Thirty year old Shawn Michael Banks was sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison following convictions of stabbing a relative in July of 2008 and assaulting an officer at the jail in November 2008. According to this article from the Culpepper Star Exponent, he is expected to serve at least 10 of those years.
On July 26, 2008, the victim in one of the cases arrived at her grandmother’s apartment around noon. She was sitting at the table when Banks stabbed her in the back. Sarah Banks retreated to a back bedroom while Shawn Banks pursued her with a knife.
The police found the victim laying face down and bleeding when they arrived on the scene. She was treated for injuries to her ribs and lungs from the incident. In total, Ms. Banks spent 9 days in the hospital for her injuries.
Because of the injuries and the weapon used in this assault, Banks was charged with Malicious Wounding and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The second assault case arose when Mr. Banks spit on a deputy working at the jail where he was being held. For this assault, Banks was sentenced to an additional 3 years in prison.
These assault crimes are quite serious, as the sentence shows. Many other assaults are less damaging but still carry harsh penalties. Basic Assault and Battery is considered a Class A misdemeanor and carries a potential one year jail sentence.
Under Virginia law, who the assault victim is can increase this penalty or add a mandatory minimum sentence to it.
Facing charges like these can change your outlook on life. When the potential for spending years behind bars exists, you can become remorseful and reflective. Whatever the situation that led to your charges was, I hope to help you.
Call us today to discuss the details of your case and to receive some free legal advice.