Simple Assault and Simple Affray

In North Carolina, there are essentially three different misdemeanor assault and battery types of crimes, all of which showcase a varying degree of violence and circumstance. Nonetheless, being convicted of simple assault and simple affray can have significant longterm consequences, such as the creation of a criminal record.

If charged with assault or affray, contact Raleigh criminal defense attorney Dewey P. Brinkley for a relentless defense in court as well as competent representation when speaking with prosecutors and judges. Call our firm today at 919-832-0307, and in the meantime, you can learn more about simple assault and affray below.

Different Types of Assault in North Carolina

The three types of misdemeanor assault and battery include:

  • Simple assault and battery, which involves physically injuring another person
  • Attempt to commit assault and battery, which is a show of force indicating that assault is imminent
  • Affray, which is a fight between two people in a public place, likely to frighten others

In most cases, simple affray is a case where the fight between two people could easily escalate into a larger, more serious altercation.

As such, an argument at a bar that led to a fist fight can be considered a simple affray, as friends from both sides of the fight could join in and escalate the situation to a fully fledged brawl. Law officers will use this charge to keep the peace while reducing the potential for a riot, though the law doesn’t take consider whether or not a serious fight or brawl occurred, just that it could have considered.

Punishment for Simple Assault and Simple Affray

Raleigh NC Assault Attorney | Dewey Brinkley LawUnless there are more serious factors in the assault or affray, such as the presence and/or threat of deadly weapons, domestic violence, and serious injury, for example, most simple assault and simple affray cases in North Carolina are categorized as a Class 2 misdemeanor.

If you have no previous convictions, being convicted of a Class 2 could involve a jail sentence of up to 30 days and a possible fine of no more than $1,000. It is important to note that this lesser charge means that the victim only suffered minor injuries, which didn’t require a doctor’s attention.

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Dewey P. Brinkley Today

Simple assault and/or affray cases can be quite complicated, especially if you were charged even though you weren’t the one who started the altercation. Also, you could have been fighting out of self-defense, yet still charged with this crime. Due to the wide array of circumstances, combined the potential punishment of a misdemeanor, it is essential to acquire a Raleigh criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact Dewey P. Brinkley today at 919-832-0307 for a free consultation today!