Virginia Beach Assault Attorney

Have you recently been charged with assault in Virginia Beach? If so, then you need an experienced Virginia Beach assault attorney to represent you in court. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you could be facing felony or misdemeanor assault charges. Moreover, if convicted, your sentence may include hundreds of dollars in fines, probation, and even jail time.

If you’re like most people, when you hear the words “assault charges,” you probably think of the term “assault and battery.” Although they are often charged together, it is important to know that assault and battery are actually two separate crimes—in other words, you can be charged with assault only, battery, or in more severe cases, both assault and battery.

So exactly what is considered grounds for an assault charge? In the eyes of the law, anyone who attempts or intends to cause harm to another person can be charged with assault. If this attempt is successful, then you may be charged with battery as well. However, if the victim was not actually harmed, you will most likely be charged with assault.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, you may be charged with either simple assault or aggravated assault. Of these two charges, aggravated assault is the more serious charge, and is usually reserved for crimes that involve a weapon, such as a knife or gun. A felony offense, an aggravated assault conviction could lead to a prison sentence of six months or longer.

As a Class 1 Misdemeanor, simple assault is far less severe than an aggravated assault charge. In fact, many simple assault cases can be easily dismissed if both the accused and the victim can negotiate a fair restitution agreement—usually a financial settlement. It is important to know, however, that you may face additional penalties if you are accused of assaulting a child or law enforcement officer.

Fortunately, just because you have been accused of assault does not mean you will be convicted. Many people who are accused of assault know their victim, and charges are often filed out of anger following a heated discussion or dramatic encounter. As a result, it is possible to be incorrectly charged with assault.

To protect your rights, is important to seek help from an experienced assault attorney. With over a decade of experience in criminal defense, attorney Michael C. Tillotson offers the skilled and competent legal counsel you need during this harrowing time. A lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mr. Tillotson represents clients throughout the state of Virginia and is well-known for his aggressive defense tactics. Put his expertise to work for you. Contact attorney Michael C. Tillotson today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your assault case.