Under Virginia law (§ 18.2-57), assault and battery are considered separate but related offenses:
These charges can arise from altercations, misunderstandings, or self-defense situations. Even minor incidents can lead to criminal charges with long-term consequences.
The penalties for an assault & battery conviction depend on the circumstances:
A conviction can also result in job loss, security clearance revocation, and difficulty obtaining housing or professional licenses.
Virginia law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves from harm. If you were not the aggressor and had a genuine belief you were in danger, we can argue self-defense to have the charges dismissed.
Yes, assault does not require physical contact—only the threat or intent to harm. If no credible threat was made, we can challenge the prosecution’s case on lack of evidence.
In Virginia, prosecutors—not victims—decide whether to proceed with charges. However, if the alleged victim is unwilling to cooperate, we can use this to weaken the case against you.
We use several strategies, including:
Yes, an assault conviction stays on your criminal record indefinitely. However, dismissed or reduced charges may be eligible for expungement, preventing employers and landlords from seeing the case.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact Mattox Law immediately to discuss your defense.
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