DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY
IN LYNCHBURG & BLACKSTONE, VA

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 25% of women and almost 10% of men experience domestic violence during their lifetime. This includes both physical assault and sexual assault, as well as stalking by an intimate partner or a family member. If you are facing a domestic violence charge, you might be unsure of who you can turn to for help. Whether there was legitimately violent behavior or your charges are blown out of proportion, hiring a criminal defense attorney to fight this legal battle on your behalf is an important first step.

Gordon Peters, Jr., Attorney at Law is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to individuals facing criminal charges. As your legal counsel, he can review and investigate the details of your case and explore all possible legal avenues for your defense. Gordon will fight vigorously to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment.

Gordon is proud to serve clients across Lynchburg, Virginia, and Blackstone, Virginia, as well as the surrounding areas of Amherst County, Campbell County, Charlotte County, Bedford County, Nottoway County, and Prince Edward County. Call today to schedule your own case evaluation.

Domestic Violence in Virginia

Under Virginia state law, "family abuse" means any act involving violence, force, or threat including any forceful detention, that results in physical injury or places one in reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury and is committed by one person against a family or household member. A family or household member includes:

• Spouse, regardless of residence

• Ex-spouse, regardless of residence

• In-laws who live in the same home

• Persons who have a child in common regardless of residence

• Co-habitants

• Those who have cohabited in the past year and their children.

If the police believe that violence has been committed against a family or household member, they are able to arrest that person without a warrant. The ability to arrest without a warrant includes evidence that an order of protection has been violated.

Possible Consequences & Penalties

If you are convicted of a domestic violence charge, there are a variety of consequences you can face. These include:

• Jail time

• Fines

• Loss of Firearms

• Mandatory Anger Management Classes

• Loss of Parenting Privileges and/or Custody

• Deportation

The severity of the consequences depends on the nature of the incident and what charges are being pressed. If you are a repeat offender that can also lead to more severe charges and penalties.

Possible Legal Defenses

Receiving a domestic violence charge is not the final say on your future and your criminal record. Remember, just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. There are defenses that can be used when it comes to domestic violence charges. These include:

• Self Defense: In some domestic violence situations, you are defending yourself against a partner or family member who instigated a physical altercation first.

• Lack of Intent: If you did not intend for a physical altercation to occur, this can help your case.

• False Accusations: Some family members or partners can lie about a domestic violence incident because they are angry. A false accusation should not tarnish your criminal record or affect your life.

Your attorney can help discuss the circumstances surrounding your case and outline an effective defense strategy that can help you pursue the best possible outcome.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

At the end of the day, no one should face criminal charges on their own. An experienced Virginia criminal defense attorney can help you not only navigate the criminal justice system, but also protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome for your case. If you or someone you know has been charged with domestic violence, don’t wait. Call E. Gordon Peters, Jr., Attorney at Law today for reliable legal counsel and strong representation.