York County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Virginia harshly prosecutes domestic violence cases. These cases involve family members, spouses, ex-partners, and even in-laws. Depending on the specific crime you’re accused of, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony offense. Stalking and harassment are two examples of domestic violence misdemeanors, but more serious crimes like assault and battery or sexual assault could carry felony charges. 

Common domestic violence offenses include: 

• Physical abuse (assault and aggravated assault)
• Sexual abuse and sexual assault
• Mental and emotional abuse 
• Economic abuse
• Stalking
• Animal abuse 
• Neglect of a spouse or child

Challenges in Domestic Violence Prosecution

Although many domestic violence charges are clear criminal offenses (aggravated assault and stalking), some of them are more difficult to charge. For example, emotional abuse often refers to any behavior that causes psychological harm, intimidation, manipulation, or control. However, what counts as manipulation, intimidation, or psychologically damaging can vary from case to case. It can also be challenging to prove.

Furthermore, like all cases that have to do with familial disputes, domestic violence cases are often highly emotional and fiercely contested. The defense and the prosecution both will have to conduct exhaustive investigations in order to gather evidence demonstrating what actually happened.