Raleigh Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

NC Criminal Defense Attorney for Sexual Offenses

Few criminal accusations carry as much weight in North Carolina as sex offenses. The terms of imprisonment that may result are very severe. But the sentence of a person convicted of a sex offense does not end when he or she leaves the prison cell. That person's punishment includes lengthy, possibly lifelong, periods of public shaming that will badly damage his or her future.

Sex offenses can often arise from misunderstanding or allegations that are exaggerated and even false. For a vigorous defense, it's of immense value to have someone on your side who will fight for case dismissal and fight to show the flaws in the prosecution's argument.

Why Choose Clifford Law Group?

• If you are accused of a sex offense in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, the criminal defense attorneys at Clifford Law Group will stand by you during this difficult time.
• Our effective and aggressive Raleigh criminal defense lawyers will challenge the prosecution's evidence, seeking to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
• We will work to expose the flaws in the case against you, showing the reasonable doubt.

We represent those accused of sex offenses in Wake County, Orange County, Durham County and the surrounding areas.

Call our Raleigh sex crime attorney​ today at (919) 441-1799 to set up a free consultation.

Types of Sex Offenses in North Carolina

North Carolina has many sex offenses specifically listed. Some of the most common include:

Rape: Rape involves the offender forcing another person to have vaginal intercourse against her or his will. There are two "degrees" of rape. First degree rape is when the alleged offense involved a dangerous or deadly weapon, if the victim or another person suffered a serious injury, or if another person aided and abetted the rape. It is also first degree rape if the defendant is 12 or older and is four or more years or older than the victim, if the victim is younger than 13, and if the allegation does not meet the circumstances of "statutory rape" below. First degree rape is a Class B1 felony.

Any "sexual act," defined as penetration, which meets the same criteria as first degree rape but is not vaginal intercourse, such as forced anal or oral sex, is called a first degree sexual offense, which carries the same penalties as first degree rape.

If the rape does not qualify as first degree rape, of if the person could not legally give consent because she or he was mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, meaning she or he could not physically give consent, the charge is second-degree rape, which is a Class C felony.

If a sexual act other than vaginal intercourse occurs under the same circumstances, it is a second degree sexual offense, which carries the same penalties as second degree rape.

Statutory Rape: If the alleged victim was younger than 13, then she or he cannot legally give consent to sex. If the suspect is 18 or older, then any vaginal intercourse is, by law, rape. Many refer to this charge as "statutory rape," although the law refers to it as "rape of a child" or "sexual offense with a child."

It is a Class B1 felony, but carries additional punishments. The minimum sentence is 300 months, and after being released, a person convicted is monitor via satellite for the rest of his or her life. Aggravating factors, like brutality, can elevate the charge to life imprisonment without parole.

Under North Carolina law, "statutory rape" refers to vaginal intercourse or a sexual act involving penetration with a person who is age 13 to 15 by a defendant who is six years or more older, which is a Class B1 felony, or four to six years older, which is a Class C felony.

Sexual Battery: If there is unconsented sexual contact, such as the touching of sexual organs, the anus, breast, groin or buttocks, without penetration is alleged, the accused may face sexual battery charges. Under sexual battery charges, the defendant must have performed the acts for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or abuse. It is a Class A1 misdemeanor.

Prostitution: The act of taking compensation for sexual acts, requesting compensation for sexual acts, paying compensation for sexual acts or offering compensation for sexual acts is called prostitution, and it is illegal in North Carolina. If accused of prostitution, you will face a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.

However, if the person being solicited is a minor, then the charge becomes much more serious. Participating in prostitution of a minor is a Class F felony.

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: These charges usually pertain to child pornography. If you are accused of using child engaged in sexual activity for a live performance, permitting a child to participate in such a performance or recording, filming or photographing sexual activity of a child for sale, it is a Class C felony. Recording, filming or photographing a representation of a minor engaged in sexual activity that is not for sale, or distributing or soliciting such material is a Class E felony. Possessing such material is a Class H felony.

Indecent Exposure: It is a Class 2 misdemeanor to expose private parts in public. If the exposure was done in the presence of a person younger than 16 for the purpose of sexual gratification, the offense is a Class H felony.