North Carolina domestic violence charges can be filed against someone who has used or tried to use physical force against someone they have or have had a close personal relationship with. Not every relationship is included in General Statute Section 14-32.5, but charges can be filed if the abuser is…
Articles Posted in 50B Protective Order
Defining the Crime of Domestic Violence in North Carolina
North Carolina’s domestic violence law has undergone changes in recent years, expanding the types of qualifying relationships and the list of people who can be charged. Previously, the law limited domestic violence charges in relationships to a man who assaulted his female partner. If a woman was found guilty of…
Restraining Orders and Second Amendment Rights
Federal law prohibits someone who has a domestic violence restraining order filed against them from possessing a firearm if that restraining order includes a finding that they present a credible threat to the physical safety of an intimate partner or their child. The case of United States v. Rahimi explored…
A Season of Tension: Understanding and Addressing Holiday Domestic Violence
For many, the holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and shared memories. However, this time of year can also be rife with challenges, especially for those dealing with forms of domestic violence. Studies and advocacy groups report an increase in incidents of domestic violence around the holiday…
What is Considered a Deadly Weapon for a DVPO?
North Carolina Statute § 50B-3.1 states that if an emergency or ex parte protective order is issued, and the abuse involves a deadly weapon or threat of a deadly weapon, the abuser must surrender their firearms, ammunition, and firearm permits. Knowing what qualifies as a deadly weapon is important, but…
Self Defense in Domestic Violence
Y Michael Yin, JD Hunter v. Hunter, 2024-NCCOA-______ (2024). Facts: In June 2023, a family dispute turned violent between the Plaintiff and the Defendant, his father. The altercation arose over a disagreement regarding the Plaintiff’s daughter attending bible school. During the argument, the Defendant struck the Plaintiff in the neck,…
How to Defend Against False Claims of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a severe offense. If you’ve been falsely accused by a spouse, partner, or household member, you must take the allegations seriously, even if you know you are innocent. What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence includes a variety of threatening, harassing, or harmful behaviors committed against one of…
Renewing a Domestic Violence Protective Order in North Carolina
A Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) can last up to one year in North Carolina. These protection orders can be filed against anyone you have a personal relationship with, and violations mean the other party can be arrested. DVPOs provide a much-needed layer of protection for divorcing spouses facing domestic…
Who Can File for a Domestic Violence Protective Order in North Carolina?
Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPO) can be filed in North Carolina when you have a personal relationship with someone who is harassing, threatening, or committing another type of domestic violence against you. Which relationships are classified as personal relationships for this purpose? Divorce and Protective Orders Spouses and ex-spouses qualify…
How to Get a Domestic Violence Protective Order in North Carolina
If you are a victim of domestic violence in North Carolina, you may be able to file for a protective order. Domestic violence protective orders (DVPO; also called 50B orders) are court orders that prohibit an abuser from being near a victim. DVPOs provide a certain level of security if…