Richmond Assault & Battery Attorney
An assault or battery arrest in the City of Richmond is prosecuted in Richmond’s own court system, not a surrounding county’s.
Most Richmond assault and battery matters are heard at the Richmond General District Court’s Criminal Division, which is based at the John Marshall Courts Building.
Peters Law Firm, PLLC represents clients charged with assault and battery throughout the City of Richmond.
Understanding Assault & Battery Charges in Richmond, VA
Assault and battery are two distinct offenses that Virginia typically charges together under a single statute, Virginia Code § 18.2-57.
Assault is the intentional act of placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent harm; physical contact is not required. On the other hand, battery is the intentional, unwanted physical contact itself, and it does not require an injury to qualify either.
A standard assault and battery charge against an individual is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
There are several factors that can raise the classification and penalty above the typical baseline charges. If the charges involve a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other protected official, they carry their own penalties. The same goes for charges that involve a family or household member, or other conduct that was clearly motivated by bias.
Separately, when the underlying conduct rises to the level of malicious or unlawful wounding under Virginia Code § 18.2-51, meaning intentional cutting, wounding, or serious bodily injury with malicious intent, the charge becomes a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Richmond police report several hundred assault-related calls citywide each month. After the annual Mid-Year Crime Briefing, held by the Richmond Police Department on July 9, 2026, 577 assault charges were reported for the city to date. That volume reflects how broadly this charge is applied, from minor physical altercations to far more serious felony conduct, as listed above, which is part of why an early, case-specific evaluation matters.
The Richmond Court Process
Most criminal assault and battery matters in Richmond are heard at the Richmond General District Court’s Criminal Division, located at the John Marshall Courts Building, 400 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
A separate Manchester location south of the James River handles certain traffic matters, but criminal assault and battery cases are directed to the John Marshall building. Felony matters are heard at the Richmond Circuit Court.
After arrest, the case proceeds through arraignment, where the charge is formally read, followed by a bond hearing to determine release conditions. The defense counsel then reviews the available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any body camera footage, before determining whether pre-trial motions are appropriate.
Many assault and battery cases resolve through negotiation rather than trial, though the right path depends entirely on the facts of each individual case.
Why Richmond Residents Choose Peters Law Firm
Peters Law Firm, PLLC is based in Glen Allen and represents clients in courts throughout the Richmond region, including the City of Richmond. The firm has one office; there is no separate Richmond location, and every case is handled by the Glen Allen team.
Founder Rebecca Peters was inducted into the Order of Barristers for exceptional skill in trial and oral advocacy, and her approach to assault and battery defense is direct and case-specific rather than a one-size-fits-all template.
She is joined by Dontae L. Buck, Esquire, a former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond itself, giving the firm direct insight into how Richmond prosecutors evaluate and prioritize assault cases, and by Gabrielle Sandoval, Esquire, who brings experience in protective order defense and General District Court matters across Central Virginia.
Together, the firm’s attorneys hold memberships across the Virginia State Bar, the Richmond Bar Association, and the Greater Richmond Criminal Bar Association, among others.
Call (804) 572-8265 or contact us to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assault & Battery Charges in Richmond, VA
Most criminal assault and battery matters are heard at the Richmond General District Court’s Criminal Division, based at the John Marshall Courts Building at 400 N. 9th Street. Felony matters are heard at the Richmond Circuit Court.
Assault is placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent harm, and does not require physical contact. Battery is the unwanted physical contact itself. Virginia typically charges both together under Virginia Code § 18.2-57.
Yes. Assault and battery against a law enforcement officer or other protected official acting in the performance of their duties is elevated to a felony under Virginia law.
No. The firm is based in Glen Allen and represents clients in courts throughout the Richmond region, including the City of Richmond, from that office.
Depending on the facts and evidence, charges may be reduced, resolved through negotiation, or in some cases dismissed. No specific outcome can be guaranteed, and each case is evaluated individually.
Contact an attorney as early as possible. The decisions made in the first 24 to 48 hours, including how bond is argued, can shape the options available later in the case.
Facing assault or battery charges in Richmond?
Call Peters Law Firm, PLLC at (804) 572-8265 or contact the firm online to schedule a consultation.