Felony Domestic Assault


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Patrick Roberts Criminal Defense Attorney in Raleigh, NC

Felony Domestic Assault Defense Attorney
in Durham & Wake County, NC

Serious domestic violence charges that may result in one or more felonies require a strong legal defense. Your future is at stake, and a conviction could mean years in prison, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of your reputation, job, and even your right to see your family. These are serious charges, and they require a serious defense.

At Patrick Roberts Law PLLC, we focus on defending clients charged with high-stakes felonies, including domestic violence-related offenses. As a former domestic violence prosecutor in three North Carolina counties, Patrick Roberts understands exactly how the state builds these cases—and, more importantly, how to tear them down. If you've been charged, don’t wait. Call us now at 919-746-7206 for a confidential consultation.

The State of North Carolina Takes Domestic Violence Seriously

Domestic violence charges in North Carolina are aggressively prosecuted. Law enforcement and the courts take a zero-tolerance approach, which means you could be arrested based on little more than an accusation. In many cases, the alleged victim doesn’t even have to press charges—the state can move forward with prosecution regardless. If you’ve been charged, it’s critical to have a defense team that knows how to fight back.

When Is Domestic Violence Considered a Felony in North Carolina?

Not all domestic violence charges are felonies, but certain factors can elevate a charge from a misdemeanor to a felony. You may be facing felony charges if:

  • Serious Injury Occurred – If the alleged victim suffered broken bones, disfigurement, or another serious injury, the charge can be felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury.
  • A Deadly Weapon Was Used – If a weapon—such as a firearm, knife, or blunt object—was allegedly used or even threatened, you could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Strangulation Was Involved – Any act of strangulation or choking is automatically classified as a felony in North Carolina.
  • You Have Prior Domestic Violence Convictions – Repeat offenses could increase penalties, and if you have previous domestic violence convictions, a new charge is more likely to be classified as a felony.
  • A Restraining Order Was Violated – If the alleged offense happened while a protective order was in place, the penalties become far more severe.

Possible Penalties for Serious Domestic Violence Charges

Felony domestic assault charges in North Carolina carry harsh penalties that can impact you for the rest of your life. Depending on the specific charge, you could be facing:

  • Prison Time – Felony domestic violence convictions could lead to prison sentences that can range from several months to over a decade behind bars.
  • Loss of Gun Rights – A conviction means potentially losing your right to own or carry a firearm—potentially for life.
  • Permanent Criminal Record – A felony assault conviction cannot be expunged in North Carolina, making it harder to find a job, secure housing, or maintain custody of your children.
  • Restraining Orders and No-Contact Orders – A conviction could lead to a long-term restraining order, restricting where you can go and who you can see.
  • Loss of Custody and Visitation Rights – If you have children, a domestic violence conviction could be used against you in family court, impacting your ability to see them.

The right defense could mean the difference between a dismissed case and a felony conviction. Don’t take chances with your future—call us today at 919-746-7206.

How We Fight Felony Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence cases often boil down to one person’s word against another’s—and the prosecution doesn’t always have the evidence to back up their claims. We know how to challenge these cases head-on by:

  • Exposing False Allegations – False or exaggerated accusations are common in domestic cases, especially during divorces or custody disputes. We dig into the details to uncover inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.
  • Challenging Weak or Unreliable Evidence – Many cases rely on witness statements, police reports, or medical records that don’t actually prove what happened. We scrutinize every piece of evidence for weaknesses.
  • Proving Self-Defense – If you acted in self-defense or were defending your children, we present clear, compelling evidence to support your case.
  • Fighting Violations of Your Rights – If the police failed to follow proper procedures, lacked probable cause, or violated your rights in other ways, we use that to weaken the case against you.
  • Negotiating for Reduced Charges or Dismissal – If a felony charge can’t be dismissed outright, we fight to have it reduced to a misdemeanor to minimize the penalties.

Don't Make These Mistakes if You're Facing Charges

If you've been charged with felony domestic violence, the steps you take now could make or break your case. Here’s what NOT to do:

  • Don’t Contact the Alleged Victim – Any attempt to reach out could violate a protective order and lead to more charges.
  • Don’t Talk to the Police Without a Lawyer – Anything you say can and will be used against you. The best thing you can say is, "I want my attorney."
  • Don’t Ignore Your Court Date – Missing a court appearance could lead to a warrant for your arrest.
  • Don’t Post About Your Case on Social Media – Prosecutors watch social media, and even innocent posts can be twisted against you.
  • Don’t Assume You Have No Options – A charge does not equal a conviction. We have successfully fought felony charges just like yours.

Let’s Talk – Schedule a Free Consultation

Let’s discuss your case and your options. Call us at 919-746-7206, so we can start building your defense today.

Duke

Law

Graduate

22

Years of experience *

Ex-Prosecutor in

3

Counties