In North Carolina, what type of crime is domestic violence categorized as?

In North Carolina, domestic violence is primarily categorized as a misdemeanor. This classification arises from the types of offenses that typically constitute domestic violence, such as assault, harassment, or threats when these acts are committed against a family member or a person with whom the offender has a personal relationship.

The misdemeanor nature of domestic violence means that, while these actions are taken seriously by the legal system, they typically carry less severe penalties than felonies. This is important for distinguishing the legal consequences and the types of responses from law enforcement.

Understanding this classification is crucial for recognizing how domestic violence is treated under state law, including aspects like available protective orders and the resources provided for victims.