Challenging Accusations of Rape, Sexual Battery, and Other Sexual Offenses

A sex crime allegation can significantly affect your life. The accusation alone can impact your relationships, career, and standing in the community. If you are found guilty, you could face prison time and fines. Additionally, you will be required to register as a sex offender. The stigma associated with the requirement is long-lasting and can result in people making quick and adverse judgments about your character. To seek to avoid or minimize the consequences, you must aggressively fight your charge. It is important to do so with the help of a criminal defense attorney, as they can deliver sound counsel and assist in navigating your case.

At Whitley Coleman, PLLC, our Wilmington sex crimes lawyers are ready to stand by your side and advocate on your behalf. We have extensive legal experience, and John Coleman, a partner with the firm, is a former prosecutor. Leveraging our skills and insights, we examine cases from all angles to determine the paths to explore for our clients. Our team has the resources, knowledge, and talents to take on significant and serious charges. We are prepared to pursue just outcomes inside and outside the courtroom. 

Speak with us about your case during a free consultation by calling (910) 218-9973 or submitting an online contact form today.

What Constitutes a Sex Offense in North Carolina

Sex crimes involve conduct with a sexual undertone. The act can consist of sexual penetration, activity, or contact.

North Carolina has several sex offenses statutes, including the following:

• Rape: A person commits the offense when they have nonconsensual sexual intercourse with another individual. The crime is separated into two degrees. Second-degree involves sexual intercourse against the will of the other person or against someone who is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless. First-degree includes instances of nonconsensual sex when a dangerous or deadly weapon is involved, serious injury occurs, or one or more other people aid or abet in the offense.
• Statutory rape: This crime occurs when someone has sex with a person under 15 years of age or younger. Several laws exist concerning the offense: statutory rape of a child by an adult, first-degree statutory rape, and statutory rape of a person 15 years of age or younger.
• Sexual offenses: This term refers to crimes involving sexual acts against another person's will or against an individual under 15 years of age. Statutes concerning sexual acts include first- and second-degree forcible sexual offenses, statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult, first-degree statutory sexual offense, and statutory sexual offense with a person 15 years of age or younger.
• Sexual activity: The laws on sexual activity include acts committed by a substitute parent or custodian and acts engaged in with a student.
• Sexual battery: The offense includes sexual contact with another person for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. Additionally, the individual it is committed against was either forced, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.

At Whitley Coleman, PLLC, our team is prepared to defend against any sex crime charge. We understand the seriousness of an allegation and work tirelessly to protect our clients' reputations, rights, and futures.

What Are the Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in North Carolina?

Generally, sex crimes are felonies. Depending on the conduct, they can be charged as Class G, E, C, or B1 felonies. At this level, the potential conviction penalties are severe and include years of imprisonment.

In addition to incarceration, a person found guilty of a sex crime may be required to register as a sex offender. That means they must regularly report to the sheriff's office in the county they live in to provide their personal identifying information, including their name, address, and place of employment. 

The registration period is based on the offense the person was convicted of. They may be required to register from 10 years to life.

Contact Us to Discuss Your Case

Our Wilmington sex crimes attorneys deliver personalized and strategic legal representation to those facing charges. We are committed to fighting for our clients and extensively review the facts to spot holes in the prosecution's arguments and strengthen the defense. On complex cases, our lawyers collaborate to incorporate different perspectives and approaches.

To schedule a free initial consultation, please contact us at (910) 218-9973 today.