Arrested or Charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon (G.S. 14-32) in North Carolina?

Getting arrested is terrifying. One minute, you’re in the middle of a heated situation. Next, you’re in handcuffs facing assault with a deadly weapon charges. Your mind starts racing. Will I go to prison? How will this affect my job? What happens to my family?

These are the questions that keep you up at night when you’re facing assault charges in North Carolina. And they’re the right questions to ask—because assault with a deadly weapon under North Carolina General Statute 14-32 is a serious felony offense that can permanently change your life.

But here’s what you need to know: an arrest is not a conviction. There are defenses, and there are ways to protect your future.

What is Assault with a Deadly Weapon Under G.S. 14-32?

North Carolina’s assault with a deadly weapon statute—G.S. 14-32—covers several different scenarios, each with different penalties. The charges depend on two main factors: whether you intended to kill someone, and whether the person was seriously injured.

Here’s how the law breaks it down:

• Class C Felony: Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill AND inflicting serious injury
• Class E Felony: Either (1) assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, OR (2) assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury
• Class D Felony: Assault on an emergency worker with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury

The difference between these charges may seem small, but the consequences are huge.

What Counts as a “Deadly Weapon”?

North Carolina courts have long recognized certain items as deadly weapons “per se”, meaning they’re automatically considered deadly. These include guns, swords, large knives, or heavy instruments like a bar of iron.

But here’s where it gets tricky: almost any object can be considered a deadly weapon depending on how it was used. Courts look at:

• The nature of the object
• How it was used during the incident
• The size and strength of the person using it compared to the victim
• Whether the object could potentially cause death or serious injury

A baseball bat, a hammer, a heavy wrench, even a fishing rod—these everyday items can all be considered deadly weapons if they’re used in a way that could kill or seriously injure someone.

What is “Serious Injury”?

Serious bodily injury means an injury that causes great suffering and pain. This isn’t about minor cuts or bruises. We’re talking about injuries that:

• Require hospitalization or surgery
• Could have resulted in death
• Cause permanent or long-term damage
• Result in extreme pain and suffering

The prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the injury was “serious.” A good defense attorney will challenge whether the injury actually meets this legal standard.

Common Defenses to Assault with a Deadly Weapon Charges

At McMinn, Logan & Gray, PLLC, we know how the state builds these cases. And we know where the weaknesses are.

Self-Defense

North Carolina law allows you to defend yourself if you reasonably believe you’re facing imminent harm and the force you use is proportional to the threat. Self-defense isn’t about who threw the first punch. It’s about who was the aggressor and whether your response was reasonable under the circumstances.

Defense of Others

The same principles that apply to self-defense also apply when you’re protecting someone else. If you saw someone being attacked and stepped in to help, that’s a valid defense.

Lack of Intent

For some charges under G.S. 14-32, the prosecution has to prove you intended to kill the victim. If the incident was an accident, if you were acting recklessly but didn’t intend to kill anyone, that’s a potential defense.

Intent isn’t always obvious. It has to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Challenging the “Deadly Weapon” Classification

Not every object is automatically a deadly weapon. If the prosecution is claiming that an everyday object, like a pen, a small knife, or a household item, was a deadly weapon, your attorney can challenge that classification.

The question becomes: Given the specific circumstances, could this object really have caused death or serious injury?

Questioning Whether the Injury Was “Serious”

A hand laceration that required stitches might not meet the legal definition of “serious injury”. Your attorney will examine the medical records, talk to experts, and argue that the injury, while unfortunate, doesn’t rise to the level required for a felony conviction.

Challenging Identification and Witness Credibility

Was the victim able to clearly identify you? Were the witnesses’ statements consistent? Did police conduct a proper investigation? These are questions your defense attorney will ask.

People make mistakes. Memories get fuzzy. Witnesses have biases. A thorough investigation often reveals holes in the prosecution’s case.

What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested

If you’ve been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, what you do right now matters.

• Don’t talk to the police without an attorney. You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Even if you think explaining your side will help, it almost never does. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
• Don’t contact the alleged victim. Even if you want to apologize or explain, don’t do it. Any contact can be used against you and may violate court orders.
• Preserve evidence. Write down everything you remember about the incident while it’s fresh. Who was there? What happened? Are there witnesses who saw what really happened? Take photos of any injuries you received.
• Call an attorney immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the better. Early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed or lead to reduced charges.

Don’t Face These Charges Alone

Assault with a deadly weapon charges are among the most serious criminal charges in North Carolina. The consequences, prison time, a permanent criminal record, lost rights and opportunities, can last a lifetime.

But you have options. You have defenses. And you have the right to a strong legal advocate who will stand by your side and fight for your future.

At McMinn, Logan & Gray, PLLC, we’ve handled hundreds of assault cases throughout Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas. We know North Carolina criminal law inside and out. And as former prosecutors, we know exactly how to build a defense that works.

Call us today for a confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 because we know legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours.