Cherryville Assault Lawyer

Cherryville Assault Attorney

Being charged with assault can drastically change your life. Assault charges can result in jail time, fines, and a stain on your reputation. If you are charged with assault but maintain your innocence, or if you are facing serious penalties, you should speak with a Cherryville assault lawyer as soon as possible.

The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford has a strong track record of assisting Cherryville residents in your situation. We understand what you are going through and are here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the legal process and work for the optimal outcome in your case. For more help with your case, you might consider talking to a local criminal defense lawyer in Cherryville to understand your legal options.

What Is Assault in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, assault is defined as the intent to cause harm or to threaten to cause harm to another person by unwanted contact or touch. For an action to be considered assault, the victim has to reasonably fear that harmful contact is imminent.

Types of Assault in North Carolina

There are several ways a person can be charged or convicted of assault. In North Carolina, the type of assault charge depends on who is being assaulted and whether a weapon is involved. Some types of assault include:

• Simple assault. The most basic form of assault involves unlawful touching or using unwanted force upon another person. It can also include the threat of violence, which instills fear in another person. Understanding the legal implications of a simple assault charge can provide clarity on what to expect throughout the process.
• Assault with a deadly weapon. A more serious form of assault involves a person using a weapon to make unwanted contact with another person, regardless of whether they were injured.
• Assault causing serious bodily injury. This is when a person inflicts serious bodily injury or injury that creates a substantial risk of death or a permanent condition upon another person. Strangulation is often included in this definition.
• Assault on a government official. This includes a person assaulting a government official such as a police officer, firefighter, or other official while they are performing their job.
• Assault on a school official. This occurs when someone assaults a school employee or even a school volunteer while they are performing their duties. An example is assaulting a referee at a sports event.
• Assault on protected groups. Assaults on certain classifications of people may increase charges. For example, assaulting a female, a child, a pregnant woman, or an elderly person may have harsher consequences.

Understanding Assault Laws in North Carolina

Assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the crime. Penalties for assault are increased when there is the use of a deadly weapon. Assault of a government official, a public transit employee, or a police officer can incur its own set of charges.

Penalties for assault in North Carolina are also based on the person’s past legal problems. For example, a person may commit simple assault, but because they had prior convictions, the sentencing guidelines can add additional jail time. North Carolina’s legal definitions and penalties for assault and battery can be complex, making it important to understand how the laws apply to your case.

Common Defenses for Assault in North Carolina

If you are charged with assault, there are several defenses that can be employed to ensure your optimal outcome. At The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford, we have the skills and experience to build a defense for even the toughest cases. We carefully investigate your case, sorting through evidence and interviewing witnesses to create a strategy for your defense. Some of the defenses we may build for your case are:

• Lack of intent
• Self-defense
• Belief of consent
• Lack of sufficient evidence
• Defense of others
• Necessity

We understand that good people can be caught in bad situations. Whether you were acting in self-defense or the prosecutor lacked evidence to prove your guilt, we can fight to ensure your rights are upheld during the legal process. Assault is a serious crime in North Carolina, and we understand what is at stake if you are convicted.

FAQs About Cherryville,NC Assault Law

Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in NC?

Yes, assault charges can be dropped in North Carolina depending on several factors. Although the victim cannot usually drop the charges, the prosecutor can. This is where the skill, experience, and legal knowledge of a lawyer can come into play. If your lawyer can build a solid defense for you, the prosecutor may agree to drop or reduce the charges against you.

What Qualifies as an Assault in NC?

Most, if not all, forms of unwanted or unlawful contact or touch can be considered assault. Specifically, when a person threatens to harm a person through any contact, it is assault. Examples could be a person raising their fist or a gun at a victim and threatening to harm them. It can also include shoving a person, especially if they incur an injury such as breaking a bone or serious lacerations as a result.

Is Pushing Someone an Assault in NC?

Yes, pushing someone is assault because it involves unwanted contact that causes another person to fear imminent harm. Any type of unwanted contact or touch that instills fear in the victim, whether physical or sexually motivated, is illegal in North Carolina and may be charged as assault. If you have questions about an incident you were involved in, contact an experienced assault attorney today for answers.

How Much Is a Defense Attorney in NC?

The cost of a defense attorney in North Carolina varies based on the complexity and severity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the firm’s location. If your case is complex, and the lawyer must spend long hours sifting through evidence, interviewing witnesses, or consulting with you to build a defense, their rates may be higher as opposed to trying more straightforward cases.

Dedicated Lawyers With a Record of Success

At The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford, we are committed to protecting our client’s rights. We understand that our clients come to us when they are concerned about their future. We have a track record of treating our clients with compassion and keeping their interests in mind.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us today. We can evaluate your case and explain to you how we can help. We are dedicated to working hard for our clients throughout each stage of the criminal process. Contact us now if you are facing assault charges.