Ask Attorney Sheryl Shane

10/14/2026

Charged with domestic assault in Fairfax County? Here is what most people don't know.

In Virginia, assault and battery against a family or household member (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a third offense within 20 years can be charged as a felony. When a warrant issues, the magistrate must issue an emergency protective order, so you can be ordered out of your own home that night. And the person who called the police cannot "drop" the charge, even if they want to. Only the prosecutor can.

Early decisions matter: what you say to police, whether you contact the other person, and whether you have a lawyer at the first court date.

Sheryl Shane has defended domestic violence cases in Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William, and Loudoun for more than 31 years. Many of her cases end in dismissal, often at the first court appearance. Free consultation: (703) 582-8119.

Accused of domestic violence in Fairfax, VA? Understand protective orders, your rights and your defense options. Call 703-582-8119 today.

10/11/2026

What's the difference between assault and battery?

An assault can happen without any touching. It can be an act that puts someone in reasonable fear of being harmed.

A battery involves an actual unwanted touching.

Under Va. Code § 18.2-57, both are generally Class 1 misdemeanors.

Sheryl Shane | Virginia Criminal Attorney | Fairfax, VA
Call or text (703) 582-8119

10/05/2026

Switching a price tag to pay less? Moving items into another box or bag?

In Virginia, both can lead to a concealment charge under Va. Code § 18.2-103. The law covers more than just hiding something in a pocket or purse.

A small-dollar case can still leave a theft conviction on your record.

Sheryl Shane | Virginia Criminal Attorney | Fairfax, VA
Call or text (703) 582-8119
Advertisement only. Not legal advice.

10/02/2026

Did you know you can be charged with concealment without ever walking out of the store?

Under Va. Code § 18.2-103, hiding merchandise with the intent to avoid paying can be enough. Many people are stopped by loss prevention before they reach the door.

If that happened to you or someone you love, don't assume it's "no big deal." It's treated as larceny.

Sheryl Shane | Virginia Criminal Attorney | Fairfax, VA
Call or text (703) 582-8119
Advertisement only. Not legal advice.

09/30/2026

Felonies and Misdemeanors in Virginia**
Virginia classifies offenses by degree, and the classification affects everything: the court, the possible penalties, and the long-term consequences. Knowing how a charge is classified is one of the first steps in understanding a case.
— Virginia Criminal Attorney | Fairfax

09/27/2026

Circuit Court Is a Different Environment
Felony trials, juries, formal motions practice—Circuit Court operates with a level of formality that surprises many first-time visitors. Understanding that environment beforehand matters.
— Virginia Criminal Attorney | Fairfax

Trusted Virginia criminal defense lawyer with 31+ years experience & near-perfect success rate. Available 24/7. Office across from Fairfax Courthouse. Call now!

09/22/2026

Domestic Violence Cases in Fairfax J&DR Court
Many Fairfax domestic-assault cases involving a family or household member begin in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. For someone unfamiliar with that court, the process can feel fast and confusing.

My name is Attorney Sheryl Shane. I have more than 31 years of legal experience and substantial experience preparing, trying, and negotiating criminal cases.

My office is in the City of Fairfax, just steps from the Fairfax County Courthouse, and my practice serves Fairfax County and communities throughout Northern Virginia.

Preparing a domestic violence case can involve reviewing police reports, body-camera footage, 911 recordings, photographs, witness statements, electronic communications, and other evidence.

For someone charged with domestic assault in Fairfax, the court process may be unfamiliar and stressful.

My practice includes defense of assault and battery against a family or household member under Virginia Code § 18.2-57.2.

No two criminal cases are identical, so the facts and available evidence need to be evaluated individually.

09/19/2026

Fairfax Domestic Assault and Protective Order Cases
A domestic-assault arrest can create immediate questions beyond the criminal charge. A protective order may affect contact, the home, children, and access to personal belongings.

I’m Attorney Sheryl Shane. My experience includes more than 31 years of legal practice, substantial trial work, careful evidence review, and negotiating criminal cases when appropriate.

My criminal defense office is located in the City of Fairfax near the Fairfax County Courthouse. I also handle cases in surrounding Northern Virginia communities, including Herndon and Falls Church.

A protective order may create immediate questions about contact, the home, children, personal belongings, and what happens next.

It is important to understand and follow the terms of any protective order while the criminal case is pending.

Careful preparation starts with understanding the complete record rather than relying on a single accusation, statement, or test result.