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Virginia Assault Law

Virginia Assault Defense

What you're facing under 18.2-57, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Virginia (VA) law.

Offense Class

Class 1 Misdemeanor

Maximum Penalty

12 months

Maximum Fine

$2,500

Penalty Range in Virginia

Statute18.2-57 — Assault and Battery
Minimum Penalty
Maximum Penalty12 months
Maximum Fine$2,500

Charge Enhancements

These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Virginia:

  • Against law enforcement, firefighter, or EMS (6-month mandatory minimum under § 18.2-57(C))
  • Against teacher or school employee (mandatory 2 days jail under § 18.2-57(D))
  • Motivated by bias (Class 6 Felony under § 18.2-57(B))

Virginia-Specific Detail

Simple assault and battery is Virginia's most commonly charged violent misdemeanor. Assault (threat) and battery (contact) are distinct offenses but charged under the same statute.

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26 questions that change how the next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download, relevant to Virginia defendants.

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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Virginia assault possession law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.