Unlawful Wounding Charges in Chesterfield
An unlawful wounding occurs when the accused causes bodily harm to another by shooting, stabbing, cutting or other means with the intent to maim, disable, disfigure or kill, but without malice.
The difference between a simple assault and an unlawful wounding is the wounding in and of itself; specifically, inflicting harm in the form of a wound on the victim, as opposed to a simple assault where there is no wounding. A Chesterfield unlawful wounding lawyer can help you handle the nuances of the case.
What to do When Charged
First, you should remember when charged with unlawful wounding is to not make any statements to the Chesterfield police or Commonwealth of Virginia. Do not say anything to the police.
Second, contact an attorney and set up a consultation as soon as possible. An experienced Chesterfield attorney who has handled unlawful wounding cases before can give you a better chance at a positive outcome from this charge.
Third, you need to meet with your attorney and be honest about the situation. Always tell your lawyer the whole truth so that they can successfully help you with your case.
Typical Unlawful Wounding Cases
Typically, unlawful wounding stems from fights or attacks. In Chesterfield, Virginia, the penalty for unlawful wounding is five years in jail and a $2,500.00 fine, as well as probation upon conviction. Pending assault cases in Chesterfield, Virginia are felonies and are adjudicated by a judge or a jury in the Chesterfield circuit or “high” court.
Unlawful wounding has a lot of nuances that can be argued and it is important to have an attorney who is familiar with these nuances and aware of the specifics of your particular case. A prepared defense attorney who is familiar with the local court system and players can help you construct a strong defense for your case.
What to Expect from the Prosectution
A prosecutor in an unlawful wounding case needs to prove that the defendant wounded another person, they did so intentionally with the intent to maim, kill, disfigure or disable. Typically, prosecutors in Chesterfield will use evidence such as: hospital records, statements, pictures, photographs, doctor’s testimony, and witnesses’ testimony to prove unlawful wounding. They generally rely on the totality of the circumstances to prove intent.
Benefits of an Attorney
Unlawful wounding charges are a serious matter. Trying to defend yourself in a court of law against prosecutors and judges that are very intelligent and experienced is immensely more difficult when you don’t have a knowledgeable guide by your side. An attorney can help your case with a thorough investigation; investigating the charges you are facing, the circumstances of the incident, and negotiate, if necessary, to protect your best interest and help prepare you for the complexities of the case you are facing.
