Assault Charge Defense in Northern Virginia
Prince William County • Fairfax County • Alexandria County
Were you in a fight that got out of hand? Are you accused of injuring someone in an assault? These are serious charges that can easily result in jail or prison.
Contact me immediately if you were arrested for assault and battery, malicious wounding or other violent crimes. You need to know the penalties you are facing, and what can be done to avoid a conviction or reduce your sentence.
I am Christopher Finch, an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia. For over 20 years, I have defended people charged with misdemeanor or felony charges, in the state and federal courts of Northern Virginia.
Assault and Battery or Wounding
Assault and battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor, meaning up to a year in jail. It is commonly charged in minor altercations and domestic violence cases:
- Bar fights
- School fights
- Workplace altercations
- Brawls between brothers or friends
- Scuffles with a woman's husband/boyfriend
Malicious wounding may be charged if a fight or attack results in serious bodily harm. This is a serious felony with a prison term of 5 to 20 years! In my experience, malicious wounding is overcharged at least half of the time. There is room to bargain with prosecutors. My first goal is to have charges dismissed completely, or reduced to assault and battery. I can usually negotiate at least to unlawful wounding, a Class 6 felony with a wide sentencing range from one day to five years behind bars.
Will You Be Convicted? Can We Fight This?
There are no diversion programs for felony wounding charges. If the prosecutor's best deal would still send you to prison, I am prepared to fight for you at trial. I explore all possible defenses, including self-defense, mutual combat or provocation. I also check for holes in the stories of the victim and witnesses.
Call my Fairfax office at 703-383-1150 or e-mail me to arrange a free half hour consultation. I can represent you on any violent offense, including:
- Assault and battery or wounding
- Aggravated assault (use of a weapon or repeat offense)
- Robbery, murder or manslaughter
Yo Hablo Español — I Speak Spanish
Every legal matter is unique. No attorney can promise a particular result.
