Assault Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Defense Options?
An assault charge in Arlington County is a serious Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County courts. An experienced assault lawyer Arlington County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Assault and Battery Law
Assault and battery in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-57. The statute makes it unlawful to commit an assault or an assault and battery against another person. Simple assault is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The law also includes enhanced penalties for assaults against family or household members (domestic assault) and assaults motivated by factors like race, religion, or ethnic origin.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Virginia assault statute, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-57 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information, including forms and procedures, can be found on the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Assault Charges
All misdemeanor assault trials begin at the Arlington County General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases. A strong defense often involves challenging the alleged victim’s account and examining police reports for inconsistencies. An assault and battery defense lawyer Arlington County understands that prosecutors must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- You will be served with a warrant or summons specifying the charge and your court date at Arlington County General District Court.
- Attend your arraignment, where you will enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. It is strongly advised to have an attorney present.
- Your attorney will file pre-trial motions, review discovery (police reports, witness statements), and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court.
- You have an absolute right to appeal a guilty verdict from General District Court to Arlington County Circuit Court for a new jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Assault in Arlington County
In Arlington County, a simple assault conviction carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, plus a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; possible protective order. |
| Assault & Battery of a Family Member | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory completion of treatment/counseling program; protective order. |
| Assault on Law Enforcement | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; significant impact on employment and housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Assault Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that an assault charge can threaten your reputation, employment, and freedom. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your Arlington County case.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal case results in Arlington County, with 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 10 cases reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these clients. These results include matters handled by our team, including Mr. Sris, whose background as a former prosecutor and firm founder since 1997 informs our strategic approach.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Assault Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County, VA
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Arlington County courts. We provide representation for individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact an assault lawyer Arlington County near you for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Assault Defense FAQs for Arlington County
What is the penalty for assault in Arlington County, Virginia?
A simple assault conviction in Arlington County is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Enhanced penalties apply for domestic assault or assault on law enforcement.
Can an assault charge be dismissed in Arlington County?
Yes. An assault charge dismissed lawyer Arlington County can seek dismissal if the evidence is weak, the alleged victim is uncooperative, or your constitutional rights were violated. Diversion programs for first-time offenders may also lead to dismissal upon completion.
What’s the difference between assault and battery in Virginia?
Under Virginia law, assault is the threat or attempt to physically harm someone, creating a reasonable fear of harm. Battery is the actual unwanted physical contact. The charges are often combined as “assault and battery” under Va. Code § 18.2-57.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor carries jail time and a permanent record. An assault and battery defense lawyer Arlington County can negotiate for reduced charges, seek diversion programs, or defend you at trial to protect your future.
How long does an assault case take in Arlington County?
It depends. A misdemeanor assault case in Arlington County General District Court typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from arraignment to trial. Cases that are appealed to Circuit Court or involve complex evidence can take several months.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing an assault charge, you may also want to learn about Virginia criminal defense. For charges in a neighboring area, see our page for an assault lawyer in Alexandria. For other legal issues in Arlington County, we also handle DUI defense and family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.