Assault Charges

Assault charges in NC are serious.

A conviction for any criminal offense, whether it be a felony or misdemeanor, can carry negative, long-term consequences.

That’s especially true for allegations of assault, assault and battery, or assault on female, as employers often don’t want to take a chance on someone who has been labeled as “violent.”

“Simple Assault and Assault on a Female are two of the most common types of criminal charges in Fayetteville. Arrests for assault happen more often than you might think and deserve the attention of an experienced lawyer.”

– David Courie, Criminal Defense Attorney

What is Assault in North Carolina?

Assault in North Carolina can qualify as a misdemeanor or felony depending upon the type of victim and severity of the injury received.

Assaults on minors, those with unique physical or mental conditions, law enforcement, or those against emergency personnel are serious criminal charges.

If you are convicted of something like that, the consequences tend to be much more serious than simple assault.

Simple Assault and Assault on a Female are both misdemeanor criminal charges in NC.

But how they’re punished, if convicted, can be substantially different.

Simple assault or what the general public often refers to as “assault and battery,” carries a maximum punishment of 60 days incarceration (jail).

As such, a simple assault that takes place between two men is ordinarily a Class 2 misdemeanor and subjects the accused to maximum possible exposure to 60 days of getting locked-up.

That is not to say there cannot be other consequences to a conviction.

Probation, restitution for damages/injuries, and drug and alcohol treatment all are common punishments and conditions of a judgment of guilty.

In contrast, Assault on a Female is a Class A1 misdemeanor. That’s the highest level or type of misdemeanor in North Carolina, right below felony charges.

The maximum period of incarceration (jail/prison) is 150 days for aggravated or “A1” misdemeanor offenses.

In contrast, Felony assault can have a maximum punishment of 231 months imprisonment depending on the facts and circumstances and your “PRL” or Prior Record Level, if any.

Time in prison would ordinarily be in the custody of the NC Department of Adult Corrections or “DAC.”

Felony and misdemeanor sentencing in North Carolina can be pretty complicated. If you have questions about your case and your well-being, we recommend you call our office now.

Defense lawyers in Fayetteville and throughout North Carolina regularly rely on the Felony Sentencing Guidelines and the Misdemeanor Sentencing grid to help explain the best-case and worst-case scenario to clients.

If retained, we can go through that with you and explain what we think is the best way to handle your charges.

Experience Matters

We firmly believe having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side may mean the difference between going to jail and going home with your family.

“Assault charges often involve passion, anger, and complex emotions. That can easily affect the ability to clearly recall what happened.”

– David Courie, Criminal Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with assault or are worried that you may even be accused of an assault, we recommend you speak with an attorney immediately.

NC Assault Laws

Don’t wait.

If you face criminal allegations in Cumberland County, we may be able to help you or a loved one.

Legal consultations for criminal charges at our law office are free. What you tell us is also secret.

Should I Give a Statement to Police?

It’s understandable that people want to defend themselves, especially from false accusations.

Telling your side of the story may seem to be something you’re required to do.

We think it’s better to call a lawyer.

You have certain Constitutional Rights, one of the most important of which is the right to remain silent.

Talking with the police, answering questions, and giving a formal statement puts you at a tremendous disadvantage.

You have a right to speak with an attorney. If you call a lawyer, that’s not evidence of guilty.

Exercising your Constitutional Rights, including Miranda Rights, cannot be used against you in a court of law.

That’s What Police Do!

This may come as a surprise to some, but if police officers are accused of assault or an excessive use of force, they often provide a “cooling off period” before asking questions.

Law enforcement and the Fraternal Order of Police understand that emotional issues can affect memory and the ability to recall what took place.

“If you are even possibly accused of any criminal acts, we strongly recommend you exercise your right to legal counsel, say nothing, and immediately call a defense lawyer.”

– David Courie, Fayetteville Lawyer

We Help People with Criminal Charges

Contact our offices in Fayetteville, Raeford or Pinehurst, North Carolina, right away if you have been accused or charged with a felony or misdemeanor assault charges involving:

• Simple Assault
• Assault on a Female (AOF)
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon (AWDW)
• Assault Inflicting Serious Injury
• Assault by Strangulation
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon with the Intent to Kill
• Assault by Pointing a Gun
• Assault on a Child Under 12
• Assault in the Presence of a Minor
• Assault on a Handicap Person
• Assault on a Government Officer (AOG)
• Assault on a Firefighter or Medical Personnel
• Ethnic Intimidation

When Results Matter, We Offer Serious Help for Serious Legal Problems

We handle a substantial number of assault cases each year. Some involve fact patterns that other criminal defense lawyers won’t touch.

We willingly accept the challenge of unpopular cases and render support services and assistance to other lawyers and law firms through case-by-case “local counsel” affiliation.

Contact Us Today for More Information on Assault Crimes

Contact our offices in Fayetteville, Raeford or Pinehurst, North Carolina, to discuss the charges against you.

When results matter, we are only just a phone call away.

Call David Courie NOW at 910-323-4600