Skip to main content
Suffolk, VA
Domestic Violence
Unwavering commitment to criminal defense, traffic violations, DUI, family law and personal injury cases with 85 years of combined experience.
Call Today: (757) 742-6115
Get Help Now

Domestic Violence Attorney in Suffolk, VA

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic violence is a serious charge in Virginia that has a long-term impact on your future. It can result in potential jail time, fines, and limitations on future work.
  • Learn about the possible defense strategies that may be available to you if you have been charged with this crime.
  • Our Suffolk domestic violence law office works to provide experienced legal support for those charged with domestic violence.
  • Criminal defense is one of our primary practice areas.
Preparing a Protective order

Domestic violence is a serious crime, one that not only causes physical pain but emotional trauma that lasts for a lifetime in some situations. In situations where you are facing charges, it is essential to realize the short-term and long-term implications a conviction can have on your future.

The Stigma of Domestic Violence Conviction in Suffolk

Within Virginia Code § 18.2-57.2, domestic violence is identified as any type of assault or battery committed against a family member or another household member. This may include physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual assault, economic control, or neglect. Domestic violence has a lasting effect on a person’s life.

For a person convicted of domestic violence, that stigma can influence decisions and beliefs about you in various aspects. That could include an impact on your personal and social life, the jobs that will hire you, and your legal ability to carry a firearm. Because of the complexity of these outcomes, utilizing the support of a Suffolk are criminal and family law attorney for your domestic violence case can be critical.

Different Types of Protective Orders in Suffolk

A person who claims they have been hurt as a result of domestic violence may take action to limit their contact with the individual who hurt them. This includes utilizing protective orders. There are several types of protective orders, each with a different function:

  • Preliminary protective orders: These ex parte orders, which means they can be made without any notice given to the alleged abuser, are put in place by the court when there is evidence of immediate danger.
  • Emergency protective orders: This type of protective order is put into place when there is belief a person will abuse someone in the home and a judge has issued a warrant for their arrest. This protective order remains in place for three days or until the assigned court date.
  • Final protective order: These protective orders block a named defendant from contacting the plaintiff for up to two years; the respondent is entitled to a contested hearing prior to the entry of an FPO.

If a person violates a protective order, they could be charged with violation of a protective order, a class one misdemeanor. Third or subsequent violation can be a felony.

Defenses for Domestic Violence in Suffolk

domestic violence

If you have been charged under domestic violence law, your criminal defense attorney will provide you with legal advice specific to your situation. Several potential criminal defense options may exist for those charged in Suffolk. Examples include:

Self-Defense

You may be able to demonstrate that your actions were in self-defense. Showing that you feared for yourself, or another could help to make this clear.

False Accusation

Proving the claim is outright false can be challenging, but there are various strategies your attorney can utilize to enable this. Call our criminal defense attorneys to see how we can help with a false accusation claim.

Lack of Evidence

The burden of proof is on the prosecutor in this situation. Clearly demonstrating that there are no grounds for the domestic violence charges because there is no evidence or accurate proof of what occurred could be a legal strategy.

Violation of Rights

Demonstrating that your rights were violated under VA domestic violence and criminal defense laws could also be used. Our defense lawyer can examine the investigation, arrest, and other steps to find potential avenues for this type of defense.

Why Clients Choose Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, Suffolk as Their Domestic Violence Lawyer

With 85 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are efficient, dedicated, and highly devoted to the needs of our clients. We have knowledge of some of the most complicated matters in domestic violence and case portfolios that can demonstrate the legal strategies we have used that may apply to your situation.

Testimonials

“Nothing but the best! Jack may seem a little high strung, but believe me when I tell you the comfort he brings watching him in action. Jack is able to navigate the legal system in a way only a true professional who loves their job can. I personally would not want to be opposing him and will use him for any level needs possible. There is a magical like feeling watching someone like him work. His staff is amazing as well and always willing to help. As any profession you are only as good as your staff and Jack has a GREAT staff that pull the strings so his clients do not have to. Jack and his team were able to finally bring a true peace to my family, which I will never forget.” –Andrew S.

“I was very satisfied with this Law firm and its staff. Lori was very courteous and a pleasure to work with. She made sure I received the links I needed in a timely fashion and kept me posted. The Attorneys were magnificent as we received the outcome I so desperately desired. God is in the miracle business, but they aren’t far behind.” –Aaron D.

Additional Resources

Protect Your Reputation and Your Future

In Suffolk, domestic violence charges are important legal matters to defend against with the help of an experienced local attorney. Learn more about our legal services, including our service to those in Suffolk, Courtland, Emporia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Lawrenceville, Hopewell, and other Hampton Roads areas nearby. Contact Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, now for a consultation by filling out the form online or calling 757-742-6115.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Definition of Family Abuse in Virginia?

As defined by VA Courts, the definition of family abuse in Virginia is “any act involving violence, force, or threat including any forceful detention, which results in physical injury or places one in reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury and which is committed by a person against such a person’s family or household member.”

What Court Handles Domestic Violence in Suffolk?

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts handles domestic violence claims in Suffolk, Portsmouth, Richmond, and the surrounding areas.

How Can a Domestic Violence Attorney Help Me?

When you work with a lawyer serving Suffolk for your case, you gain the legal representation you need to protect your rights. This is a serious legal issue and one that creates long-term implications for your future. With the help of our attorneys, you gain the legal resources necessary to help you in the courtroom, with negotiation, and in finding the available evidence in your case.

Penalties for a Domestic Violence Offense in Suffolk, Virginia?

Various charges may be applied in domestic violence cases. This leads to various penalties associated with the case, whether it involves battery, shooting, stabbings, or stalking. Penalties for those who are convicted of assault and battery may include a Class 1 misdemeanor conviction punishable with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. It can be considered a Class 6 felony if a person is convicted of domestic violence three or more times within 20 years, and additional consequences include restraining orders, loss of child custody and child visitation rights, and the loss of the right to possess firearms.

More so, there are social penalties as well, including difficulty with getting a divorce on favorable grounds, obtaining a future job, or getting security clearance for various needs.

Visit Our Office

Address:
Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC
408 N. 6th Avenue, St. 2
Hopewell, 23860
Fax:
+1 (804) 365-6949
Our location:
jack t randall

Written By Jack T. Randall

Founder

As lifelong resident of Western Tidewater, Jack Randall is a local attorney who wants the best results for his clients. He is an experienced and aggressive attorney with focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, as well as personal injury law cases.