Office
1629 K ST NW, Suite 300,
Washington DC VA 20006
By Appointment Only
Washington DC VA 20006
By Appointment Only
A heated argument turned physical. A misunderstanding that escalated. A false accusation that has you facing serious assault or violent crime charges in Virginia or D.C. Now, you are wondering: Will I go to jail? What if this charge stays on my record forever? How can I fight back against the accusations?
Virginia and D.C. prosecutors take violent crime cases seriously—even for first-time offenders. If you are convicted, you could be looking at jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that could follow you for the rest of your life. But being charged does not mean you will be convicted.
At Palacio Law, PLLC, we fight for people accused of assault, threats, domestic violence, and other violent crimes in Virginia. As a former public defender, Edwin Palacio knows how prosecutors build these cases—and how to fight back.
Hablamos Español. If you or a loved one speaks Spanish, we will explain your rights and guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
In Virginia, assault is defined as an attempt or offer, with force and violence, to do bodily harm to another, and battery is the actual infliction of bodily harm.
Simple Assault & Battery – Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Assault & Battery Against Certain Victims – If the victim is a judge, law enforcement officer, correctional officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services personnel engaged in their duties, the offense is classified as a Class 6 felony, with a mandatory minimum term of confinement of six months.
Making a verbal or written threat to harm someone can result in criminal charges, even if you did not act on it.
Threats of Bodily Harm – Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Threats to Schools or Public Spaces – Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison.
Domestic violence charges in Virginia do not require physical injury—police can arrest someone based on a single accusation.
First Offense Domestic Assault & Battery – Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Second or Subsequent Offenses – If an individual has two prior convictions for assault and battery against a family or household member within a 20-year period, the third offense is charged as a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison.
If you are convicted, you could lose gun rights, job opportunities, and even child custody.
Just because you are charged does not mean you will be convicted. There are many defenses to assault and violent crime charges, including:
Every case is different, but fighting back is always better than pleading guilty. An experienced Virginia assault and violent crimes lawyer can make the difference between freedom and a criminal record.
Edwin Palacio has spent years defending people in courtrooms—first as a public defender, and now as a dedicated trial lawyer. He knows how prosecutors build cases, how judges approach violent crime cases, and how to fight back effectively. When your freedom is on the line, you need an attorney who knows the system inside and out.
If you are facing assault, domestic violence, or other violent crime charges in Virginia, do not wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense can be.
At Palacio Law, PLLC, we take every case seriously. We know that one accusation does not mean you are guilty, and we fight to make sure your side of the story is heard. Whether you are wrongfully accused, acted in self-defense, or simply made a mistake, we will work to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible. Reach out now to learn more about your options.