Winston-Salem Assault Lawyer

Winston-Salem Assault Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with assault or battery in the Winston-Salem area, you are likely feeling overwhelmed by the potentially serious consequences, such as hefty fines, jail or prison time, and a permanent criminal record. During this challenging time, a Winston-Salem assault lawyer from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can work closely with you to implement a defense strategy, defending your rights and advocating for a positive outcome in your case.

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, our dedicated criminal defense legal team has years of combined experience successfully representing individuals who have been charged with serious crimes like battery or assault. We understand all that is at stake in such cases, ranging from opportunities for employment to personal relationships. We fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected and strive for optimal case results.

Understanding the Difference: Assault v. Battery in North Carolina

Assault and battery are different offenses in North Carolina that are often related. If you are facing charges for one or both, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions. As a general rule, assault refers to an attempt or threat to cause physical harm to another individual. Assault does not require physical contact to be made for charges to be brought forward. Assault cases can involve actions or words that cause a victim to reasonably fear physical harm.

Battery, on the other hand, must involve actual physical harm or contact. Although individuals commonly use battery and assault interchangeably, they have key differences.

Common Assault and Battery Charges Brought Forward in North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are many different types of assault and battery charges that can be brought forward. The criminal defense team at Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, commonly sees the following charges for assault or battery-related crimes:

• Simple assault. Simple assault is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. Such an offense may involve physical contact or verbal threats.
• Aggravated assault. These charges involve severe physical harm or other aggravating factors, which commonly classify this charge as a felony.
• Assault with a deadly weapon. Assault with a deadly weapon charges usually involve the use of a weapon to inflict harm or threaten an individual. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, such charges may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
• Assault of a female. When a male over the age of 18 assaults a female, he can be charged with this crime, which is classified as a Class A1 misdemeanor.

If You Were Arrested for Assault or Battery, A Winston-Salem Assault Lawyer Can Help You

You are likely feeling intimidated by the assault or battery charges you may be facing; however, this does not mean you are out of options. A skilled attorney from our law firm can help guide you through the criminal defense process and construct a formidable defense strategy. Depending on your case details, we can leverage defense strategies such as self-defense, lack of intent, and defense of others to get your charges dropped or minimized.

From negotiating fiercely with prosecutors to advocating strongly on your behalf in court, a Winston-Salem assault lawyer from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, is ready to do what it takes to protect your rights and interests.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Difference Between Assault and Battery in North Carolina?

A: Under North Carolina law, assault generally refers to threatening or attempting to cause physical harm to another person, while battery includes actual harm or physical contact. In legal cases, the two terms are commonly used together, but they are distinct from one another. If you are facing assault or battery charges in North Carolina, it’s crucial to work with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights and interests.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Assault and Battery in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, the penalties for assault and battery depend on how severe the offense is, ranging from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. While simple assault is generally classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor, more serious charges, such as assault with a deadly weapon, can be categorized as a felony with greater associated punishments. An experienced attorney can help you understand the penalties you may be facing for your assault or battery charges.

Q: Can I Be Charged With Assault Without Actually Harming Someone?

A: Yes. It is possible to be charged with assault in North Carolina if you threaten an individual with violence or attempt to cause physical harm, causing them to fear for their safety to a reasonable extent. These charges can be brought even if no actual physical harm takes place. An assault lawyer can help you develop a strong criminal defense strategy to fight back against your assault charges, such as proving there was no threat of physical harm.

Q: How Can an NC Assault Lawyer Help Me?

A: A North Carolina assault lawyer can assist you by helping you navigate the complex criminal defense process, working to successfully defend against your charges or get penalties reduced. They can go over the evidence against you, build a strong defense strategy, and negotiate with prosecutors and judges to get reduced charges or sentencing. If your case goes to court, they can represent you fiercely and effectively present your side of events.

Q: What Are Common Defenses Against Assault and Battery Charges?

A: Common defenses against assault and battery charges include arguing self-defense or defense of others, lack of intent, false accusations, consent, and defense of property in cases of attempted theft. An attorney may also argue that the prosecution’s evidence is not sufficient enough to prove you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Fight Back Against Your Charges Today With a Winston-Salem Assault Lawyer

If you are facing charges for assault or battery in Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, you are likely feeling overwhelmed by the potential penalties. Fortunately, a Winston-Salem assault lawyer can provide you with crucial legal representation, working to present sound arguments and robust evidence to get your charges reduced or even dropped. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.