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North Carolina Assault Law

North Carolina Assault Defense

What you're facing under N.C.G.S. § 14-33, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to North Carolina (NC) law.

Offense Class

Class 2 Misdemeanor (basic); Class A1 Misdemeanor (certain victims)

Maximum Penalty

60 days (Class 2); 150 days (Class A1)

Maximum Fine

$1,000

Penalty Range in North Carolina

StatuteN.C.G.S. § 14-33 — Simple Assault
Minimum Penalty
Maximum Penalty60 days (Class 2); 150 days (Class A1)
Maximum Fine$1,000

Charge Enhancements

These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in North Carolina:

  • Victim is female and defendant is male: Class A1 misdemeanor under § 14-33(c)(2)
  • Victim is child under 12: Class A1 misdemeanor
  • Victim is officer, teacher, healthcare worker: Class A1 misdemeanor
  • Domestic relationship: Class A1 misdemeanor

North Carolina-Specific Detail

NC combines assault and battery into one offense. Simple assault/battery is Class 2; assault on a female or child is Class A1.

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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about North Carolina assault possession law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.