Assault offenses can be charged either as misdemeanors or felonies, and a conviction could bring serious legal consequences that follow someone for the rest of their life. If found guilty of assault, a person will be left with a permanent criminal record, which could impact their ability to secure certain types of employment, rent an apartment, or retain custodial rights.

If you have been accused of cause physical harm to another, a Leesburg assault lawyer could provide the vigilant legal assistance needed to form a solid defense. A qualified criminal attorney can explain your legal options and fight to get your charges reduced or possibly dismissed.

Difference Between Assault and Battery

Though the charges of assault and battery are often intertwined, they are two distinct offenses. A person may be charged with assault if they engage in conduct that threatens to harm someone else physically or otherwise cause another individual to be reasonably afraid of sustaining an injury.

While assault involves impending harm, battery refers to real physical contact. A person may be charged with committing assault without actually coming in contact with the other person. Anyone who is unsure of the type of offenses they are being changed with should get in touch with an assault attorney.

Potential Defenses to an Assault Charge

When someone is charged with assault, they should reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible to start building a defense against the prosecution’s case. There are a wide range of defensive arguments that may be employed, depending on the facts of the accused party’s case. For example, if the accused was acting in self-defense at the time of the incident, this could serve as an effective rebuttal to the prosecution’s charges.

In some circumstances, it may be possible to prove that the accused individual was not at the place where the incident occurred and that the accusing party has mistaken them for someone else. Assault, like any other criminal charge, must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If a local attorney can expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, this burden may not be met, and it could be possible to pursue a total dismissal of the accused’s assault charges.

Assault Sentencing in Leesburg

In the state of Virginia, simple assault is categorized as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Simple assault is when someone attempts to engage in offensive or harmful contact or makes another person afraid of sustaining impending harm. The maximum sentence for simple assault is a fine amount of $2,500 and 12 months in jail.

However, certain circumstances can elevate an assault charge to a felony. For example, if someone commits an assault against a police officer, the act would be charged as a Class 6 felony. This type of felony carries a jail term up to five years.

When the alleged perpetrator engages in an assault against another person based on a factor such as their ethnicity or religious beliefs, they will face a period of incarceration no less than six months with at least one month to be served in prison. A nearby attorney could help people facing assault charges determine what their possible sentencing might be.

Call a Leesburg Assault Attorney Today

If you are facing assault or battery charges, you should consult with a Leesburg assault lawyer. The laws governing assault charges are complex and can be challenging to navigate without experienced legal representation.

An attorney can help ensure your legal rights are protected while fighting for the best possible outcome. Call our office today to speak with a dedicated attorney.

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