Mooresville Assault Lawyer

Mooresville Assault Attorney

Assault charges are serious, and anyone facing them should be proactive in the legal matters of their case. These charges can affect your future ability to work, your current job, and even housing opportunities in your future. Serious cases may even result in jail time, which can bring even more hardship in your daily life, even after you serve your time. A Mooresville assault lawyer can help you minimize sentencing and protect your rights.

Hire an Assault Lawyer With Experience

The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, provides criminal defense to Mooresville and North Carolina residents who have been charged with assault. Our firm offers 20 years of legal experience and positive reviews. We have the resources and skills necessary to build a defense strategy for assault cases and a solution to your problem. Our deep knowledge of North Carolina assault laws qualifies us to represent your case.

What Is Assault?

Assault is a charge that is given to an arrested individual who has allegedly physically threatened another person by means of unlawful touching or physical contact. In cases of assault in NC, the offender does not use weapons, nor are there any severe injuries incurred by the victim. Assault charges can be misdemeanor charges or felony charges and range in severity from simple assault to aggravated assault. Below are descriptions of different assault charges.

• Simple assault. Simple assault is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. A conviction of simple assault can result in fines and jail time. The maximum fine for a class 2 misdemeanor is $1,000. Jail time is determined by previous conviction levels. Assault charges can yield up to 60 days of jail time.
• Simple affray. Individuals in groups of two or more who are fighting each other in public and disturbing the peace can be charged with simple affray. Simple affray penalties are also a Class 2 misdemeanor in NC, and a conviction would result in the same as simple assault.
• Aggravated assault. A charge of aggravated assault means the offender allegedly attacked a victim either by use of a weapon to threaten the victim or the victim suffered severe or aggravated physical injury, such as loss of teeth, broken bones, laceration, loss of consciousness, or potential internal injury.

Felony Assault Charges in North Carolina

The degree of severity of a crime and its corresponding charges are explicitly defined by North Carolina statutes. All felony assault convictions are punishable by state imprisonment. Factors that determine the degree of felony charges assigned to a crime and sentencing in the event of a conviction include the degree of injury, the circumstances surrounding the crime, and the offender’s past criminal history.

Some examples of assault convictions are listed below.

• Assault with a threat to use a deadly weapon: Class A1 misdemeanor
• Assault by strangulation: Class H felony
• Assault of an emergency worker: Class E
• Assault of an emergency worker with the intent to kill: Class D
• Assault of a disabled person: Class A1 misdemeanor
• Assault with a deadly weapon: Class E
• Assault with a deadly weapon with an intent to kill: Class C
• Assault causing serious bodily injury: Class F

If you have been charged with any of the previously mentioned assault crimes or any assault crime, it is essential that you hire an assault lawyer. A Mooresville assault attorney can provide legal advice regarding your specific case. They can inform you of the potential consequences of your charges and offer potential defense solutions to optimize the outcome of the verdict in your case.

In 2023, there were 80 convictions of aggravated assault in Mooresville. The Mooresville Police Department, located at 2847 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville, NC, strives to keep crime low in Mooresville with community outreach projects to better educate the community. In keeping with the spirit to incite low crime, the courts can come down hard on defendants when convicted of crimes like assault. This is why it is important to have a trusted assault attorney by your side.

Why Choose Us?

The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, is an established criminal defense Mooresville assault lawyer with a reputation for being a commanding force in Mooresville and the surrounding area judicial circles. Our countless successful cases and positive client reviews speak for themselves. We work hard for our clients to protect their rights and optimize their case outcomes. We use our unmatched negotiation and persuasion skills when representing clients.

FAQs

How Much Is a Lawyer for an Assault Case?

The cost to hire an assault lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the charges, and other factors. Lawyers in certain regions charge more than others, and a lawyer’s experience can also affect legal fees. Some lawyers charge a flat rate, while others charge hourly fees. The duration of the case can also influence the cost of a lawyer and the need for litigation.

Can You Sue for Assault in North Carolina?

Yes, you can file a personal injury case for assault in North Carolina, even if the offender was not charged or convicted criminally. These matters are civil and can compensate victims for damages like medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. These claims must be filed within three years according to the statute of limitations for civil assault claims in North Carolina.

What Qualifies as Assault in NC?

In Mooresville, NC, assault is an attack on an individual by another individual that involves physical threat, physical contact, or unlawful touching. There are varying degrees of assault charges that further define the crime, such as aggravated assault and simple assault. Most assault charges are felonies, though some are classified as misdemeanors. Assault with the intent to kill is classified as a higher-level felony, and assault with a criminal record can also intensify charges.

What Three Elements Must Be Present to Prove That an Assault Occurred?

There are three elements of assault that must be proven for assault to have occurred. The first of these elements is proof that an individual performed an intentional act that was not an accident, whether they intended to cause harm or not, that invoked fear or physical harm to another person. The second element is that a reasonable apprehension of imminent harm was felt by the victim, and the third element is causation, which means the act did cause harm.

Talk With an Experienced Assault Lawyer Today in Iredell County

Connect with The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, to discuss your assault charges and potential legal defense strategies for your case. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Mooresville Assault Resources:

• How Long Does a Criminal Conviction Stay on Your Record in North Carolina? 2025
• Simple Assault Charges in North Carolina: Penalties, Defenses, and Legal Process (2025)
• What Crimes Are Considered Misdemeanors in North Carolina? 2025