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Criminal Defense
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Personal Injury
Raleigh Violent Crime Lawyer
Serving Wake County & Beyond
250+ Reviews and counting
Violent crime convictions carry lengthy prison sentences, mandatory minimums, and a felony record that strips away gun rights, employment opportunities, and housing options. Meet with a Raleigh criminal defense attorney who has trial experience with assault, robbery, and homicide cases. Schedule your consultation today.
Violent crime charges in North Carolina bring the full weight of the law against you—lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and a permanent mark on your record that can never be erased. At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we know how prosecutors approach these cases, and we act fast to dismantle their strategy before it defines your future.
This isn’t the time to hope for the best. It’s time to fight back with experienced criminal defense attorneys who know how to protect you.
The decisions you make right now will determine whether you spend the next 20 years in prison or with your family.
Violent crimes involve using or threatening physical force against another person. Under North Carolina law, these charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the circumstances, injuries, and whether weapons were involved.
Common violent crime charges we defend include:
What makes these charges particularly dangerous is North Carolina’s harsh sentencing structure. Many violent crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, meaning judges have little discretion to show leniency, even for first-time offenders or when circumstances suggest a lesser punishment would be appropriate.
The consequences of a violent crime conviction extend far beyond prison time:
Immediate Penalties:
Long-Term Consequences:
For felony violent crimes, you also lose your right to vote while incarcerated and on probation or parole.
According to the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, violent felonies carry some of the harshest mandatory minimum sentences in the state.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we’ve defended clients against violent crime charges for over 40 years. Every case is different, but effective defense strategies often include:
North Carolina recognizes your right to protect yourself from imminent harm. If you reasonably believed force was necessary to defend yourself or others, we can build a complete defense—even in cases involving serious injuries or death.
Prosecutors must prove every element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt. We scrutinize:
Exposing False Accusations
False allegations happen more often than people think, especially in domestic situations or when accusers have something to gain. We investigate motivations and expose inconsistencies that undermine credibility.
Sometimes the best outcome involves negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges. The difference between felony assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor assault can mean years of your life.
Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands Wake County courts and prosecutors makes all the difference in violent crime cases.
Facing violent crime charges can be terrifying and overwhelming, but your actions in the first hours and days can have a major impact on the outcome. Here are the most important steps to protect yourself and your rights from the very beginning.
1. Stop Talking to Police.
Anything you say will be used against you. Even explaining your side of the story can provide evidence that prosecutors will twist. Tell them: “I want a lawyer. I’m invoking my right to remain silent.”
2. Don’t Discuss Your Case.
Not with friends, family, or cellmates. Not on social media. These conversations aren’t protected and can become evidence.
3. Contact an Experienced Attorney Immediately.
The sooner we get involved, the more options we have. Early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed or result in reduced charges before your case gains momentum.
4. Follow All Court Orders.
If you’re released on bond, follow every condition perfectly. One violation can land you back in jail and make your case much harder to defend.
Being accused of a violent crime doesn’t mean you’re out of options—but it does mean you need to act wisely and quickly. Don’t try to navigate the system alone. The sooner you have experienced legal support, the better your chances of building a strong defense.
A violent crime charge doesn’t have to destroy your life. With over four decades defending clients in Raleigh, Morehead City, and throughout North Carolina, DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall knows how to fight these cases.
We understand what you’re going through. We know the fear, the uncertainty, the feeling that your whole world is crashing down. But we also know how to turn that around—how to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, how to present compelling defenses, and how to protect your future.
Don’t face these charges alone. Don’t let prosecutors and police intimidate you into accepting a plea deal that will haunt you forever. There’s a right way and a wrong way to handle violent crime charges.
Call DeMent, Askew, Johnson & Marshall today for a confidential consultation. Let us put our experience to work protecting your freedom, your reputation, and your future.
Wake County
Carteret County
Durham County
Orange County
Chatham County
Johnston County (Smithfield courthouse only)
No. In North Carolina, prosecutors—not victims—decide whether to pursue charges. Even if the alleged victim recants or refuses to cooperate, the state can proceed using other evidence like police reports, 911 calls, photographs, or witness statements. However, an uncooperative victim can make the prosecution’s case significantly weaker.
Simple assault is typically a misdemeanor carrying up to 60 days in jail. Assault with a deadly weapon is a felony that can result in years in prison. A “deadly weapon” includes guns, knives, or any object capable of causing death or serious injury when used as a weapon, even everyday items like bottles or tools.
You have the right to use reasonable force to defend yourself from imminent bodily harm. North Carolina is a “stand your ground” state, meaning you have no duty to retreat before using defensive force if you’re somewhere you have a lawful right to be. The force used must be proportional to the threat faced.
Not necessarily, but violent crimes carry serious penalties. Sentencing depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and the circumstances. Some violent crimes have mandatory minimum sentences that require prison time. An experienced attorney can often negotiate alternatives or reduced charges that avoid incarceration.
Generally, violent felony convictions cannot be expunged in North Carolina. Some violent misdemeanors may be eligible for expunction after waiting periods and meeting specific requirements. This is why fighting charges aggressively from the start is crucial—a dismissal or not guilty verdict can usually be expunged more easily than a conviction.
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