Richmond Domestic Violence Lawyers

Defending Clients Against Serious Charges

Domestic violence cases in Virginia can be highly complex. If you are accused of domestic abuse, you may face certain stigmas that make it challenging to uncover the truth and obtain justice. All too often, an angry spouse uses domestic violence laws to lash out at an ex. Unfortunately, innocent individuals may be charged and penalized for acts of domestic violence they did not commit.

If a household member has accused you of family abuse, you may worry about how to defend yourself. The good news is that a domestic violence lawyer can provide you with protection and ensure your rights are respected. An experienced criminal defense attorney will investigate thoroughly to uncover the truth about what happened and provide evidence that the alleged victim was not abused.

For help avoiding the serious repercussions of a domestic violence conviction, reach out to our team of criminal defense lawyers today. We listen to each person with compassion and understanding, and we will explain your options in terms you can understand. Our legal team treats our clients with the utmost respect and care. Call 804-531-5524 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how a Virginia domestic violence lawyer can help with your unique case.

What Is the Legal Definition of Domestic and Family Violence in Virginia?

Domestic violence in Virginia is commonly referred to as family abuse. Individuals may be charged with criminal offenses for harming or even threatening a household member. The first aspect of proving domestic violence is demonstrating that the offender placed the other person in danger of injury, sexual assault, or death.

Some examples that could constitute domestic assault and battery include:

• Hitting
• Punching
• Kicking
• Strangulation
• Verbal threats
• Pushing
• Pulling hair
• Stalking
• Sexual assault

For an action to be defined as domestic abuse, it must have taken place between two members of the same household. The individuals need not be related by blood or marriage. Relationships that qualify as household membership include current or former spouses, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws living in the same home, individuals cohabitating and raising children together, step-family members, and roommates who have lived together for more than a year.

What Penalties Could I Face for a Domestic Violence Conviction?

A domestic abuse conviction can result in harsh penalties, including up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,500. The offender will likely face misdemeanor charges. However, the charges could be bumped up to a class 6 felony with up to five years in prison, depending on the nature of the act committed against the household or family member. For example, strangulation or stalking with a deadly weapon may both be convicted as a felony.

It is also essential to consider additional repercussions when facing a domestic violence charge in Virginia. Not only will the individual face jail time and hefty fines, but they will have to live with a criminal record that could haunt them for years to come. Being convicted of a crime can mean loss of professional licensing, inability to retain custody of their children, and other negative consequences. Even having a protective order can drastically impact your ability to maintain a relationship with your loved one.

Finally, individuals convicted of domestic violence lose their right to hold or purchase a firearm. This loss of freedom can affect your ability to live life as you choose. With the many far-reaching consequences of emergency protective orders and domestic violence convictions, it is crucial to hire knowledgeable attorneys to help you construct a solid defense. Contact Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC today for help fighting criminal charges regarding same-household individuals.

How Can I Fight My Domestic Violence Charge?

It can be incredibly discouraging to face domestic violence charges, especially if you are not guilty of domestic abuse. Domestic violence laws are stringent in Virginia, and the penalties of a conviction can negatively impact your life in many ways. However, there is still hope in fighting the alleged crime and protecting your freedom.

When you hire our legal team, we will work with you to understand the details of your case and develop the best legal strategies for your unique situation. Some defenses that we can use to prove that you did not emotionally or physically harm your family member include:

• Mistaken identity – We can prove that you were not the person responsible for the injuries
• Self-defense – If your family member injured you and you acted in self-defense, your charges could be dropped
• Defense of another person – Acting in defense of another person would not result in a conviction for domestic violence

A Virginia domestic violence lawyer like those at our law firm will fight aggressively for your best interests no matter what obstacles arise. Call our law firm today for help with your domestic violence case.

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Help Me Defeat My Domestic Assault Conviction?

When you are facing charges of emotional abuse or causing physical injury to an immediate family member, you need urgent legal help from a Virginia domestic violence attorney with plenty of experience to fight these charges. If a household member issues a restraining order, you could lose contact with loved ones. A criminal conviction could affect your professional life, social life, and more.

Some ways a domestic violence attorney can help include:

• Investigating the alleged crime
• Providing crucial evidence
• Counseling you on effective defense strategies
• Preparing a solid defense to help you get your charges lowered or dropped
• Ensuring law enforcement authorities respect your rights
• Coaching you on how to answer when questioned by a police officer
• Providing legal representation both in and out of the courtroom

Should You Hire Our Domestic Violence Lawyers in Richmond, VA?

If you are facing an emergency protective order or conviction for domestic violence, you need immediate help from a knowledgeable domestic violence lawyer who is also a former prosecutor. At our law office, our legal team includes lawyers who have worked as prosecutors, giving us the advantage of understanding how the other side will come after you. We will use this knowledge to get you the best outcome possible in your domestic abuse case.

Call Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC immediately to schedule a free case evaluation with our dedicated team of highly skilled attorneys. Call 804-531-5524 to learn more about how we can help.