Assault on a Female is a Class A1 misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of 150 days in jail. This is a common charge that involves domestic violence, when verbal arguments escalate into physical confrontations, for example.
North Carolina bears the burden of proof for assault on a female and uses specific criteria to bring charges. According to N.C.G.S. 14-33, the State must prove the following beyond a reasonable doubt:
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That the defendant assaulted the alleged victim
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That the defendant acted with intent (not accidental)
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There was no lawful excuse or defense for the assault
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The alleged victim is a female
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The defendant is a male
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The defendant is 18 years old or older at the time of the offense
In North Carolina, assault charges are broken down into felony and misdemeanor assaults. One of the most serious misdemeanor assault charges is an assault on a female. There are two ways a person can be charged with assault on a female, the first way is the common officer-charged case. The police respond to a call or witness an incident taking place, and they charge the aggressor with assault on a female.
The second way that a person can be charged is through a private warrant system. This is where a citizen goes to a magistrate and takes out a warrant for assault on a female. It is important for your criminal defense attorney to know which of these describes your case because it can change the process moving forward.
An Assault on a Female Charge Can Escalate Quickly
There are other criminal charges that can arise depending on the facts and circumstances. For example, if someone assaults a pregnant woman, they could be found guilty of battery on an unborn child, a Class A1 misdemeanor punishable by 150 days in jail.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the defendant could also be found guilty of several other charges. Assault inflicting serious bodily injury on an unborn child is a Class F Felony punishable by a maximum sentence of 33-49 months. Murder of an unborn child is a Class A Felony punishable by life in prison without parole.
Now that you understand how being charged with assault on a female can lead to some serious consequences, don't risk going it alone. If you or someone you know has been charged with any assault charge, let the Law Offices of Jason H. Reece create the best defense for your unique situation. Contact us today, and we'll get to work.
