Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer

VIRGINIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYER – ENDEAVORING TO EMPOWER THE VICTIMS

Domestic violence is one of the most unfortunate experiences that one can go through. Assault on a household member is neither gender-specific nor age-specific. Men, women, children, or senior citizens can also be victims of assault in a household. It is also extremely unfortunate to note that the instances of assault on household members have seen a huge increase over the years. Keeping the same in mind in Virginia, strong laws have been formulated to protect the rights of the victims of assault on a household member and punish the persons afflicting the same.

As contrary to general opinion, assault on household members does not include only physical attacks. It includes emotional and mental abuse as well. Stripping an individual of his/her self-respect and confidence and leading them to depression and other mental agonies has also been included within the ambit of assault on a household member. Therefore, the charges of family member abuse can also be slapped on individuals who have never raised their hand on the victims yet their words and actions have caused immense mental and emotional damage to the person.

It is not necessary that only spouses can be charged with attack or abuse on a household member. Though cases of assault on household members generally involve married couples wherein one partner is at the receiving end, but attack or abuse on a household member can also be between unmarried or divorced couples. Assault on a household member can also be afflicted by parents or step-parents on children or children on a parent. In-laws, siblings, or any other relative can also come under the ambit of attack or abuse on a household member.

Virginia has formulated one of the strictest laws for every kind of crime and also for domestic violence. Not only laws, but Virginia has crafted several education programs and awareness campaigns to help the victims. The police are just a phone call away in VA lest anybody needs help.

Since the cases of attack or abuse on household members have been on the rise, Virginia has not only spelled out very clearly the kind of behaviors and oppression that comes under assault on household members but has spelled out punishments for the same very clearly. If a case of assault on a household member leads to homicide, the penalties get very grim. If attack or abuse on household members includes sexual attack or abuses, then the quantum of punishment gets escalated. Anybody facing the charges of attack or abuse on a household member should consult an adept Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer to know more about the ways that can protect them and their rights. The State has rolled out several programs that aim to empower the victims of assault on a household member and help them to speak out against the atrocities they are made to suffer.

What comes under the ambit of domestic violence?

The following kinds of attacks and behaviors come under the ambit of assault on a household member:

  • Assault and battery
  • Any kind of sexual assault
  • Verbal abuse
  • Mental harassment
  • Any other kind of behavior that may point to assault on a household member

It needs to be understood that attack or abuse on a household member is not only about stray cases of physical abuses but its effects are much far-reaching than that. Assault on a household member may injure the victim to such an extent that the person may be unable to go to work. Serious injuries not only spell such financial losses for the victims but adds an extra burden of medical bills too. Not to forget that this aspect pertains to only the physical part of the abuse. The emotional scars are at times so deep that they stay for life long. Apart from the physical injuries, it is the emotional aspect of being betrayed by a near and dear one that affects the victims so very much. In certain cases, the effects of such abuses are so profound that it takes massive efforts from counselors and psychological experts to wean out the victim from depression.

Why is engaging a Virginia domestic violence lawyer so very imperative?

A Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer is required at both ends of the spectrum in these cases. The victim requires the services of Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer to fight for their rights and to seek protection from the perpetrator. On the other hand, in a few very unfortunate instances, cases of assault on a household member have been lodged against somebody as a result of some anger or jealousy by a family member. In these kinds of cases too, the services of Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer are extremely crucial. It is not only important to seek justice for the victims but is equally important to ensure that no innocent gets to face the music for a crime that he/she never committed. In such circumstances, Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer helps both. In cases where a person has been charged with an offense wherein it was never committed, Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer helps in getting the case dismissed as soon as possible.

Victims of attack or abuse by a household member not only suffer trauma and oppression but are also likely to carry the signs of same for the rest of their lives if not addressed by mental health experts. The services of Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer ensure that such victims get justice in the shortest possible time frame and seek the help of mental health experts to do away with any kind of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms if any.

Why should a Virginia domestic violence lawyer be consulted right away?

Cases of attack or abuse on the household member are one of the most threatening and serious cases. This is because, in the majority of the cases, the perpetrator lives under the same roof as the victim and is already in a very vulnerable position, both physically and mentally. The foremost aim of any Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer is to seek the protection of the client. The endeavor of any Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer is to ensure that the victim is not harassed any further by the perpetrator and for this purpose, Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer tries to attain a restraining order as soon as possible. A restraining order as the name suggests is an order by the court that restricts the movement of the predator around the victim, either permanently or until further orders.

Cases of attack or abuse on household members especially those that involve married couples with kids are not only limited to the punishment of the spouse afflicting the same, it also entails getting a divorce as soon as possible, along with alimony and the custody of kids. Therefore, a Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer services span to such spheres too. That the same Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer decides to take up all such other aspects related to the case or decides to delegate to other lawyers, is a matter of personal choice.

How easy or difficult is the job of a Virginia domestic violence lawyer?

Fighting a case of assault on a household member is no cakewalk for Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer irrespective of whichever side he/she is representing. If the Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer is representing the victim, Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer must collect all the pieces of evidence in support of the victim. These may include photographs, videos, and medical reports. Things may get a little tricky for the Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer where there are no telltale signs of violence, and it is only afflicted by hurtful words or behavior. In such cases, putting forth the evidence and proving the charges of assault on a household member in the court can prove to be very difficult for Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer.

Proving that their clients have been charged falsely for domestic abuse is also not easy for Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer either. The process of proving such cases to be false and lodged with ulterior motive requires more preparations and collection of evidence on the part of Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer than otherwise.

How can a Virginia domestic violence lawyer help in the matter?

Charges of attack or abuse on the household member are different from other criminal cases since here the victim is in a very vulnerable position. It goes without mention that nobody other than a Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer can help the victims if they are suffering this menace. Be it elderly people, children, or even adults, protective orders need to be taken right away by the Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer so that no further damage is caused to the sufferers. Other than this, the Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer also engages to seek:

  • Monetary compensation for the treatment of the injuries received because of the violence
  • Mental health counseling for the victim
  • Expenses related to any damage to any property caused by the perpetrator
  • Expenses for the funeral in case of death
  • Loss of wages or financial support
  • Counseling of children even if they were not directly harmed

It is to be borne here in mind that the fines levied by the court on the accused are not be taken to the effect of the factors mentioned above. Both the monetary charges are taken separately.

As is obvious, fighting a case of assault on a household member is not easy since there are several factors involved. Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer being seasoned in fighting such cases gets into action right away so that no precious time is lost in getting the best of medical treatment for the victim. Such monetary compensation helmed with the help of Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer also goes a long way in ensuring that the factors related to kids like their education or lifestyle do not get hampered in the event of the case being filed in the court.

Punishments that a Virginia domestic violence lawyer press for in the matter

Laws in the state take cognizance of assault on household member cases but the punishments vary from case to case. It generally depends upon the quantum of assaults and the age of the victim. If the assault on a household member is directed towards children, the quantum of punishments is higher than those for adults. Domestic violence is seen as a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Keeping that in mind, a Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer can always strive for $2500 and/or 12 months in jail for the perpetrator.

Generally, a defendant is placed on probation if he/she is a first-time offender and has not faced any kind of assault charges for anybody else. But if a person is found to be a repeat offender, and is charged three or more times in a period of 10 years, this shall result in a Class 6 felony and a jail term from 1 to 5 years. A person is placed on deferral if he/she pleads guilty or is proved to be an offender by a Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer, beyond doubt in the court. The final decision to be or not to be in referral lies with the defendant though. If the defendant can complete the education program without any glitches, the case of assault on a household member gets dismissed. But if the person is found to be violating the norms of the deferral, the defendant may face a conviction.

How to find the right Virginia domestic violence lawyer?

The internet serves as the best source of information for anything and so it does for Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer as well. Therefore, if someone is looking for Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer, he/she can search for the most acclaimed Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer in their vicinity by simply typing “best Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer near me” on Google. Other than that, if the defendant has any references from other people, this can serve as a good lead as well. If there are several names popping up for Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer in the search, checking out the testimonials shall help to choose the right Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer. Always remember to hire an experienced Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer. An inexperienced lawyer can do more harm to the case than good.

Is hiring a Virginia domestic violence lawyer a costly affair?

Every lawyer including Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer shall charge a fee for consultation and for fighting the cases on behalf of the clients. But there would be some Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer around one’s residential area who may give the first-time consultation, free. In times of dire need and especially for the victim, such free consultation by a skilled Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer not only helps the person know about their rights but also the ideal legal ways to go about them. In case somebody is not able to meet the concerned Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer, he/she can always call or email Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer regarding the same.

How can Virginia domestic violence lawyer help if you have been charged with the offense?

As already mentioned, Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer can help both – the victim as well as the defendant. Every person is considered innocent until proven guilty and so is in the case of assault on a household member as well. Therefore, as soon as one is charged with assault on a household member, the defendant should immediately get in touch with an able Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer. The Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer shall not only take a stock view of the case but shall also be able to tell the defendant, the chances of him/her getting penalized given the case and the evidence produced at that point in time. If the defendant is apologetic about his/her behavior and is ready to go in for a deferral, the Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer helps with that too.

Since every defendant needs to be represented in court, Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer also represents people who have been charged more than twice for assault on a household member, though their chances of escaping the punishment would be very meager.

Is it possible to fight a case without a lawyer?

Though it is not mandatory for everyone to hire a Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer, hiring or not hiring a lawyer can make a huge difference to any case. This is because nobody knows the laws and rules regarding the offense better than a Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer. Every Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer with years of experience in fighting such cases not only helps the victims with their rights but also helps the accused to sort out their behavioral issues and become a better person. Since every incident of assault on a household member affects the victims as well as the children if they are involved, Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer ensures that the children are also counseled properly. Cases of domestic abuse leave strong imprints on children whether they have been abused or have seen anybody in their homes, getting abused. If psychological help is not extended right at the outset, they might in certain cases grow up to be abusive adults as well. The worst aspect is that children may develop depression too. Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer understands the importance of communicating with children and treating their anxiety issues.

Why is a lawyer’s role is so very crucial?

Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer endeavors to not only help the victims but the abuser as well, to become better. With the help of counseling and a few corrective actions, Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer at the Law Offices of SRIS, PC., can guide their clients towards more peaceful family life, they leave no stone unturned to do the same.

Courts We Cover in Virginia

Accomack Albemarle Amelia Arlington County Brunswick Buckingham Caroline Charles City Chesterfield County Clarke Culpeper Cumberland Dinwiddie Essex Fairfax County Fairfax City Fauquier Fluvanna Frederick Gloucester Goochland Greene Greensville Hanover County Henrico County Isle of Wight James City King and Queen King George King William Lancaster Loudoun County Louisa Lunenburg Madison Mathews Mecklenburg Middlesex New Kent Northampton Northumberland Nottoway Orange Page Powhatan Prince Edward Prince George Prince William County Rappahannock Richmond Rockingham Shenandoah Southampton Spotsylvania Stafford Surry Sussex Warren Westmoreland York Accomac Charlottesville Lawrenceville Bowling Green Charles City Berryville Tappahannock Warrenton Palmyra Winchester Stanardsville Emporia Williamsburg Leesburg Boydton Saluda Eastville Heathsville Luray Farmville Manassas Washington Warsaw Harrisonburg Woodstock Courtland Front Royal Montross Alexandria Charlottesville Chesapeake Colonial Heights Emporia Herndon Vienna Falls Church Franklin Fredericksburg Hampton Hopewell Manassas Park Newport News Norfolk Petersburg Poquoson Portsmouth Suffolk Virginia Beach

Courts We Cover in Virginia

Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Saint Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester, Cumberland, Annapolis, Towson, Prince Frederick, Denton, Westminster, Elkton, La Plata, Cambridge, Frederick, Oakland, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Chestertown, Rockville, Upper Marlboro, Centreville, Leonardtown, Princess Anne, Easton, Hagerstown, Salisbury, Snow Hill.