This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Justin C. Olsinski following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Justin C. Olsinski, the Founding Partner, has 16+ years of legal experience as an attorney.
Crimes against the person include assault, robbery, and homicide. The Olsinski Law Firm defends Charlotte clients. Call (704) 457-0740 today.
Crimes against the person are criminal offenses that involve physical harm, threatened harm, or the unlawful restraint of another individual. Common examples include assault, battery, domestic violence, robbery, kidnapping, homicide, and certain sex offenses, and these charges can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies.
The Olsinski Law Firm helps you understand what you are facing and builds a strong defense right away. Call (704) 457-0740 today for trusted help in Charlotte.
A crime against the person stands apart because the harm is inflicted on a human being rather than on property or money, which is why the law treats these cases seriously and often attaches heavy penalties. Two clear elements usually shape how prosecutors in Charlotte pursue these charges.
The core feature of these crimes is that a real person is the target of the conduct, whether that person is a stranger, a family member, or someone the accused barely knows.
Because the harm falls on a human being rather than an object, North Carolina courts tend to view these offenses through a stricter lens. This focus on a living target is what separates these cases from theft or vandalism that touches only belongings.
These offenses also require some form of bodily harm, an attempt to cause harm, or a believable threat that puts another person in real fear for their safety.
Harm need not be completed; even a credible threat or a failed attempt can support a serious charge under North Carolina law. This is one reason why people are often surprised to learn they are facing charges over an incident they thought was minor.
North Carolina groups many different offenses under this heading, and each one carries its own elements, defenses, and possible penalties. Understanding where your situation fits is the starting point for a smart defense, and our team walks you through it clearly.
Assault involves threatening or attempting to harm someone, while battery involves actual harmful or offensive physical contact with another person. In North Carolina, these acts are often charged together under the state's assault statutes, and the level of the charge depends on the injury and the circumstances. Even a shove during an argument can trigger charges that follow you for years.
Domestic violence covers harmful or threatening acts between people in a close relationship, such as spouses, partners, family members, or people who live together. These cases often move quickly and can bring protective orders, jail time, and lasting damage to your family and reputation. Because emotions run high, the facts are frequently disputed, making strong legal help especially important.
Robbery is the taking of property from another person by means of force, intimidation, or the threat of harm, which is what makes it a crime against the person rather than simple theft. The use or threat of violence is the key ingredient that raises the stakes and the potential penalties. Armed robbery charges in North Carolina are especially serious and often bring felony consequences.
Kidnapping involves unlawfully confining, restraining, or moving another person against their will, and North Carolina treats it as a very serious felony. These charges can arise from situations people do not expect, including custody disputes or arguments that get out of hand. The penalties are steep, so early legal guidance truly matters.
Homicide is the killing of another human being, and it ranges from the most serious murder charges down to lesser offenses depending on intent and circumstances. North Carolina law separates these cases by the mindset and actions of the accused, which shape both the charge and the possible sentence. Few charges carry higher stakes, which is why skilled defense is essential.
Manslaughter is an unlawful killing that happens without the planning or malice that defines murder, often during a sudden fight or through reckless behavior. The absence of premeditation is what sets it apart from more serious homicide charges, though the consequences remain severe. A careful defense can sometimes shift how these cases are charged and resolved.
Sexual assault and related offenses involve unwanted sexual contact or conduct without consent, and North Carolina prosecutes these cases aggressively. A conviction can bring prison time, sex offender registration, and a permanent mark on your record and your life. Given what is at stake, having a defense team that protects your rights is critical.
Stalking involves repeated unwanted contact or following that makes someone fear for their safety, while criminal threats involve statements meant to place another person in fear of harm. Both offenses focus on the fear and distress caused to another individual. These charges can seem minor at first, yet they often carry consequences that surprise people.
The law draws a clear line between offenses that harm people and offenses that harm property, and that line changes how a case is charged and punished.
Here’s how these two categories differ across the factors that matter most:
| Factor | Crimes Against the Person | Crimes Against Property |
| Primary victim | A human being who suffers harm or fear | An owner whose property is taken or damaged |
| Common offenses | Assault, robbery, kidnapping, homicide | Burglary, larceny, vandalism, fraud |
| Typical harm | Physical injury, threats, and emotional trauma | Financial loss or damage to belongings |
| Potential penalties | Often severe, including lengthy prison terms | Vary widely, sometimes lighter than person crimes |
| Examples | Domestic violence, sexual assault | Shoplifting, car theft, property damage |
Not every crime against the person carries the same weight, and North Carolina classifies these offenses as misdemeanors or felonies based on the seriousness of the conduct. Knowing which category applies helps you understand the road ahead.
Several factors influence whether a charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, including the seriousness of the injury, whether a weapon was used, and the accused's criminal history. The identity of the person harmed can also raise the level, such as when the harm involves a child or an officer. These details often decide how heavy the potential penalties become.
Misdemeanor crimes against the person are less severe but still carry real consequences, including possible jail time and a lasting record. These offenses often involve minor injuries or threats without weapons.
The following are common examples:
Felony crimes against the person are far more serious and can bring long prison sentences and permanent damage to your future. These cases usually involve severe harm, weapons, or especially dangerous conduct.
The following are common examples:
Facing a charge that involves harming another person is frightening, and the weight of a possible conviction can affect your job, your family, and your freedom all at once. At The Olsinski Law Firm, we understand what is on the line, and we stand beside you with steady guidance and a defense built around your specific situation.
Our Charlotte team listens closely, answers your questions, and fights to protect your rights at every stage. When your future feels uncertain, having a caring and determined advocate can make all the difference. Call (704) 457-0740 to talk with someone ready to help.
The choices you make right after an accusation can shape the outcome of your entire case, so it helps to act carefully and quickly.
Keep the following steps in mind:
A skilled attorney does far more than show up in court because a strong defense begins the moment you make that first call. Our team supports you in the following ways:
When you are accused of a crime against the person, the road ahead can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to walk it by yourself. The Olsinski Law Firm brings caring, forward-looking defense to people across Charlotte who are facing assault, domestic violence, robbery, and other serious charges.
Our team is ready to listen, explain your options in plain language, and fight for the strongest possible outcome for your future. Call (704) 457-0740 today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the next step toward protecting your rights.
Mr. Olsinski founded his criminal defense practice in Charlotte, NC, in January 2010. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses/First Degree Murder to Misdemeanor marijuana charges.
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