Assault Lawyer Near Me
If you are searching for an assault lawyer near me in Virginia, you need an experienced defense attorney who understands the local courts and the serious consequences of a conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals facing assault charges throughout Virginia. From our Fairfax location, the firm appears in General District and Circuit Courts across the Commonwealth—including Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding Hampton Roads area. A charge under Va. Code § 18.2‑57 can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. We work to protect your rights at every stage. To speak with our team about your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Assault Means in Virginia
In Virginia, most assault and battery offenses are prosecuted as Class 1 misdemeanors under Va. Code § 18.2‑57. A conviction can carry up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Certain aggravating factors elevate the charge to a felony. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes the case, and the outcome can affect your employment, housing, and firearm rights for years. Because Virginia does not have a “simple assault” statute that automatically allows expungement, the immediate focus is defending the charge at the earliest opportunity.
The court where your case is heard depends on the charge level. Misdemeanor assault and battery is tried in the General District Court for the locality where the alleged act occurred. Felony assault—such as malicious wounding—is handled in the Circuit Court. The firm regularly appears in courts across Virginia, including those serving Chesapeake, Fairfax County, Prince William County, and other localities. Understanding the local prosecutors and the procedural expectations of the specific bench can inform a stronger defense.
Simple assault and battery in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑57. Virginia Code § 18.2‑57
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Aggravated assault (such as malicious wounding) is a felony; a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years of incarceration, and a Class 6 felony carries 1 to 5 years.
Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2‑51, 18.2‑57. Virginia Code Title 18.2
Reviewed by Mr. Sris.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Assault Cases
Every assault case starts with a careful review of the evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine police reports, witness statements, and any video or photographic evidence. The goal is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case—whether it be inconsistent witness accounts, a question of self-defense, or a procedural violation during the arrest. Through candid conversations, we help the client understand the realistic options, including the possibility of a diversion program or first-offender disposition under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 where available.
The firm’s approach is collaborative. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the Commonwealth’s Attorney evaluates a case. The Of Counsel team includes an attorney who served as a Virginia State Trooper for 15 years, bringing firsthand insight into police procedures and accident-investigation protocols. This dual perspective—prosecution and law enforcement—informs the defense strategy from the arraignment through any trial or negotiated resolution. We appear at hearings, argue motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor. If a favorable resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to present the case to a judge or jury.
Results depend on the specific facts; Results may vary.. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to assault defense matters, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in accounting and information systems provides additional analytical strength in cases involving forensic or technical evidence.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—independent, experienced practitioners—include a former Virginia State Trooper who served 15 years and conducted thousands of investigations. That law-enforcement perspective is a strategic asset when challenging police reports, field-sobriety tests, or the handling of physical evidence in an assault case. Together, the team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a comprehensive defense built on decades of combined legal experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between assault and battery in Virginia?
Under Virginia law, assault is an act that creates a reasonable fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact, while battery is the actual unwanted touching. The two are often charged together as “assault and battery,” a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2‑57. However, the Commonwealth may prove one without the other. Defenses such as self-defense or consent apply to both, and the specific evidence required for each element differs. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate whether the facts support the charge.
Do I need a lawyer for an assault charge in Virginia even if it is a first offense?
Yes, because a conviction for a first-offense assault can still result in jail time, a fine, and a permanent criminal record. Even if the court offers a deferral or first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2, you want counsel to negotiate the terms and ensure the charge is dismissed upon successful completion. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly in Virginia courts and can help you pursue a resolution that minimizes long-term consequences.
Can an assault charge be expunged in Virginia?
Expungement in Virginia is generally available only when the charge ends in a dismissal, nolle prosequi, or an acquittal. A conviction for assault and battery cannot be expunged under current law. If you successfully complete a first-offender program and the charge is dismissed, you may petition the circuit court for expungement of the police and court records under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2. The process requires a separate petition and a showing of manifest injustice if the records remain.
What should I do immediately after being charged with assault?
Remain silent, avoid contact with the alleged victim, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Do not discuss the incident on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer. If a protective order is in place, strict compliance is essential—any violation can result in a separate criminal charge. Collect and preserve any evidence you have, including text messages, photos, or witness contact information. Early legal advice helps protect your rights from the first court appearance.
How does the firm approach an assault case in Chesapeake or other Hampton Roads courts?
The firm’s attorneys appear in courts across Virginia, including those serving Chesapeake and the surrounding region. We review the specific jurisdiction’s procedures and the tendencies of the local prosecutor. Whether in Chesapeake General District Court or elsewhere, our approach is the same: scrutinize the evidence, explore plea amendments when appropriate, and prepare for trial when necessary. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.