Winston-Salem Sex Crimes Attorney

Experienced Defense Against Sex Crime Charges in North Carolina

The consequences of being convicted of a sex crime in North Carolina are severe. Accusations alone can cause extreme social stigma that can negatively affect you, your reputation, and your family. A conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, fines, and even lifelong sex offender registration requirements. 

These devastating consequences are why you must take allegations of sex crimes seriously. It is critical that you take proper steps to protect your rights and best interests from initial accusation and investigation throughout all stages of the criminal process. At Eustache Law, you can turn to a skilled and aggressive Winston-Salem criminal defense lawyer who is a former prosecutor who understands what you are up against and how best to fight against the consequences. 

Request a free consultation with our attorney by calling a team member at (336) 827-9208. 

Types of Sex Crimes in North Carolina

North Carolina has established many types of sex crimes ranging from the sexual exploitation of a minor to forcible rape. While each sex crime has a specific definition under the law, they are all based on some type of sexual activity that is done by force, without the consent of the other person, committed against a minor, or against someone who does not have the capacity to consent or understand what is being done, such as the mentally disabled. Sex crimes can range from unwanted physical contact with another’s sexual body parts, whether directly or through the person’s clothing, to actual sexual acts, such as intercourse.

North Carolina does not have a statute of limitations on any sex offenses, including felony sex crimes. This ruling means that a prosecutor can file felony charges against a suspected abuser at any time. 

Examples of sex crimes include: 

• Forcible rape
• Sexual assault
• Sexual abuse
• Statutory rape of a child by an adult
• Forcible sexual offense
• Statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult
• Sexual activity by a substitute parent or custodian
• Sexual activity with a student
• Sexual battery
• Sexual contact or penetration under the pretext of medical treatment
• Possession of child pornography
• Prostitution
• Solicitation
• Human trafficking

What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in North Carolina?

The penalties you will face if convicted of a sex crime will depend on whether the offense has been prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony and your prior criminal history. Misdemeanors are generally punished by up to a year in jail and fines assessed at the discretion of the court. Felonies are categorized by Class with Class A being the most severe and punished by life in prison or death down to Class I punishable by up to 12 months of incarceration.

Examples of specific sex crime penalties include:

• First-Degree Forcible Rape and First-Degree Statutory Rape: 144 months to life in prison without parole.
• Second-Degree Forcible Rape: 44 months up to 182 months.
• Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult: 300 months to life in prison without parole.
• Statutory Rape of a Person 15 Years Old or Younger: As a Class B1 felony, 144 months to life without parole. As a Class C felony, 44 to 182 months.
• Sexual Battery: One day up to 150 days in prison with fines at the discretion of the court.

In addition to the above penalties, if you are convicted of a “reportable offense,” you will have to register as a sex offender in the state for 30 years. You may petition the court to be removed after 10 years. Reportable offenses range from sexual battery to rape, forcible sex crimes, and more.  

Stages of a Sex Crime Trial in North Carolina

The proceedings of a sex crime trial will depend on the circumstances of your case. 

Basic steps generally include:

• Investigation
• Arrest
• First appearance in which your bond is reviewed, and you are advised of your rights
• Entry of your plea
• Trial 
• Sentencing
• Appeal if you believe the verdict or your sentencing was done in error

You should bring in our attorney as soon as possible, preferably at the investigation stage. Early intervention from a professional can often have valuable and positive effects on the process. 

Contact Us Today

At Eustache Law, our Winston-Salem sex crime attorney has years of experience in defending clients against these allegations. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, we will work relentlessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome. 

Facing criminal sex charges in NC? Contact us for a free case evaluation.