Malicious Wounding Defense Attorney
Malicious wounding charges are nothing to take lightly. If convicted of this offense, a prison sentence is almost certain. As an experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer, I have handled many cases alleging malicious wounding or unlawful wounding. In many instances, we have been able to successfully defend the charge by asserting self-defense, or having the matter reduced to a misdemeanor. If you are a loved one is being investigated or is charged with a Malicious Wounding, Aggravated Malicious Wounding, or a Felony Assault, please contact me immediately because time is of the essence.
Felony Assault Defense Attorney
Malicious Wounding In Virginia:
Virginia Code § 18.2-51. Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc
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If any person maliciously shoot, stab, cut, or wound any person or by any means cause him bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill, he shall, except where it is otherwise provided, be guilty of a Class 3 felony. If such act be done unlawfully but not maliciously, with the intent aforesaid, the offender shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Virginia Code § 18.2-51.2. Aggravated malicious wounding; penalty
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If any person maliciously shoots, stabs, cuts or wounds any other person, or by any means causes bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable or kill, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony if the victim is thereby severely injured and is caused to suffer permanent and significant physical impairment.
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If any person maliciously shoots, stabs, cuts or wounds any other woman who is pregnant, or by any other means causes bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable or kill the pregnant woman or to cause the involuntary termination of her pregnancy, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony if the victim is thereby severely injured and is caused to suffer permanent and significant physical impairment.
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For purposes of this section, the involuntary termination of a woman’s pregnancy shall be deemed a severe injury and a permanent and significant physical impairment.
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What is the Punishment for Malicious or Unlawful Wounding in Virginia?
As a Class 3 Felony, Malicious Wounding has a sentencing range with a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. As a Class 6 Felony, Unlawful Wounding has a sentencing range with a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years. These maximums may or may not be a realistic approximation of the potential sentence in your case, depending on several factors including your prior criminal record and the circumstances of your offense.
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What is Aggravated Malicious Wounding in Virginia?
Aggravated Malicious Wounding is among the most serious criminal charges one can face in Virginia. Virginia Aggravated Malicious Wounding is charged under Virginia Code § 18.2-51.2. It is punishable as a Class 2 Felony with a maximum term of life imprisonment. The Commonwealth’s Attorney (Virginia state prosecutor) is required to prove the same facts as it is required to prove for Malicious Wounding, but also must show that “the victim is thereby severely injured and is caused to suffer permanent and significant physical impairment.”
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Violent crimes can bring harsh consequences in a conviction. These are crimes in which violence is used against a victim. Most violent crimes are felony offenses, and a conviction will lead to jail or extended time in prison in many cases. We can provide you with the experienced legal representation you will need if you have been charged with a violent crime.
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If you, a friend, or a family member is facing criminal charges, it is extremely important that you get effective and aggressive representation as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Robert L. Lichtenstein provides representation that is tailored to suit the specifics needs of each client. Criminal matters have serious punishments that are enforced upon conviction. The firm gathers the information necessary to construct a strong defense on your behalf.