North Carolina Sex Crime Attorney
Sex Crime Defense Attorney Serving Jacksonville, Wilmington, and Surrounding Areas
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Arrested or Under Investigation for a Sex Crime in Jacksonville, North Carolina?
A sex crime accusation can damage your reputation and future before you even step into a courtroom. Whether the charge involves statutory rape, sexual assault, or child pornography, these cases are often highly emotionally charged and can stem from false allegations made out of revenge or to gain leverage, such as in child custody disputes.
Regardless of why you were accused of sexual misconduct, you face serious consequences if you are charged with committing a sex crime in North Carolina. To protect your freedom and future, you must craft the strongest possible defense strategy to fight against your charges. A Jacksonville, NC criminal defense lawyer like Aden Wilkie can help you determine which strategy is most effective in your case and fight aggressively on your behalf to mitigate the potential penalties. To schedule a confidential consultation with a North Carolina sex crime attorney at The Wilkie Law Group, call our law office at (910) 333-9626 or reach out online today.
What Constitutes a Sex Crime in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, sex offenses cover a wide range of illegal conduct involving sexual activity or contact. These can include rape, sexual assault, statutory rape, sexual exploitation of a minor, possession or distribution of child pornography, indecent liberties with a child, and solicitation of prostitution.
The severity of charges depends on several factors, including the age of the alleged victim, whether force or coercion was involved, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and the nature of the act, such as whether the offense involved a direct sexual act or sexual contact. Under G.S. § 14‑27.20, a sexual act is defined as oral sex, anal sex, or putting any object into someone’s genitals or anus, no matter how slight the penetration. However, it does not include vaginal intercourse. Sexual contact means touching someone’s private areas (genitals, anus, breasts, groin, or buttocks), having someone’s private areas touch another person, or putting bodily fluids like semen, urine, or feces on someone.
Types of NC Sex Crime Cases We Handle
It’s important to understand the various types of North Carolina sex crimes and their associated penalties, especially if you or a loved one is facing such charges. At The Wilkie Law Group, we provide effective defense strategies for a wide range of sex crime charges, including the following.
The definition of sexual assault is any sexual action that occurs without all participants’ explicit and uncoerced consent. Every state considers sexual assault to be a crime, and criminal laws prohibit sexual interaction with anyone who is unable to consent for any reason. Mentally disabled people, those under the age of eighteen, and those who are inebriated are all regarded as incapable of consenting to sexual activity.
Sexual assault in North Carolina is typically classified as one of four categories, all of which are considered felony offenses:
- First-Degree Forcible Rape (§ 14‑27.21) – The use or threat of using a deadly weapon, inflicting substantial injury, or enlisting the help of another person to forcefully penetrate a victim’s vaginal cavity without their consent.
- Second-Degree Forcible Rape (§ 14‑27.22) – Forcibly engaging in vaginal intercourse without consent or with a victim who is known to be mentally impaired, incompetent, or physically defenseless.
- First-Degree Forcible Sexual Offense (§ 14‑27.26) – Engaging in a non-consensual sexual act other than vaginal penetration by force, with the use or threat of using a dangerous weapon, by inflicting serious injury, or with the assistance of another person.
- Second-Degree Forcible Sexual Offense (§ 14‑27.27) – Engaging in a non-consensual sexual act other than vaginal penetration with a victim who is known to be intellectually incompetent, incapable, or physically helpless.
If you face charges for any of these offenses, contact a Jacksonville, NC sexual assault defense lawyer at The Wilkie Law Group immediately. Your freedom and future are at stake.
In North Carolina, sexual battery is typically charged as a Class A1 misdemeanor and occurs when a person:
- Engages in sexual contact with another person for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse; and
- It is done either by using force against their will; or
- When the other person cannot consent because of a mental disability, mental incapacity, or physical helplessness and the offender knows or should know about that condition.
North Carolina rape laws make it illegal for an adult or older minor to engage in sexual intercourse with someone who is legally too young to consent (aka statutory rape). The prescribed statutes are as follows:
- Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult (§ 14-27.23) – Applies when the victim is under 13 and the offender is at least 18.
- First-Degree Statutory Rape (§ 14-27.24) – Applies when the victim is under 13 and the offender is at least 12 and at least 4 years older.
- Statutory Rape of a Person 15 or Younger (§ 14-27.25) – Applies when the victim is 15 or younger and the offender is at least 12 and at least 6 years older, or between 4 and 6 years older depending on the circumstances.
All carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. If you or a loved one is facing this sex offense, speak with a Jacksonville statutory rape defense lawyer today.
- Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child Under 13 By an Adult (§ 14‑27.28)
- First‑Degree Statutory Sexual Offense Against a Child Under 13 (§ 14‑27.29)
- Statutory Sexual Offense With Person 15 or Younger (§ 14‑27.30)
- Sexual Activity by a Substitute Parent or Custodian (§ 14‑27.31)
- Sexual Activity With a Student by School Personnel (§ 14‑27.32)
North Carolina’s child molestation laws make it a serious crime to engage in sexual acts or inappropriate conduct with minors. Under § 14-202.1 (Taking Indecent Liberties with Children), it is illegal for an adult to engage in sexual contact or any lewd act with a child under 16 for the purpose of sexual gratification.
G.S. § 14-202.4 (Taking Indecent Liberties with a Student) makes it a crime for teachers, coaches, or other school employees to have sexual contact or engage in sexual acts with students, even if the student is over the age of consent. A skilled child molestation defense attorney can help protect your rights if you are accused under these statutes.
In North Carolina, charges involving prohibited sexual materials and online sexual conduct with minors are taken extremely seriously. Offenses such as sexual exploitation of a minor (§ 14-190.17, § 14-190.17A, § 14-190.17C) cover the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography, while § 14-190.6 addresses the dissemination of obscene materials to minors. § 14-202.3 makes it illegal to solicit a child through a computer or other electronic device for sexual activity.
These crimes can lead to lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and mandatory sex offender registration, which is why it’s so important to hire an experienced internet sex crimes attorney as soon as possible to avoid a conviction.
Individuals convicted of certain sex crimes in North Carolina must comply with strict sex offender registration requirements. Failing to register, update information, or follow reporting rules is itself a criminal offense and can result in additional felony charges. Being removed from the sex offender registry is rare, and violations can lead to prison time, extended registration periods, and stricter supervision.
What are the Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in NC?
In North Carolina, convictions for sex offenses can result in life-altering consequences. Though the penalties depend on several factors, such as whether the offense involved a minor, serious bodily injury, or repeat convictions, many sex crimes result in automatic felony charges that may lead to lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and other harsh penalties. Some offenses may even require lifetime registration on the sex offender registry, which severely limits personal and professional opportunities.
Here are a few examples of penalties for certain sex crimes in North Carolina:
- First-Degree Rape – Sentence ranging from 144 months to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
- Second-Degree Rape – Sentence ranging from 44 months to 182 months imprisonment.
- First-Degree Sexual Offense – Sentence ranging from 144 months to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
- Second-Degree Sexual Offense – Sentence ranging from 44 months to 182 months imprisonment.
- Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult – Sentence ranging from 300 months to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
- First Degree Statutory Rape – Sentence ranging from 144 months to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Given the severity of these outcomes, working with skilled sex crime lawyers is essential to protect your rights and build the strongest defense possible.
Can Sex Crimes Be Expunged in North Carolina?
Sex crime convictions generally cannot be expunged in North Carolina. The state’s expunction laws explicitly exclude offenses that require sex offender registration. The only way you may obtain criminal record expungement in North Carolina is if:
- You were apprehended but not charged
- You appeared in court and were found not guilty
- Your identity was stolen and you were wrongfully accused of the crime
- A judge dismissed your case
- You were convicted of specific misdemeanors
- You were convicted of nonviolent Class H or Class I felonies
What To Do if You Are Facing Sex Crime Allegations in North Carolina
Acting quickly is one of the most important steps you can take when facing sex crime allegations. If you know you are the subject of a sex crime investigation in North Carolina, take the situation seriously from the start. Anything you say can be used against you, so it is critical to remain silent and avoid answering questions from law enforcement without legal counsel. Contact experienced criminal defense attorneys immediately to protect your rights and begin building a strong strategy for your sex offense case. A knowledgeable sex crime defense attorney can guide you through each stage, challenge questionable evidence, and work to reduce or dismiss the criminal charges you face.
How Much Does a Sex Offender Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a sex offender lawyer can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the attorney’s experience, and whether the matter goes to trial. Many defense attorneys offer payment plans or flat fees, so it is best to discuss pricing during your initial consultation.
The Role of a Sex Crime Defense Attorney
A sex crime defense attorney plays a critical role in protecting the rights of individuals facing sex crime charges. They provide skilled legal representation while working to gather evidence that challenges the prosecution’s claims and creates reasonable doubt in court. These criminal defense attorneys guide clients through every stage of their sex offense case, ensuring that legal procedures are followed and that the accused receives a fair trial, all while aiming to minimize penalties whenever possible.
How an Experienced Jacksonville Sex Crime Lawyer at Wilkie Law Group Can Help
As sex offenses are often the most serious charges and very difficult to dispute, it takes thorough and effective defense strategies put together by experienced criminal defense attorneys to reach a favorable solution for your case. As a seasoned North Carolina sex crimes attorney, Aden Wilkie will examine every piece of evidence the prosecution intends to use against his clients. With a deep understanding of North Carolina criminal law and the potential penalties for those convicted of sex offenses in the state, he works to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means persuading the state to dismiss or reduce the charges against his clients or putting up a strong defense at trial.
Some of the possible defenses include providing evidence that someone else committed the crime, claiming the accusation or witness testimony is false, faulty forensic testing, and bias among witnesses, the prosecution, or the police, among others.
In many sex crime trials, it comes down to who has the most credible account of events. As a result, if the state’s charges are found to be unreliable or insufficient, they may be dismissed.
Military and Civilian Sex Crime Defense
Attorney Aden Wilkie provides strong legal representation for clients facing sex offense charges in both the military and civilian legal system. With extensive experience handling complex investigations and court proceedings on both sides, he and his team know what it takes to fight even the most serious criminal charges head-on.
Whether defending service members accused of violating Article 120 of the UCMJ or civilians accused of a criminal sex act in state court, our civilian and military defense lawyers in North Carolina are prepared to build strategic defenses tailored to each case, protecting your rights at every stage.
Contact Aden Wilkie, Experienced Jacksonville Sex Crime Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of sexual crimes in North Carolina, the stakes could not be higher. A conviction can be life-altering, leading to significant jail time, expensive fines, mandatory placement on the North Carolina sex offender registry, and lasting damage to your reputation and future. The Wilkie Law Group, a Jacksonville, NC-based criminal defense law firm, is ready to protect your rights, challenge the state’s evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome in your criminal case. Call (910) 333-9626 or reach out online today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the defense you deserve.
