Assault Charge in NC

Simple Assault is a Class 2 misdemeanor and is defined by common law (not statute). Assault Inflicting Serious Injury is a Class A1 misdemeanor. Assault on a female in NC is also a Class A1 misdemeanor.

North Carolina recognizes 2 forms of assault:

1. An overt act or attempt of force that puts a reasonable person in fear of immediate physical injury.            OR
2. The Defendant shows an apparent ability to inflict injury that a reasonable person would fear, that causes the victim to do something they would not have otherwise done such as leave a place.

Defenses and options to Assault charge in NC

 1.    Complete the New Options for Violent Actions class (NOVA) in exchange for a dismissal. (Sometimes offered in Mecklenburg County)
 2.    Community Service in exchange for a dismissal.
 3.    Asserting Self-Defense as a complete defense.
 4.    A plea deal to a lesser charge or a Prayer for Judgment Continued. (PJC).
 5.    A motion to expunge any criminal charges.