Assault on a Female in North Carolina

January 3, 2026 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

Assault on a Female is prosecuted as a criminal offense under North Carolina law, N.C.G.S. § 14-33(c)(2). Courts evaluate the statutory elements of the offense, domestic-violence classifications implicated by the alleged conduct, and the procedural rules applicable to bond, adjudication, and sentencing.

1. Assault on a Female Is a Criminal Charge With Domestic-Violence Consequences

Assault on a Female is a criminal offense defined by statute, but the same alleged conduct can carry domestic-violence consequences under North Carolina law when a qualifying personal relationship is present. In that circumstance, the domestic-violence pretrial release statutes apply to the setting of bond and conditions of release, and a judge is required to address release rather than a magistrate. The same alleged incident may also provide the factual basis for a separate civil proceeding for a Domestic Violence Protective Order under Chapter 50B. The elements of Assault on a Female and the bond framework are addressed within the criminal case, while any 50B proceeding arises under a separate civil statute and is evaluated independently.

Holiday Criminal Charges in North Carolina | Raleigh Defense Lawyer

December 11, 2025 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

Common holiday criminal charges in North Carolina involve impaired driving (DUI/DWI), alcohol-related disputes that turn into assault allegations, breaking or entering motor vehicles during shopping season, and drug possession linked to holiday travel and parties. Understanding how these cases are treated in North Carolina helps you make informed decisions if someone in your life is facing charges.

Holiday celebrations bring families together, fill downtown Raleigh with activity, and create the kind of crowded social environments that carry a higher risk of legal trouble. With more than thirty-three years in courtrooms in Wake County, John Fanney has seen the same patterns return each December.

Holiday criminal charges in North Carolina often reflect a mix of lowered inhibitions, crowded public spaces, and quick decisions that have long-term consequences. Raleigh’s nightlife, office gatherings, and holiday traffic create conditions where small misjudgments can escalate into criminal allegations. While every case depends on its specific facts, certain patterns appear year after year. The following sections describe how these charges develop, what the law actually requires, and the first steps someone should take after an arrest.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Raleigh?

June 11, 2025 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

When you’re facing criminal charges in Raleigh or Wake County proper, understanding the true criminal lawyer cost and legal fees is helpful in making informed decisions about your defense.

The investment in legal representation varies significantly based on several key factors, including things like: the severity of charges against you, whether you’re dealing with misdemeanor or felony allegations, the complexity of your situation, and how long your case may take to resolve.

This guide outlines how defense attorneys typically structure their fees, explains common billing approaches, and clarifies which services are generally included or excluded in legal representation agreements.

Presumption of Innocence and Reasonable Doubt in North Carolina

May 27, 2025 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

The presumption of innocence is a foundational principle in North Carolina criminal law and throughout the United States. It is not a suggestion or a formality. It is the legal starting point in every prosecution.

A criminal defendant accused of a crime is presumed innocent.

That presumption remains in place unless and until the State presents evidence that fully satisfies or entirely convinces the Finder of Fact of guilt.

Drug Trafficking, Habitual Felony and Vehicle Offenses

December 14, 2024 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

Recent NC Court of Appeals Opinion Highlights Key Points on Habitual Felony, Drug Trafficking and Vehicle Offenses

A recent decision by the North Carolina Court of Appeals in State v. Garmon helps clarify some of the standards courts apply when examining drug trafficking charges and related issues. In particular, it offers insight into how prosecutors must prove the offense of “maintaining a vehicle” for keeping or selling controlled substances. Additionally, the opinion touches on the timing and validity of habitual felon indictments—a factor that can significantly influence sentencing outcomes.

While this is not a groundbreaking ruling that completely changes the legal landscape, it serves as a reminder that drug cases often involve complex legal analyses. Understanding how courts interpret statutes and apply long-standing legal principles can help people charged with such offenses. The Fanney Law Office, located in Raleigh, North Carolina (107 Park Ave #100, Raleigh, NC 27605, phone: 919-617-7009, email: John@FanneyLaw.com), represents clients across Wake County and beyond. If you or someone you care about is facing drug-related charges, reviewing how appellate courts examine evidence and procedure may be a helpful starting point.

A Wake County Defense Attorney’s Holiday Guide: Lessons From the Courtroom

November 5, 2024 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

The holidays transform Wake County. Downtown Raleigh’s streets fill with celebrating crowds. Shopping centers from Crabtree Valley Mall to North Hills buzz with activity. Neighborhoods light up with family gatherings.

Through a criminal defense attorney’s eyes, this festive season reveals patterns worth understanding – patterns that can help you avoid becoming another holiday case file.

If you or a loved one face DUI charges or other criminal legal matter in Wake County, give the Fanney Law Office a call now. We provide a confidential consultation: 919-617-7009

Criminal Lawyer Terms in North Carolina: A Guide in Plain Language

October 30, 2024 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

When you face criminal charges in Wake County, whether it’s for a DUI, a domestic violence assault, or even a drug charge, you step into a world of sometimes complicated legal terms. From the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh to conversations with your criminal lawyer, you’ll likely hear words and phrases that might be new to you.

It’s OK to be a bit overwhelmed. That’s normal, and that’s also why having a lawyer on your side makes sense.

The criminal justice system uses specific language – words that often have exact legal meanings. These meanings can matter when they describe what’s happening in your case. You might hear certain terms from judges, lawyers, or court staff. You might also see them in court papers. And you might need to use them yourself when talking to your criminal lawyer.

Memory and Justice: The Intricacies of Mental Competence

December 20, 2023 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

Diving into the legal complexities of mental competence, our latest blog post examines the intriguing case of State v. Bethea.

This North Carolina Court of Appeals decision scrutinizes the challenging intersection of criminal law and cognitive impairment.

Highlighting a defendant’s struggle with memory loss due to a traumatic brain injury, we dissect how such factors influence the determination of legal competence to stand trial.

BIG CHANGES to Bond and Pretrial Release from Jail

September 4, 2023 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

The legal landscape in North Carolina is continually evolving, and one of the recent adjustments that has garnered considerable attention from lawyers in Raleigh NC are the changes to pretrial release from jail and the related bond procedures.

These amendments to the procedure for determining terms and conditions for pretrial release, particularly as they affect those charged with DWI (Driving While Impaired) offenses, are significant.

It’s called the “Pretrial Integrity Act” and with it comes substantial changes to how a bond is set and who may set terms and conditions of release from jail for certain criminal charges in North Carolina.

The Indispensable Role of an Assault Attorney in Your Case

July 13, 2023 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

In the intricate landscape of criminal law, particularly in assault charges, the role of an assault attorney in your case should not be underestimated. We provide sound legal advice, conscientious representation, and strategic planning that are imperative to establishing a defense strategy. Defense counsel help protect your rights and guide you through the complexities of your case.

The Legal Labyrinth: Navigating Assault Charges

Assault cases, by their very nature, tend to be relatively complex and necessitate careful analysis and understanding of the underlying allegations and fact patterns. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will explore the nuances surrounding the alleged assault allegations and carefully consider what took place and what circumstances led to charges being brought. At Fanney Law Office, we want to help you understand your charges and legal options.