Mocksville Assault Attorney

Mocksville Assault Lawyer

Words are powerful tools to communicate with others. However, there is a responsibility for how those words are used. A heated argument with a romantic partner or an incident of verbal road rage could unexpectedly cause you to face criminal charges. Assault charges can come from the mere threat of violence and carry significant penalties. If you are facing assault charges, you can rely on a Mocksville assault attorney to represent you in court.

The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, has represented many clients in Mocksville over the past two decades. Our law firm always puts clients’ interests first and considers every possibility when developing a customized legal defense strategy.

How Our Team Can Help

An assault charge can carry heavy consequences if you are convicted. With the potential for time behind bars and fines, your criminal record can follow you forever. This record could prevent you from seeking certain employment and educational opportunities, as well as limit where you can find housing. With legal representation from The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, your charges could be dropped or reduced to a lesser crime.

Our clients throughout Iredell County are not numbers to us. For over 20 years, we have put the value of those we represent first. Facing criminal charges does not make you a criminal. With representation from our law firm, we can change the narrative surrounding your arrest.

Assault Charges in North Carolina

North Carolina has numerous types of assault charges. Many confuse assault with battery in that they believe physical contact needs to be made. Assault charges, however, can stem from the mere threat of violence without any physical harm sustained. To be charged with assault, the victim must reasonably believe that they are facing imminent harm from words or actions. Types of assault in North Carolina include:

• Simple assault. Though still a serious offense, simple assault has some of the lower penalties associated with an assault charge. The crime occurs when someone makes minor physical contact with another without permission or verbally threatens another without physical harm. This is typically a Class 2 misdemeanor that can result in fines, probation, and up to 30 days in jail.
• Assault with a deadly weapon. Assault with a deadly weapon is a more serious charge and occurs when a person uses or threatens to use an object capable of causing death or serious injury during an assault. A deadly weapon could include a knife, firearm, or any object capable of causing harm or death.
• Assault with serious injury. This charge occurs when someone commits an assault that leads to bodily injury. Assault with serious injury is often charged as a Class A1 misdemeanor, although it can be brought as a felony depending on the circumstances.
• Assault by strangulation. When the act of assault involves acts of strangulation, charges will be filed as this type. Penalties can include prison time.
• Domestic violence. Serious penalties could accompany those charged with domestic violence. This is a very serious crime because it means there is harm caused to another person with whom one shares a home. This charge can include any acts of violence or threats made against someone with a personal or familial relationship to the assailant.

These are just a few of the circumstances by which a person could be charged with assault. No matter what the circumstances of your case, you should seek the help of our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys who can help build a defense that works for you.

Potential Defense Strategies for Assault Charges

The defense strategy that is right for you is the one that is built uniquely for your case. Each case is different, and our team recognizes that. That is why we take the time to understand the full details of your case and work to provide you with the right defense strategy. Defense strategies could include:

• Self-defense. One has the right to defend themselves if there is an imminent threat to their safety or the safety of those around them. The act of self-defense, which can include the use of weapons, must be proportional to the perceived threat.
• In some assault cases, a person could be accused of the crime to retaliate against them. In cases of domestic violence, for instance, there may be a motivation for having a former romantic partner charged with a crime. This can be especially true when there is an ongoing family court case.
• If both parties agree to engage in a verbal or physical argument, a defense can argue that there was consent between both individuals. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to prove without witnesses because it relies on one individual’s word against another.

These are just a few of the ways that our team may choose to approach your case, but there are many more ways that we can defend you from such charges. During your initial consultation, be sure you share all the details of your case with us so that we can gain a full understanding of the situation. The more we know, the better the chances of a favorable outcome.

FAQs:

Q: Can You Sue for Assault in North Carolina?

A: You can sue for assault in Mocksville, North Carolina. Assault is both a criminal offense and the basis for filing a civil claim. Victims can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress resulting from the attack. Through a civil suit, the victim is the plaintiff, and the assailant is listed as the defendant.

Q: How Much Is an Assault Charge in North Carolina?

A: The cost of an assault charge in North Carolina can vary depending on several factors. From the potential fines associated with your charges to attorney fees, there are many layers to the costs that you could incur. To understand how much your case could cost, be sure to speak with our team, which will review the details of your case and provide you with a reasonable estimate.

Q: Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in North Carolina?

A: Assault charges in North Carolina can be dropped, but the decision is typically made by the prosecutor, not the victim. If the prosecutor finds insufficient evidence or believes the case is not in the public’s interest, they may choose to dismiss the charges. One consideration any prosecutor makes is whether a case has sufficient evidence to result in a guilty charge if the case goes to trial. Our team will work to have your case dismissed before litigation.

Q: What Constitutes an Assault in NC?

A: In North Carolina, assault is defined as an intentional act of violence or the threat of violence against another person. Physical contact is not always required. In some cases, the mere threat or attempt to cause harm can be enough to constitute an assault under state law. To be charged, the victim must reasonably believe that they are facing the imminent threat of harm.

Schedule Your Mocksville Assault Consultation Today

There are many effective defense strategies that can lead to a favorable outcome in your case. With legal representation from The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, you can begin to get your side of the story across and question the narrative being pushed by prosecutors.

Our lead attorney has helped many defendants resolve their criminal cases with favorable outcomes. We can do the same for you. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.