Domestic violence can include a variety of behaviors so it is important for individuals who are accused of domestic violence in North Carolina to understand what it includes. Domestic violence can be physical in nature, emotional, sexual or financial. Harassment can also be another form of domestic violence and can occur through various forms of communication.

Domestic violence includes certain actions committed against a party the accused individual is in a personal relationship with or the minor child of that person. According to North Carolina law, domestic violence includes attempting to or intentionally causing bodily injury; placing the individual the accused individual is in a personal relationship with, or a family or household member of that individual, in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; committing a sexual offense such as rape; continued harassment that inflicts substantial emotional distress; or conduct that torments, terrorizes or terrifies the individual.

Individuals accused of domestic assault in North Carolina may face serious penalties and consequences associated with the allegations, accusations and charges. In addition to criminal penalties which can include probation, house arrest, drug treatment, alcohol monitoring and other potential penalties, accused individuals can also face consequences that may impact their living situation, employment and child custody arrangement.

Individuals who have been accused of domestic violence have the same criminal defense rights as individuals facing any other criminal charges. Domestic violence charges are serious charges so it is important for accused individuals to be familiar with their criminal defense rights and how to respond to accusations of domestic violence.

Source: Statelaws.findlaw.com, “North Carolina Domestic Violence Laws,” Accessed Oct. 8, 2017