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Assault Attorney Raleigh

Charged with assault? Protect your future—schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh today.

Benefits of Hiring Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh for Your Assault Case

If you are facing assault charges, you need legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who you can trust to act in your best interests. 

Our Raleigh law firm is dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for your assault case, from providing sharp legal counsel to aggressively fighting against investigators and prosecutors to advocate on your behalf and protect your rights.

benefits of Hiring Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh for Assault Charges: 

  • 60+ years of combined criminal trial experience in Wake County courts
  • Former Wake County Assistant District Attorneys—insight into how prosecutors build cases
  • Strategic, fast action on bond, no-contact orders, and early evidence preservation
  • Clear communication, direct access to your attorney, and honest case assessments
  • Tailored defenses for assault charges—from simple assault to felony assault with a deadly weapon
  • Local knowledge of Raleigh’s District and Superior Courts, judges, and procedures
  • Flexible scheduling and prompt consultations to protect your rights from day one

Types of Assault Charges We Handle in Wake County

Here is an overview of the most common assault charges we defend. Penalties and defenses vary by facts specific to your case and prior record. 

Assault, Battery, and Affray

An assault in North Carolina does not require the victim to be touched. An assault occurs when the person charged commits some act which would put a normal person in fear of bodily harm. 

  • Affray: A fight between two or more people, typically in public, that can frighten others or disturb the peace.
  • Assault: A credible threat or attempt at violence (e.g., drawing back a fist, brandishing a weapon).
  • Assault & Battery: Intentional, non-consensual touching—however slight.

Simple Assault

Simple Assault charges, often considered a Class 2 Misdemeanor, encompass assault in which no one is seriously injured and there are no added aggravating factors. Examples include a bar fight or shove resulting in no serious injury. Penalty: up to 60 days in jail and fines.

Aggravating Factors Elevating a Simple Assault to Class A1 Misdemeanor

  • Inflicting serious injury
  • Assault on a female by a male over 18, a child under 12, or a disabled person
  • Assault on a Minor
  • Assault on a state employee or elected official performing official duties
  • Injuring or threatening a school employee or volunteer
  • Use of a deadly weapon (knife, gun, blunt object, broken bottle)

Domestic Assault

When parties share a “personal relationship,” an assault may be treated as domestic violence. North Carolina does not have a separate “domestic assault” criminal charge; cases are charged under assault statutes but can involve no-contact orders, firearm restrictions, and heightened conditions of release.

Assault by Strangulation

Allegations of pressure to the neck or airway can be charged as felony assault by strangulation. These cases often hinge on medical records, 911 audio, body-worn camera footage, and the credibility of witness statements.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon:

Felony exposure depends on the alleged intent, the weapon, and injury level. Common charges include:

  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Assault with Intent to Kill or Inflicting Serious Injury
  • Assault with Intent to Kill 

Habitual Misdemeanor Assault:

Multiple prior assault convictions can elevate a new misdemeanor assault to a felony, dramatically increasing sentencing exposure.

Assault on a Government Official/Employee

Assault on law enforcement officers, school personnel, transit operators, and other designated roles carries enhanced penalties and stricter bond conditions.

Assault by Pointing a Gun / Discharging a Weapon

Even without an intent to fire, a gun charge for pointing a gun at someone is a Class A1 misdemeanor. Discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling or vehicle may be charged as a Class D or E felony, and injuries can elevate exposure further.

What You Can Expect from Our Raleigh Assault Defense Team

Immediate Protection of Your Rights

Our assault defense attorneys address bond, no-contact orders, and early case conditions. We advise you not to speak with law enforcement without counsel to avoid harmful statements.

Evidence Review and Investigation

We obtain discovery from the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, review body-cam, 911 calls, medical records, and witness statements, and—when helpful—deploy investigators and expert consultants.

Strategic Defense Options

From self-defense and defense of others, to misidentification and lack of intent, our experienced Raleigh assault lawyers tailor defenses to your facts. We file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and challenge insufficient proof.

Negotiation, Diversion, and Trial Readiness

Where appropriate, we explore dismissals, deferred dispositions, conditional dismissals, or plea negotiations. If the case must be tried, we are prepared for bench or jury trial in Wake County District or Superior Court.

Consequences of an Assault Conviction

  • Jail and probation exposure (misdemeanor to felony range)
  • Protective orders and firearm restrictions in domestic cases
  • Employment, housing, and professional licensing impacts
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens
  • Long-term record issues and limits on expunction timing

Assault Defense in Wake County

We represent people charged with assault throughout Wake County, including the areas of Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon and surrounding communities. 

Contact Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh for a Free Consultation on Assault Charges

Every day counts in an assault case—evidence and leverage are strongest early on. At Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh, we defend clients charged with many different types of assault offenses throughout Raleigh and Wake County.   Call today at (919) 845-6688 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a FREE consultation.

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If the police have spoken to you, then you need to speak to us.