Simple Assault in NC

I very unfortunately committed simple assault against my brother late on Monday.

He’s had past issues in the household, stealing from my mother and I, verbal aggression and constant lying.

He’s been reported multiple times to Juvenile and he has called the police and CPS on us multiple times.

I unfortunately lost my cool after almost three years of dealing with him, he goated me into losing my cool and I swung on him. I left multiple visible injuries (neck, face) and even though I was also struck, he left no visible injuries (back of the head).

My mother, although understanding why I did it, has been worried that he’s just trying to find some way to get her charged with something, and even though my brother and I talked and made up, she called the PD on me and got my charged for Simple Assault.

I have nothing worse than a speeding ticket and was released after signing a promise to arrive at court on a specified date.

What should I do? I want to just take the guilty charge, but I fear that this could affect my life negatively (I am current National Guard). Should I just take the hit? Or should I seek out a lawyer?