Creates New Felony for Serious Injury Assaults
Virginia · HB251 · Introduced Jan 8, 2026
Why it matters
Someone who causes serious injury in an assault could face a felony charge and a felony record instead of a lesser charge.
What it does
- Makes assault and battery causing serious bodily injury a Class 6 felony
- Applies to assaults that do not rise to malicious wounding
- Serious bodily injury uses the definition in existing Virginia law
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would make it a Class 6 felony to commit assault and battery that causes serious bodily injury, short of wounding. It would also count as a violent felony under sentencing guidelines.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Some victim advocates would likely say felony charges fit serious injuries. Harsher penalties may deter violent attacks.
💬 The case against
Some criminal justice groups would likely say felony charges are too harsh for some fights. Longer prison terms may cost more without reducing violence.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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