Virginia law authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest without a warrant in cases involving assault and battery against family or household members, stalking, and violations of protective orders. Officers can make arrests based on probable cause, personal observations, or credible complaints, even if the offense was not committed in their presence. The law also provides guidelines for determining the predominant physical aggressor in family violence incidents.
Yes, Virginia law allows police to arrest without a warrant if there is probable cause that a family assault or related violation has occurred.
Officers consider who was the first aggressor, severity of injuries, prior abuse complaints, self-defense, witness statements, and other observations.
No, officers can arrest without a warrant based on probable cause or credible complaints, even if the offense was not observed directly.
Officers can arrest for violations of assault and battery against family members, stalking, and violations of protective orders.