Richmond Domestic Violence Lawyer
Cases that involve domestic relations can be very personal and emotional, making it important that you have all the information relevant to your case when preparing your defense. Our Richmond domestic violence lawyers are experienced with these types of cases and can help you prepare your legal strategy. Let a dedicated defense attorney advocate on your behalf and help you minimize the harm of a domestic violence charge.
How A Richmond Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help
Our team of Richmond domestic violence attorneys provides clients with services based on the particular charges involved and the circumstances of each client’s case. These services include:
- A full case assessment;
- Investigation of the facts and evidence;
- Development of legal strategies;
- Guidance on addressing preliminary matters; and
- Preparation for court dates.
Our seasoned Richmond domestic violence attorneys are familiar with the handling of such cases and can provide you with knowledge and support to prepare you for your day in court.
Domestic Violence Laws and Penalties Explained
Domestic Violence Can Include
- Threats that cause fear of bodily harm
- Sexual assault;
- Stalking;
- Unlawful detention;
Domestic violence, generally, is conduct that is harmful to a family member or household member. This type of conduct can include a variety of things including those in the graphic to the right.
Virginia Code Section 16.1-228 defines who is considered to be a family member or household member. This includes:
- Spouses and former spouses regardless if they live in the same household as the person;
- Siblings and half-siblings;
- Parents and stepparents;
- Children and stepchildren;
- In-laws;
- Grandparents and grandchildren;
- Anyone who has a child with the person regardless if they are in a relationship or living together; and
- Anyone who lives or has lived with the person in the last 12 months.
A conviction of assault and battery or stalking of a family or household member is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2500, or both, upon conviction, according to VA Code 18.2-11. However, the law imposes greater penalties for repeat offenders, who could face 1 to 5 years imprisonment, or, as decided by a judge or jury, up to 12 months in jail, and/or a fine up to $2500, upon conviction [VA Code 18.2-10]. A conviction of stalking a family member could also result in a protective order [VA Code 18.2-60.3], as a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney in Richmond could explain.
Protective Orders
Anyone accused of domestic violence may also be served with a protective order that restricts or prohibits his or her contact with certain family members. The important thing to remember is to stay calm and follow the directions of the order completely.
An experienced domestic violence lawyer in Richmond may be able to help you get the protective order removed, allowing you to see you children and avoid unnecessary restrictions.
What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Putting a Victim on the Stand?
In 99 percent of domestic cases, the alleged victim has to testify because they are usually the only one who could say whether the assault happened or that the touching was unwanted. There is no real benefit to the defense if an alleged victim testifies, since a prosecutor would only do so if they knew that it would help achieve a conviction.
Testifying for Commonwealth’s witness or as an alleged victim is an emotional event. When the prosecutor wants to seek a conviction, sometimes a person might embellish the story or make a point of crying in order to make the alleged assault seem worse than it actually was. A domestic violence lawyer in Richmond should be skilled enough to get to the truth of the matter during cross-examination.
Call a Richmond Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
Before stepping into the courtroom make sure you know what you will be facing. By speaking with a Richmond domestic violence lawyer you will be able to discuss the details of your case, including potential consequences, and develop the strongest possible defense for your circumstance. Call today to take the first step toward minimizing the harm of your domestic violence charge.
