What Happens When You Are Arrested for Assault and Battery in Fairfax County?
Have you been arrested for assault and battery in Fairfax County? If so, then it is important to contact an assault and battery attorney right away. A criminal attorney who defends assault and battery cases will be able to explain to you what the court process is in Fairfax and review the evidence and law to explain your options and what factors will go into your chances that the charge could be reduced or dropped or won at trial. While attorneys can never guarantee results an experienced assault and battery attorney will be able to use their expertise in the local courts to answer your questions.
Throughout Virginia, assault and battery is a serious crime. This means that if you're convicted, you may be facing consequences that could include up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of as much as $2,500. If the person is targeted for race, religion, etc. or it was a law enforcement officer or teacher you can be facing mandatory time or even a felony
The penalties for a conviction for assault can be more far-reaching than that. Because of your record, you may have difficulty obtaining employment or renting an apartment. However, representation by an experienced Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer may improve these outcomes.
What You Can Expect When You Are Arrested for Assault and Battery in Fairfax County?
When charges are filed against you for assault and battery, the officer will arrest you and take you before the magistrate to have a summons or warrant issued, and then you will be processed for fingerprints and have your photo taken. A magistrate will then release you on bond or hold you without bond. If you are held without bond you will appear on the next business day before the court for arraignment where some courts will reconsider your bond conditions or tell you to have your attorney file a bond motion. If there is a bond hearing a judge will determine whether or not bail should be granted, how much the bond should be, and what other conditions will be ordered. If the judge believes that you may be a threat to the community or yourself OR that you are a flight risk, then bail may be denied or may be set with restrictions, like barring contact, ordering a mental health or substance evaluation, and/or be monitored by pretrial probation while the court date is pending. Between the bond hearing and trial, you'll have to remain in jail if bail is denied. If you can post bond, then you may carry on with your normal life, going to work and spending time with family and friends.
Build a Defense for Your Case by Working with a Fairfax Criminal Defense Lawyer
Of course, the most critical thing you can do during this time is to build a defense for your case. The best way to do this is to work with a qualified criminal defense attorney. With their assistance, it may be possible to build a case for self-defense or that you were acting in defense of others. You should take photos and video of all injuries and save any messages or communications between you and the alleged victim. It similarly may be possible for your attorney to work toward getting the charges against you reduced or dropped. The sooner you obtain legal counsel, the more options likely will be available to you, so it makes sense to act as quickly as possible.
Some assault cases do go to trial. Both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence, and the judge or jury will make a decision based on this evidence.
Contact a Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you have been arrested for assault and battery in Fairfax County, act now by contacting the Law Office of Ann Thayer at 703-940-0001.
