How Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Accused of a Violent Crime in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, VA

Attorney Kristen M. Shannon, at Shannon & Associates, P.C., has prosecuted criminal defendants before becoming a defense lawyer. As a result, she will effectively counsel you from the moment you are considered a suspect in a violent crime. Although some violent crimes are punishable as a misdemeanor, most are felony offenses, which means that you want to protect your freedom and seek legal advice from a qualified criminal defense lawyer.

Call (757) 228-5529 or contact us online to learn how we can help you.

The state of Virginia vigorously prosecutes violent crimes and drug crimes. Violent crimes occur when the victim is physically harmed or there is a threat of physical harm. These are some of the violent crime charges in Virginia:

• Simple assault: This charge can stem from causing another person to fear a harmful or offensive touching. If no actual contact with the victim occurs, this is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. But if the defendant is found guilty of intentionally targeting the victim because of his or her skin color, the mandatory punishment is incarceration.
• Aggravated assault: This is the unlawful attack upon another person by using a weapon or displaying it as a threat. If an attack causes severe bodily injury, such as broken bones, internal bleeding or even loss of consciousness, it also comprises aggravated assault.
• Assault and battery: Assault and battery is the unlawful physical attack of another human being (physical contact with the victim occurs).
• Malicious wounding: This charge includes cutting, stabbing or shooting with the intent to cause disfigurement or disability or to kill the victim. This is a Class 3 felony punishable by incarceration of up to 20 years.
• Aggravated malicious wounding: If the result of a malicious wounding causes permanent and significant physical impairment, the charge is escalated and it becomes a Class 2 felony that can result in a life sentence.

In 2010, of the 19,033 violent crimes reported, 46.6 percent occurred in the victim’s own home. In addition to physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence also includes emotional abuse. Unlike other crimes, someone accused of domestic violence can be arrested without a warrant where probable cause of assault and battery against a family or household member exists, and if a conviction is made, harsher penalties are imposed than those for simple assault. At the criminal law firm of Shannon & Associates, P.C., we work to achieve efficient legal solutions for you and your family, including protecting your rights if you are a victim of domestic violence.

Serving the Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas from our Chesapeake office, the attorneys of Shannon & Associates, P.C. personally commit to your case and will return your calls within 24 hours — even if that means it’s after hours. If you are driving to our office, we offer free parking. Our office is also easily accessible by public transportation. Call (757) 228-5529 or contact us online to learn how we can help you.