Wake County Assault & Bond Information
Assault on a Female
Understand the charge, determine whether domestic release procedures apply, verify the current bond, and identify when a licensed Raleigh bondsman may assist.
You may call even when the booking number, exact relationship, or bond amount is not yet known.
If anyone is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical assistance, call 911.
What Is Assault on a Female in North Carolina?
Under current N.C.G.S. § 14-33(c)(2), the charge applies when a male person who is at least 18 years old is accused of assaulting a female. The offense is currently classified as a Class A1 misdemeanor.
- The charge itself does not require marriage, dating, cohabitation, or another domestic relationship
- A non-domestic incident can still result in an Assault on a Female charge
- Domestic release procedures may apply when the relationship also falls within G.S. 15A-534.1
- The exact charge, relationship, custody status, and release order must all be checked separately
Do not attempt to determine whether the defendant or alleged victim satisfies the statutory requirements in a disputed case. That is a legal question for counsel.
What Does the Record Show?
Choose the situation that best matches what you know. Not every Assault on a Female case requires a commercial bond or involves domestic release procedures.
Assault on a Female Is the Only Charge
The record shows only Assault on a Female under N.C.G.S. § 14-33(c)(2). Verify whether a domestic relationship also applies and whether a secured bond has been set.
Simple Assault Is Also Listed
Both charges may appear from one incident. Each charge may have a separate release condition. Copy every entry exactly.
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Is Also Listed
N.C.G.S. § 14-32.5 is a separate charge with its own relationship requirements. G.S. 15A-534.1 applies when that charge is present.
The Alleged Victim Is a Current or Former Spouse
A marital relationship may trigger domestic-violence release procedures under G.S. 15A-534.1. A judge controls the release decision.
The Parties Live or Previously Lived as If Married
Cohabitation as if married may qualify as a covered domestic relationship. The court determines whether the statute applies.
The Parties Have or Had a Dating Relationship
A current or former dating relationship may qualify under G.S. 15A-534.1. The court reviews the relationship and sets conditions.
No Dating, Marital, or Household Relationship
When no covered domestic relationship exists, ordinary release procedures under G.S. 15A-534 may apply. The operative release order still controls.
Bond Has Not Been Set
Release conditions may still be pending. A bondsman cannot act until an eligible secured bond has been authorized.
The Record Says Judge Review
When G.S. 15A-534.1 applies, a judge must determine release conditions. A bondsman cannot bypass judge review.
A Secured Bond Is Shown
A licensed bondsman may be able to assist after review and approval of the bond, cosigner, and payment information.
An Unsecured Bond Is Shown
The defendant promises to pay if required because of noncompliance. A bondsman is generally not needed to satisfy an unsecured bond.
No Release Is Currently Authorized
A commercial bond cannot be posted unless an authorized judicial official changes the condition.
A No-Contact Condition Appears
No-contact and stay-away conditions may prohibit direct and indirect communication. Only the court can modify these conditions.
A Protective-Order Violation Is Also Listed
A 50B protective-order violation is a separate charge with its own release conditions. Each charge must be verified separately.
Another County or Agency Hold Appears
Another case, county, probation matter, or agency hold may prevent release even after an eligible bond is posted.
Information to Gather
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth
- Booking or inmate number, when available
- Court file or case number
- Exact wording of every listed charge
- Misdemeanor class shown
- Defendant's age
- Current custody location
- Bond amount for every charge
- Bond type or release condition for every charge
- Whether judge review is required
- Relationship between the defendant and alleged victim
- Whether the parties currently or previously lived together
- Whether the parties have or had a dating relationship
- Whether they share a child
- No-contact or stay-away conditions
- Protective orders
- Other warrants, counties, probation matters, or holds
- Caller and potential cosigner information
Copy the exact record rather than relying on what someone called the charge. Incomplete information should not stop you from calling.
Who Can Be Charged with Assault on a Female?
The current statutory wording under N.C.G.S. § 14-33(c)(2) identifies:
- The accused person is identified in the statute as male
- The accused person must be at least 18 years old
- The alleged victim is identified as female
- The offense is currently a Class A1 misdemeanor
Legal boundary: Questions involving age, identity, gender classification, whether an assault legally occurred, intent, contact, threats, self-defense, defense of another person, credibility, constitutionality, or applicability to a particular defendant belong with qualified criminal defense counsel.
Assault on a Female vs. Simple Assault
These are separately worded charge entries with different classifications. The exact record wording controls.
| Charge Label | Record Wording | Classification | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault on a Female | May appear as 'assault on a female' on the custody or court record. | Class A1 misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. § 14-33(c)(2). | Confirm the defendant's age, the alleged victim's sex, and whether a domestic relationship also applies. |
| Simple Assault | May appear as 'simple assault' on the record. | Class 2 misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. § 14-33(a). | Check whether Assault on a Female is separately listed or whether simple assault is the only charge. |
| Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence | May appear under N.C.G.S. § 14-32.5. | Class A1 misdemeanor with its own domestic-relationship requirements. | Copy the exact statute number. G.S. 15A-534.1 applies when this charge is present. |
For more on the lower-level charge, review the difference between simple assault and Assault on a Female on the simple-assault charge information page. If a separate deadly-weapon charge appears from the same incident, review the Assault on a Female charge information for felony weapon classifications and release rules.
Is Assault on a Female Always Domestic Violence?
No. The Assault on a Female statute itself does not require a domestic relationship. Domestic release procedures may apply when the alleged victim is within a relationship covered by current G.S. 15A-534.1, including the relationships identified there.
Use the tool below to understand whether judge-set conditions may apply.
Current Spouse
A current marital relationship is a covered domestic relationship under G.S. 15A-534.1. A judge determines release conditions.
Former Spouse
A former marital relationship may qualify. The court reviews the relationship and applies the statute if the requirements are met.
Lives or Previously Lived as If Married
Cohabitation as if married may qualify as a covered domestic relationship. The court determines applicability.
Current or Former Dating Relationship
A current or former dating relationship may qualify under the statute. The court reviews the nature of the relationship.
No Covered Domestic Relationship
When no covered domestic relationship exists, ordinary release procedures under G.S. 15A-534 may apply. The operative release order still controls.
Relationship Is Unclear
Do not assume. The court—not the bondsman—determines whether G.S. 15A-534.1 applies. Verify the relationship information and contact an attorney.
Assault on a Female vs. Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence
These are separate charge labels with different statutory requirements.
Assault on a Female — N.C.G.S. § 14-33(c)(2)
- Uses the age and sex language contained in that statute
- Does not itself require a domestic relationship
- Currently a Class A1 misdemeanor
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence — N.C.G.S. § 14-32.5
- Uses its own conduct and relationship requirements
- Currently a Class A1 misdemeanor
- Expressly concerns covered domestic relationships
- Specifically included in G.S. 15A-534.1
Both charges may appear in the same record, or one may appear without the other. Copy the exact statute and charge wording. Do not interpret whether both charges are legally supported.
Who Sets Release Conditions?
When G.S. 15A-534.1 Applies
- A judge determines conditions of pretrial release
- The judge must consider the required criminal-history report
- The judge may impose a secured bond and additional protective conditions
- A bondsman cannot act until an eligible secured bond is authorized
- A magistrate acts under the statute if a judge has not acted within the allowed 48-hour period
When G.S. 15A-534.1 Does Not Apply
- The ordinary release process under G.S. 15A-534 may apply
- The operative court and release records still control
- Another charge may independently require judge review
Do not decide for yourself which statute controls. The court determines whether G.S. 15A-534.1 applies based on the charge and relationship information.
Is There an Automatic 48-Hour Hold?
No.
G.S. 15A-534.1 does not create an automatic mandatory 48-hour jail hold in every covered case.
- The defendant may be retained for no more than 48 hours without a judge making the release determination
- A judge may act before the 48-hour period ends
- If a judge has not acted within 48 hours, a magistrate must act under the statute
- The actual timing depends on when an authorized judicial official reviews the case
- A bondsman cannot accelerate, bypass, or replace the required judicial determination
- A secured bond cannot be posted until it is actually authorized
Bond-Status Decoder
Written Promise
The defendant agrees to appear as required. A commercial bondsman is generally not needed for this release condition.
Unsecured Bond
The defendant promises to pay the stated amount if required because of noncompliance. A bondsman is generally not needed merely to satisfy the unsecured bond.
Custody Release
Release may be authorized to a designated person or organization under the order.
Secured Bond
A licensed bondsman may be able to assist after review and approval.
Judge Review Required
A judge must act before a commercial bond can be posted. This is common when G.S. 15A-534.1 applies.
No Release Currently Authorized
A commercial bond cannot be posted unless an authorized judicial official changes the condition.
Electronic Monitoring or Other Conditions
Additional requirements may need to be arranged before release can be completed.
Outside Hold
Another court, county, probation matter, or agency may prevent release.
Possible Release Conditions
The judge may impose conditions including:
The actual release order controls. Not every case receives every condition.
No-Contact Means No Direct or Indirect Contact
No-contact or stay-away terms may prohibit:
- The alleged victim cannot privately cancel a court-ordered condition
- Consent to contact does not automatically modify the order
- Only the court can modify a court-ordered release condition
- The defendant should speak with an attorney before taking any action involving the alleged victim, shared property, a home, or children
What Happens After Arrest in Wake County?
Arrest and Transportation
The defendant is arrested and transported to the detention facility.
Booking and Charge Entry
Charges and case information are entered into the record.
Relationship and Release Information Reviewed
The court reviews the charge, relationship, and criminal-history information.
Judge Determines Release Conditions
When G.S. 15A-534.1 applies, a judge determines the release conditions.
Magistrate Acts if Required
If the statutory period expires without judge action, a magistrate acts as required.
Every Charge, Bond, Condition, and Hold Verified
The family verifies every charge, bond, condition, and hold.
Secured Bond Reviewed
A licensed bondsman reviews any eligible secured bond.
Paperwork and Payment Completed
Approved paperwork and payment arrangements are completed.
Bond Posted
The bond is posted.
Release Processing
The detention facility completes release processing.
A bondsman does not: decide whether the case is domestic, set the bond, modify protective conditions, remove a no-contact requirement, control judge availability, remove another hold, or control final jail processing time.
Why Multiple Charges May Appear
One incident may produce separate entries involving:
Verify Every Charge Before Paying or Signing
Each charge may have a separate release condition. Posting one eligible secured bond may not produce release when another charge, no-release entry, judge-review requirement, or outside hold remains unresolved.
Does Assault on a Female Count as a "Violent Offense"?
Assault on a Female under N.C.G.S. § 14-33(c)(2) is currently a Class A1 misdemeanor. The specific "violent offense" definition in G.S. 15A-531 includes qualifying Class A through G felonies involving assault, physical force, or threatened physical force as an essential element.
Therefore, an Assault on a Female charge by itself should not be treated as a Class A-through-G violent felony under that definition.
- Another felony charge on the same record may qualify
- Domestic judge-review procedures are separate from violent-offense procedures
- The release order may contain findings based on another charge
- The exact record must be reviewed
What Can Delay Bond Posting or Release?
Cost and Payment Information
Total Bond Amount
The amount set by the court or judicial official.
Bail Bond Premium
The applicable fee for providing the commercial surety bond. North Carolina limits the premium to no more than 15% of the face amount of the bond.
Initial Premium Payment
The amount due when beginning an approved payment arrangement.
Payment Plan
An approved agreement for the remaining premium.
Cosigner or Indemnitor
A person who accepts contractual responsibility.
Collateral
Money or property that may be required after underwriting review.
- Not every Assault on a Female case receives a secured bond
- A judge-review entry is not yet a bond that can be posted
- Payment plans do not change the court-ordered amount
- Approval is case-specific
- Collateral is not automatically required in every case
What a Bondsman Can and Cannot Do
A Bondsman May
- Help verify available custody and bond information
- Review every secured-bond entry
- Explain when a judge-set bond can be posted
- Review other publicly available bonds and holds
- Explain the commercial bond process
- Review cosigner information
- Explain premium, payment, and collateral requirements
- Prepare approved bond documents
- Post an eligible secured bond
- Confirm when the bond has been submitted
A Bondsman Cannot
- Decide whether an assault occurred
- Interpret evidence or witness statements
- Determine whether the case legally qualifies as domestic
- Set or reduce the bond
- Bypass judge review
- Modify no-contact or stay-away conditions
- Contact the alleged victim on the defendant's behalf
- Remove another agency's hold
- Give criminal-defense advice
- Guarantee approval, release, or a release time
- Predict the case outcome
What to Do Right Now
- Confirm the defendant's full legal name
- Copy every charge exactly
- Verify the defendant's age
- Determine whether the person is in custody
- Record every bond type and amount
- Look for judge-review or no-release entries
- Identify the relationship between the parties
- Check for no-contact, stay-away, or monitoring conditions
- Check for protective orders
- Identify other warrants, counties, or holds
- Do not discuss alleged facts publicly
- Do not contact the alleged victim for the defendant
- Contact a qualified criminal defense attorney about the charge
- Contact a licensed bondsman once an eligible secured bond is available
- Prepare identification and potential cosigner information
After Release
- Read every release condition
- Confirm the next court date through an official source
- Follow all no-contact and stay-away requirements
- Do not communicate through friends, relatives, children, or social media
- Follow property, residence, travel, alcohol, firearm, and monitoring restrictions
- Keep address and telephone information current
- Stay in contact with the attorney
- Notify the bondsman of address or court-date changes
- Do not assume the alleged victim's consent changes the order
- Do not assume a condition has changed without a new court order
- Attend every required court appearance
Related Assault Charge Guides
Assault Charges
Complete Wake County assault-arrest guide covering all charge types, bond status, and release procedures.
Complete Assault GuideSimple Assault Charges
Understanding a simple assault charge, Class 2 misdemeanor status, and bond requirements.
Understand a Simple Assault ChargeAssault With a Deadly Weapon
When a separate deadly-weapon charge appears from the same incident.
Compare Deadly-Weapon Assault ChargesAssault Inflicting Serious Injury
Misdemeanor vs. felony serious-injury charge labels.
Understand Serious-Injury Charge LabelsAssault by Strangulation
Coming SoonClass H felony strangulation charges and bond considerations.
Learn About Strangulation ChargesAssault on a Law Enforcement Officer
Coming SoonOfficer-assault charges and release information.
Review Officer-Assault Release InformationViolent-Offense Release Rules
Coming SoonHow N.C.G.S. § 15A-534(b1) affects qualifying assault felonies.
Understand Violent-Offense Bond RulesHelpful Resources
Domestic Violence Arrest and Release
48-hour rule, no-contact conditions, and protective orders.
DV Bail GuideWake County Bail Process
Complete county-level bond process and information.
Wake County GuideWake County Detention Center Information
Booking, custody, and release information.
Jail InformationBail Bond Payment Options
Flexible payment options for qualifying bonds.
View Payment PlansSecure Online Application
Start the secure online application.
Apply OnlineBail Bond FAQs
Complete bail bond questions and answers.
View All FAQsFrequently Asked Questions
Need Help Verifying an Assault on a Female Charge?
Call 24/7 bail help in Raleigh with the defendant's full legal name, date of birth, and case details. We can review the available Wake County bond information and explain whether a commercial bond is currently available.
Last reviewed: August 2026 — Reviewed by a licensed North Carolina bail bondsman.
This page provides general information about bail and pretrial release. It does not provide legal advice or predict the outcome of a particular case.