While it is understandable for prosecutors to aggressively pursue abusers in Virginia, it can be extremely frustrating to face domestic violence charges when the alleged victim is dishonestly accusing you of assault that never happened. You could get arrested and face a conviction for actions that never occurred or were misconstrued. Furthermore, a domestic abuse conviction can lead to serious repercussions, such as jail time and a criminal record that could haunt you for years to come.
If you are facing accusations of domestic violence assault, you need a criminal defense attorney who is familiar with Virginia law to give you the counsel and representation necessary to get your charges lowered or dismissed. Your Warrenton domestic violence lawyer can help you understand the charges brought against you and develop a defense to prevent you from receiving the maximum sentencing.
At Ashwell & Ashwell, our team of attorneys is led by a former judge and prosecutor, making us ideal allies when facing any serious criminal charges. Many times, we can negotiate to get the criminal case thrown out without ever going to court. We will hold your accuser accountable for their dishonesty and identify evidence showing holes in the prosecution’s argument. Call today to learn how we can help with your domestic violence case.
When you are fighting unfair criminal charges, one of the first steps is to understand the laws behind the charges brought against you. Only then can you develop a solid defense to fight your abuse charges. For example, Virginia laws specifically define domestic family abuse as acts of physical harm, force, or threats against a family member or person who lives in the same household.
Individuals who live in the same home and may be victims of domestic abuse include:
Some actions that could be considered family abuse in Virginia include slapping, kicking, hitting, pushing, choking, sexual assault, and other forms of family or dating violence against a person of the same household. Your charges could be enhanced, or made more serious, if you possessed a deadly weapon such as firearms, resulting in aggravated assault charges.
Fighting your charges may include demonstrating that the person is not a household member or that the alleged violence did not take place. Any domestic violence allegation should be taken seriously, so reach out to a domestic violence defense lawyer today.
A domestic abuse conviction can have some severe consequences in Virginia, depending on the circumstances of the case. If it is the person’s first conviction, it will be considered a misdemeanor, and they may face up to a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. However, if this is the second or more conviction, the abuser could face felony charges with up to five years in prison.
Some other consequences that many people don’t think about are the results of having a criminal record. Being convicted of any crime can make it difficult to get a job, find housing, and keep custody of your children. Additionally, you could have an emergency protective order brought against you. If you are found guilty of domestic violence, you may be prohibited from owning a firearm.
Call our law offices today to learn more about how we can prove you innocent and fight the false allegations you’re facing.
Unfortunately, many individuals use allegations of domestic abuse or harassment to get back at their ex or family member. This can put innocent individuals behind bars and affect their relationship with their children. However, you can still get your charges dismissed with the help of a criminal defense attorney like those at our law firm. Some defenses that can help defeat domestic violence charges include:
Fighting domestic abuse charges can be highly complex because of the stigma against family abuse. Individuals who did not instigate the violence and acted appropriately in the situation may face charges because of a family member’s dishonesty. However, you can fight your charges in family court and get your life back with the right legal representation. Contact our legal team immediately for help navigating the legal process during this challenging time.
There is too much at stake in a domestic violence case to try to go it alone or work with inexperienced attorneys. You need a law firm with experienced lawyers determined to fight aggressively for a positive outcome in your case. You need Ashwell & Ashwell.
Our legal team has decades of combined experience, including years spent as a judge and prosecutor. We are deeply familiar with Virginia criminal and family law, giving us unique insights that other legal representatives may not have. When you meet with us, you will instantly feel that you are in good hands and that we will handle your case with care.
At Ashwell & Ashwell, you are more than just a case number. We will treat you with the respect and care you deserve because you are a valuable person who is more than the crimes brought against you. We promise to stand by your side as strong allies and use our legal knowledge and talent to defend you regardless of obstacles that may arise. Reach out to us today for an initial consultation with our caring, skilled legal team.
A criminal defense attorney serves as your advocate and guide throughout every stage of your legal proceedings. From the moment of arrest or charge, your attorney will explain your rights, help you understand the charges against you, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case. They will investigate the facts, review evidence, file pretrial motions, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or plea agreements, and represent you vigorously at trial if necessary. Your attorney ensures that law enforcement and the prosecution respect your constitutional rights at every turn, working to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
In general, the civil litigation process encompasses several crucial stages, beginning with the Pleadings phase, where parties formally outline their claims and defenses. Following that, the Discovery stage allows both sides to gather evidence through depositions and document requests to support their case. Pre-trial motions aim to resolve the case or limit issues before trial. If unresolved, the process moves to Trial, where the case is argued in court. Finally, the Appeal phase offers a chance to challenge the trial’s outcome. Each stage is pivotal, designed to ensure fairness and resolve disputes effectively.
A DUI conviction in Virginia carries serious consequences that can affect many areas of your life. For a first offense, you may face fines starting at $250, a 12-month license suspension, mandatory enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), and possible jail time. Subsequent offenses result in significantly harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory minimum jail sentences, and the possibility of felony charges. A DUI conviction also creates a permanent criminal record, which can impact your employment, insurance rates, and professional licenses. Our attorneys work aggressively to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Our family law attorneys handle a wide range of matters affecting families and individuals. We represent clients in divorce and legal separation proceedings, including both contested and uncontested cases. We also handle child custody and visitation disputes, child support and spousal support (alimony) matters, equitable distribution of marital property, and the enforcement or modification of existing court orders. Additionally, our attorneys assist with adoption proceedings, paternity actions, domestic violence protective orders, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Whatever your family law matter, our team is committed to protecting your rights and the well-being of your family.
A comprehensive Virginia estate plan typically includes several key documents. A Last Will and Testament outlines how your assets will be distributed and may name a guardian for minor children. A Revocable Living Trust allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. Financial Powers of Attorney designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, while a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive (Living Will) specify your healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and retirement accounts are also critical components. Our estate planning attorneys will work with you to ensure all documents are properly drafted and reflect your wishes.
