Virginia man cleared of charges: Self defense

[TomV]

http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local ... f6878.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I admit, I don't understand why this went to a judge to decide.

Good on him for making every effort to retreat. I also notice, while he had been drinking, there is no mention of his BAC while the two assailants were both pretty hammered.

[RoyGBiv]

I admit, I don't understand why this went to a judge to decide.

Not sure how it works in VA... Maybe it's to adjudicate the case fully and a dismissal at that level precludes further legal action due to Double Jeopardy?
No adjudication would leave the incident open to further legal action against the defendant.