North Carolina § 14-288 - 9. Assault on emergency personnel; punishments.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 14-288 — 9. Assault on emergency personnel; punishments., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-288. 9. Assault on emergency personnel; punishments.
An assault upon emergency personnel is an assault upon any person coming within the definition of "emergency personnel" which is committed in an area: In which a declared state of emergency exists; or Within the immediate vicinity of which a riot is occurring or is imminent. The term "emergency personnel" includes law-enforcement officers, firemen, ambulance attendants, utility workers, doctors, nurses, and other persons lawfully engaged in providing essential services during the emergency. Any person who commits an assault causing physical injury upon emergency personnel is guilty of a Class I felony. Any person who commits an assault upon emergency personnel with or through the use of any dangerous weapon or substance shall be punished as a Class F felon. History (1969, c. 869, s. 1; 1979, c. 760, s. 5; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1316, s. 47; 1981, c. 63, s. 1; c. 179, s. 14; 1993, c. 539, ss. 193, 1229; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2011-356, s. 3.) Cross References. - For structured sentencing provisions, see G.S. 15A-1340.10 et seq. Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2011-356, s. 4, provides: "This act becomes effective December 1, 2011, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. Prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of this act are not abated or affected by this act, and the statutes that would be applicable but for this act remain applicable to those prosecutions." Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2011-356, s. 3, effective December 1, 2011, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date, in the first sentence of subsection (c), inserted "causing physical injury" and substituted "Class I felony" for "Class 1 misdemeanor."
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 14-288
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 14-288 cover?
Section 14-288 ("9. Assault on emergency personnel; punishments.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 14-288?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 14-288" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 14-288 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.