McLean, Virginia Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Supportive Attorneys for Clients Accused of Domestic Violence in McLean, VA

An accusation of domestic violence can wreak havoc on your life. Your friends, family, and acquaintances may view you in a different light, leading to isolation. On top of that, you could also face criminal penalties. A McLean domestic violence defense lawyer can represent you in court, standing up for you in front of a judge.

If you have been charged with an offense related to domestic violence, you could face serious penalties. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for years, possibly limiting your options for housing or employment. At Salvado Law Offices, we can provide you with involved representation to look out for your best interests.

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Virginia?

Acts of domestic violence are referred to as "family abuse" in Virginia. For the purposes of the law, violence against a current or former spouse, family member, or anyone else in your household is considered family abuse. Family abuse can take different forms, such as assault, stalking, sexual assault, or any other threatening conduct.

Charges of Assault Against a Family or Household Member

In Virginia, there are unique penalties for committing the crime of assault and battery against a family member. Assault is defined as putting someone in fear of harmful or offensive physical contact, whereas battery refers to following through on that threat by unlawfully touching the other person. This crime requires the intent to cause hurt or offend the victim.

Ordinarily, the crime of assault and battery is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia without any aggravating circumstances, which carries up to twelve months in jail. However, if you have already been convicted twice for assault and battery against a family member, you will be charged with a Class 6 felony, which is punishable by anywhere from one to five years in prison.

You may be able to claim self-defense in an assault and battery charge if you can demonstrate that you used a reasonable amount of force in response to a perceived threat to your safety. At Salvado Law Offices, we can explore your options to contest a charge of assault and battery, exploring different strategies in your defense.

Stalking Charges in Virginia

You could be arrested for stalking in Virginia if you engage in repeated conduct that you know or reasonably should have known would make the other person fear for their safety. Ordinarily, this is a Class 1 misdemeanor, but it can be charged as a Class 6 felony for a second conviction within five years.

If you are convicted of this offense, the court may bar you from contacting the victim or another person in the victim's family or household. Salvado Law Offices can help you fight a stalking charge in court. We may question whether your conduct truly qualified as stalking if it was not intended to put the other person in fear and it could not possibly be interpreted as such.

Protective Orders

If you have been accused of family abuse, you could be served with a protective order. This can result in various restrictions in the short term, but if a final protective order is granted against you, you could face those same restrictions and more for up to two years. A final protective order can bar you from contacting the person behind the order and require you to attend counseling, among other terms.

At Salvado Law Offices, we can represent you in a hearing for a protective order, helping you fight allegations of family abuse.

Contact a McLean Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of abusing someone in your family or household, you could face strict penalties under Virginia law. Our McLean, Virginia domestic violence defense attorneys can help. Call Salvado Law Offices at 703-379-9446 or contact us online to set up a free consultation today.