Norfolk, VA Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Lawyers
Our Virginia law firm can make sure your rights are respected
Domestic violence criminal cases in Virginia can be challenging and complicated. If a family member in Norfolk, Newport News or another community in Virginia accuses you of assault and battery or another criminal charge, it’s critical that you take such accusations very seriously right from the start.
If you are convicted of a domestic violence-related charge, you could face significant jail time and other penalties depending on the nature of the case. This could include you being banned from possessing firearms or living in the family home moving forward. That’s why our Norfolk, VA domestic violence criminal defense attorneys at Welch & Wright, PLLC want to meet with you.
We know the laws that apply to domestic violence in Virginia. We understand the sensitive nature of such cases and how the legal system works. That’s because our trial lawyers have extensive courtroom experience representing individuals accused of domestic violence-related charges in Hampton, Newport News, and throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia. You can count on us to professionally represent you every step of the way.
Assault and battery involving a family member
The Commonwealth of Virginia classifies domestic violence as a form of assault and battery. This specific law is Virginia Code 18.2-57.2 (Assault and battery against a family or household member).
In most cases, under this law, police in Virginia will charge a family member with the domestic violence version of assault and battery if a family member causes an injury to another family member. According to the Virginia law, assault and battery of a family member often involves:
- Malicious wounding or unlawful wounding
- Malicious bodily injury
- Strangulation
Allegations of domestic violence also sometimes involve child injury charges.
Who’s legally considered a family member?
In the eyes of the law, a family member in Virginia is considered any one of the following individuals:
- Spouse (husband, wife)
- Former spouse, even if this person lives in a different location
- Parents, stepparents
- Children, half-children, and grandchildren
- Grandparents
- Biological parent of child
- Any individual who lives or cohabitates with someone for at least 12 months
Which court rules on domestic violence cases in Virginia?
Virginia has a special court that deals primarily with domestic violence-related cases, which are officially referred to as assault and battery of a family member. This court is the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
In the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, there are several Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, including:
- Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court at 150 St. Paul’s Boulevard
- Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway
Penalties for domestic violence conviction
In general, the penalties for a domestic violence conviction in Virginia often include:
- First conviction – Up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Second conviction within 20 years – 1 to 5 years in prison or – at the discretion of the judge or jury – up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Having a no contact order put in place, which prevents the person convicted from having any contact (even via phone calls or texts) with the victim, which may result in the person convicted being forced to move out of their family home.
Get the law firm Norfolk trusts. Contact us
Domestic violence cases in Virginia can quickly spiral out of control. If you don’t take action right away, you could end up in jail or possibly dealing with other serious, long-term consequences, like being removed from your family home.
Don’t take your future for granted. Take action. Contact our Norfolk law firm to learn more about your legal rights. Schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Norfolk, VA domestic violence defense lawyers. We understand the sensitive and urgent nature of such cases and will get right to work helping you deal with your complicated legal issues.