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Virginia Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Is an oral statement to cause the death of another person considered a misdemeanor or felony however unintended?

This statement is made mostly in the heat of a disagreement by person 1 and assumed to be unfulfilled. It also an additional statement made by a person with disabilities who is triggered by an assumed "normal" person who claims to have no mental disabilities. In other words it's a he... View More

Mr. Andrew T. Bodoh
Mr. Andrew T. Bodoh
answered on Nov 29, 2016

Typically, a verbal threat alone is not enough to constitute criminal conduct, but there are exceptions. For instance, threatening to kill the President is a crime.

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: For a domestic charge , can it be dropped at araignment if my wife chooses to not press charges. Without going to trial?

I've heard if she attends arraignment and she wishes to drop it that they can probably put me on a probationary period if especially if the case is minor ...?

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Nov 5, 2016

Generally the prosecutor will not simply drop a domestic assault charge because the wife does not want to "press charges"; it is now out of her hands once the police were called and you were arrested. It sounds like you are talking about the first offender program which includes a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: If a woman is being physically abused by her boyfriend in Virginia but won't press charges will the state automatically

Will Virginia automatically press charges?

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Oct 9, 2016

A prosecutor will decide whether to prosecute based upon prosecutorial merit. If he has a non-cooperative alleged victim, that severely limits prosecutorial merit. There is nothing automatic one way or the other. Each case stands or falls on its own merit.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: if protective order dismissed by circuit court , does misdemeanor automatically dismiss or not , misdemeanor,was wish

during protective order i text to my wife's phone on my son's birthday , now protective order removed by circuit court and it's dismissed completely , does this remove my misdemeanor order , the words on text was only ( happy birthday i love you ) that's it , none other... View More

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Sep 30, 2016

Your question seems to be whether a criminal charge filed due to certain circumstances is automatically dismissed due to a change in those circumstances. The answer is no. The state (or commonwealth) files charges and is therefore the entity that would generally dismiss them. Contact an attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: I have a protective order but my ex boyfriend still seem to come around me a lot can I get in trouble for that cuz I'm

Be safe about things because he's been attacking me for a couple weeks off and on

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Sep 26, 2016

If you got a protective order is against your boyfriend, call the police if you see him around. You won't get into trouble. If your boyfriend got a protective order against you, you must avoid him.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: How to get a former boyfriend who refuses to leave out of stepdaughter's apartment

stepdaughter has apartment in Staunton, VA. She's trying to break it off with boyfriend who has violent tendencies and threatens her with "his people." She has left premises because she is fearful of him. He won't leave. He has been staying there without landlord knowing it. He... View More

Matthew Lane Kreitzer
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
answered on Sep 1, 2016

That is false, talk with a Family Law attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: What's the best way to leave my husband because of DV without him trying to take the house and children?

I left him 5 years ago because of abuse and he lied in court and was granted custody of our daughter. This time I want to leave for good but I am afraid that he will manipulate the process again and take everything.

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Aug 26, 2016

You need to speak to a family law lawyer not a criminal defense attorney. Please go back to "ask a Lawyer" and click on "family law". All the best to you!

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: If a judge tells you to take out a protective order against someone do you have to
Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Jul 26, 2016

It depends - was it a suggestion made by the judge during the case, or was it actually ordered that you file for a protective order? Failing to obey a court order could cause you to be charged with contempt of court. Consider reaching out to a family law or general practice attorney in your area... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Im US resident and want to help my boyfriend who is undocumented immigrant. What should I do?

He got robbed and filed for the "domestic violence green card", but it has been 2 years, and we haven't heard any news. Is there any way I can help him? Thanks

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Jul 13, 2016

If he has been the victim of a crime and has applied for a "U Visa," he is likely already on the best path. If you were married, you could petition for him as your spouse, but he may have to return to his home country for processing. If he had an attorney help with the pending... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: husband has been charged with domestic violence we have a lawyer but is there any way to get case dismissed before trial
Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Jul 11, 2016

If he has a lawyer, he needs to ask that person if there is a way to address the case before the trial date. Many jurisdictions will not advance a case sooner on the docket without a compelling reason to do so.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: If a subpoena was delivered to my house but wasn't given directly to me do I have to appear

I was the victim in a domestic violence case and I choose to not want to testify however there was a subpoena delivered to my house but wasn't given directly to me it was given to a minor do I have to appear

Matthew Lane Kreitzer
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
answered on Jun 10, 2016

If you have noticed of the subpoena, you should probably appear, unless you speak with an attorney first and have them discuss the repercussions of not appearing.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Is this considered self defense, and do I have a legitimate defense?Thank you.

Hello,

So I've been married to an alcoholic for5 years, and every few months, and now weeks, she will go into a fit of rage and verbally and physically assault me. I've had to defend myself, but never hurt her. She has made many accusations, but all unfounded. Finally, she was... View More

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Apr 12, 2016

Self-defense can be a legitimate legal defense to assault & battery in many circumstances. You need to hire a criminal defense attorney to help you make your argument, as you have a higher chance of a better outcome with an attorney. If you can't afford one, the court will appoint one... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: I'm a student. I have been married for 7 years but separated a year after the marriage because of abuse.

I want to file for divorce but I don't have the money. I live in Maryland

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Aug 20, 2016

This section is for criminal offenses. It sounds like you need to speak to a family law lawyer in MD. Click on "ask a lawyer" in the area of family law in MD on this website. Best of luck to you!

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Can my husband show up with me to the preliminary hearing and drop the domestic assault charges on me that he filed?
Samantha Bohannon
Samantha Bohannon
answered on Dec 9, 2015

Short answer, no. Once charges have been taken out, the only person who can dismiss the charges is the Judge. The Commonwealth attorney can ask for them to be dismissed, but only the Judge can dismiss them.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: I was charged for DV off a statement but later found out that the officer told her what to write, can I get them dropped

She wrote her statement after telling the officer she didn't want to and he pressured her into writing it, she was emotionally unstable, can I get my charges dropped if she does not want to testify and doesn't remember exactly what happened . especially if what her statement said was... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 22, 2015

If she doesn't want to testify, she can be subpoenaed and forced to do so. These circumstances can be used to impeach her testimony. The trier of fact (judge or jury) might or might not believe her testimony.

All of that does make for a weak case, so the prosecutor might drop the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: If the victim pressed charges against the defendant in a dv but doesn't want to testify or show for court. What happens?

What happens to both parties?

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on May 1, 2015

If the witness has been subpoenaed and does not go to court, the court can issue a bench warrant for that witness' arrest based on contempt if court. It depends on the prosecutor. The witness should tell the prosecutor that he or she does not want to testify.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: My DV case is under advisement, but the witness recanted their test. Can I speak to the CA abt bring it back to the jud

Its after the appeal deadline, but my daughter has admitted to lying to the cps worker. She also admitted it to the judge and the Deputy CA. What can I do? I had to resign from my post as a deputy sheriff after 18 yrs due to this lie.

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on May 1, 2015

You need to hire a local experienced criminal defense attirney immediateky to look into reopening your case.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: What's the outcome if your already a 2 time felon and you catch a simple domestic charge for fighting a pregnant woman?

The father of my 1st two kids faught me while I'm 6 months pregnant (another mans baby). I had to get sent to the hospital to check on my baby cause she was in distress, shes ok now tho. He's now on the run cause he has a warrant out for his arrest. He's already a 2 time felon. If... View More

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on May 1, 2015

It depends on what he was charged with. If it is a first time assault and battery, it is a misdemeanor which carries a maximum sentence of 12 months.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Me and my boyfriend both got charged a class 1 misdemeanor,

Me and my boyfriend both got charged a class 1 misdemeanor, even though I had told the cops I want to let it go. they arrested the both of us. I had to go to an initial court and was told I have to go to court in 2 weeks and if i wanted a lawyer. He also has to appear initially at the court to be... View More

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Apr 17, 2015

You really need to meet with an experienced criminal defense attorney to tell your story to him or her in confidence, not on a public website. Click on "find a lawyer". Good luck!

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: I have left my husband because of domestic abuse. How much does my husband have to contribute to my support?

I am Danish and have a monthly disability pension from Denmark equivalent of $15,732-annualy before tax . $14,112- after tax annualy. I have been married for 3 years to this American citizen. He has signed an affidavit of support. My husband's income is more than double of mine. I have... View More

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Apr 7, 2015

This is not a criminal defense issue; it is a divorce & support issue. Click on "find a lawyer" to speak to the correct attorney. Good luck!

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