Assault & Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in Virginia Beach, VA
Restore Order in Chaos: Trial-Ready Defense for Every Level of Violent Crime Charge
757-337-2500
How an Effective Defense Is Built
A violent crime accusation can move from a single bad night to a felony record in a matter of hours. At Invictus Law, we defend clients throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads against the full range of assault and violent crime charges, from misdemeanor assault to aggravated felonies carrying decades in prison. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand exactly how the Commonwealth builds these cases, and we use that insight to build a defense designed to protect your freedom, your career, and your future.
Violent crime charges are rarely simple. They often turn on witness credibility, conflicting accounts, and the specific circumstances leading up to the incident, not just the physical evidence. Below are the charges we handle most often in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News courts.
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Charges We Defend
Assault and Battery
Prosecuted under Va. Code §18.2-57, assault and battery ranges from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the injuries and circumstances involved. These cases frequently come down to who acted first and whether force was legally justified.
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
Assaulting a law enforcement officer carries enhanced penalties under Virginia law and is treated far more aggressively by prosecutors than a standard assault charge. These cases demand an early, aggressive defense.
Malicious Wounding
Malicious wounding is a serious felony involving intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill. Depending on the severity of the injury and the intent alleged, penalties can include decades in prison.
Strangulation
Strangulation charges under Virginia law are treated as a distinct and serious felony offense, separate from simple assault, and often arise alongside domestic violence allegations.
Arson
Arson charges carry severe felony penalties in Virginia, particularly when a dwelling is involved or someone is placed at risk of injury. These cases often hinge on forensic evidence and intent.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter charges, whether voluntary or involuntary, carry significant prison exposure and require an immediate, thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Murder
Murder charges are the most serious violent crime allegations under Virginia law, carrying the possibility of life without parole. These cases demand a trial-ready defense from day one.
Assault & Violent Crimes
Charges We Defend
How Invictus Law Guides You
Through a Violent Crime Case
Every case we handle follows a proven six-step process built for clarity and results.
Understand Your Situation
At the start of your case, you may receive a summons to appear in Virginia Beach General District Court or be arrested and brought before a magistrate for a bond determination. If you are held at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, a judge will decide at a bond hearing whether you can be released while your case is pending.
Whether you were arrested or received a criminal summons, we begin by learning exactly what happened and explaining the assault charge, potential penalties, and what to expect throughout the legal process. We answer your questions, identify immediate concerns such as bond or protective orders, and help you avoid mistakes that could harm your defense.
Define Your Goals
Every client has different priorities. Some want to avoid jail, others want to protect a professional license, maintain a security clearance, preserve military careers, or keep a clean criminal record. We work with you to identify the outcome that matters most and build our strategy around those objectives.
Build Your Defense Strategy
Our team conducts an independent investigation by reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance or body-worn camera footage, analyzing medical records, and identifying weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s evidence. We evaluate defenses such as self-defense, defense of others, false accusations, mistaken identity, and insufficient evidence to develop a strategy tailored to your case.
Prepare for Trial
Preparation is one of the most important factors in achieving a successful outcome. As your case progresses, we conduct a comprehensive case analysis meeting to review the evidence, assess the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, and discuss every available option. We explain the potential risks and benefits of negotiating a resolution versus proceeding to trial, provide our professional recommendations, and answer your questions so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Execute the Defense
Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or proceeds to trial, we advocate aggressively on your behalf. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, allowing us to negotiate from a position of strength while remaining ready to litigate when necessary.
Move Forward with Confidence
When your case concludes, our representation doesn’t simply end. We explain the outcome, discuss any remaining obligations, and advise you on issues such as probation, protective orders, appeals, or future eligibility for record sealing or expungement when applicable. Our goal is to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Why Hire Invictus Law
When your freedom, career, and reputation are on the line, experience and preparation matter.
We provide:
Strategic, Trial-Ready Representation
Every case is built with trial in mind from the very beginning.
Team-Based Advocacy
Your case benefits from the collective knowledge and experience of our legal team.
Local Court Experience
We regularly appear in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News courts.
Clear Communication
We explain your options, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout your case.
Experienced Courtroom Attorneys
We have extensive experience litigating criminal matters throughout Hampton Roads.
Early Intervention
Prompt legal representation often creates opportunities to challenge evidence, negotiate favorable outcomes, or prevent additional complications.
What Makes Invictus Law Different
Focused Criminal Defense Practice
Our firm concentrates on criminal defense and family law, allowing us to develop deep experience in the issues our clients face every day.
Former Prosecutors
Our team understands how prosecutors evaluate cases, negotiate resolutions, and prepare for trial because we have handled cases from both sides of the courtroom.
Military Experience
We regularly represent active-duty service members, veterans, and security clearance holders who face unique collateral consequences after an arrest.
We Understand Collateral Consequences
An assault conviction can affect employment, security clearances, military careers, professional licenses, immigration status, and future opportunities. We build defense strategies with those long-term consequences in mind.
A Proven, Process-Driven Approach
Our six-step legal process keeps every case organized, strategic, and moving toward the client’s goals through investigation, planning, preparation, negotiation, and trial when necessary.
Our Attorneys
Each of our attorneys brings unique experience and perspective to the firm. Together, they collaborate on strategy, share ideas, and leverage one another’s strengths to help clients achieve the best possible outcome.
Rather than working in isolation, our attorneys regularly discuss complex legal issues, evaluate strategy, and draw upon one another’s courtroom experience. That means every client benefits from the collective knowledge of the firm—not just the experience of the attorney assigned to the case.
Eric Leckie
Founding Attorney. Marine Corps JAG. Former Prosecutor.
Founder of Invictus Law and a former United States Marine Corps Judge Advocate with over 23 years of trial experience in federal criminal defense, military law, and security clearance matters.
Shemeka Hankins
Former Prosecutor, Decorated Trial Attorney & Fearless Criminal Defense Lawyer
Partner. Former Prosecutor with the Virginia Beach and Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney's Office, recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and Virginia State Bar Local Bar Leader of the Year.
Yolanda Beasley
Family Law and Trial Attorney. Certified Guardian ad Litem.
Virginia Beach native and certified Guardian ad Litem recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2023, 2024) and National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
Reviews & Results
Frequently Asked Questions
Can assault charges be dropped if the alleged victim changes their mind?
Not necessarily. The Commonwealth’s Attorney decides whether to prosecute a criminal case. While a victim’s wishes may influence the decision, prosecutors can continue with the case even if the alleged victim no longer wants to press charges.
Can I claim self-defense?
Possibly. Virginia recognizes self-defense under certain circumstances. Whether it applies depends on the facts surrounding the incident, including who initiated the confrontation and whether the force used was reasonable.
Will a violent crime conviction stay on my record?
Yes. A conviction generally becomes part of your permanent criminal record and may not be eligible for expungement under Virginia law. This makes obtaining a favorable outcome before conviction especially important.
Should I talk to the police?
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Statements made during an investigation may later be used against you. It is generally advisable to speak with an attorney before answering questions about the incident.
What if I was defending someone else?
Virginia law may permit the reasonable use of force to protect another person from imminent harm. Whether that defense applies depends on the specific facts of your case.
Legal Insights
