing if you are charged with such an offense. You may not know what to expect or how to effectively defend yourself against these accusations. You will need a strong advocate to work on your behalf to achieve the best outcome possible. At Roanoke Criminal Attorneys we are dedicated to providing you with a complete understanding of your situation and ensuring your rights are protected as we guide you through the criminal court process.

Discuss your situation with an experienced Roanoke assault lawyer at (540) 343-9349 or contact us online for a free consultation.