New Bern Sex Crimes Lawyers Provide Staunch Defense
North Carolina sex offense lawyers challenge the prosecution’s case against you
Any arrest can place your future in jeopardy, but being arrested for a sex crime exposes you to even greater public humiliation that can last the rest of your life. At the Carolina Law Group, led by Tommy Kellis, we believe you are entitled to the presumption of innocence and a robust defense. We provide highly professional representation that challenges the elements of the case against you, while avoiding undue publicity that could damage your reputation, even if you are later exonerated. We seek resolutions that uphold your rights and mitigate the consequences of your arrest. If your case must go to trial, you can rely on our courtroom skills as we fight for the best possible results.
Common sex crime charges in North Carolina
Crimes of a sexual nature are on the rise across the country. Common offenses in North Carolina include:
- Forcible rape
- Forcible sexual offense
- Statutory sexual offense
- Statutory rape
- Exploitation of a minor
- Sexual battery
- Indecent liberties with children
- Child pornography
- Sex trafficking
- Solicitation of a minor
- Sexual activity with a student
If you are charged with a sex crime, you face aggressive prosecution and the possibility of lengthy incarceration, as well as the requirement to register as a sex offender for life. Our skilled attorneys will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf.
Punishment for sex crimes in North Carolina
North Carolina law assigns punishments based on the class of crime, where a Class A crime is the most serious. Other classes include:
- Class B1 — Offenses in Class B1 are considered to be serious sex crimes, with convictions involving sentences ranging from 12 years to life in prison without parole. Class B1 crimes include first-degree rape, rape of a child, statutory rape of a minor age 13, 14, or 15 when the defendant is more than six years older, first-degree forcible sex offense, and sexual offense against a child.
- Class B2 — An example is attempted rape, calling for a sentence of anywhere between 94 to 393 months in jail.
- Class C —Offenses include second-degree rape; statutory rape of a minor age 13, 14, or 15 when the defendant is between four and six years older; second-degree forcible sex offense. This level offense comes with a sentence of 44 to 182 months in prison.
- Class D — First-degree sexual exploitation of a minor draws a sentence of 38 to 160 months in prison.
- Class E — Child molestation is an offense that earns 15 to 63 months in prison.
- Class F — Sexual exploitation of a minor draws a sentence of 10 to 41 months in prison.
- Class I — Third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor garners three months to a year in jail.
The court will also consider the defendant’s prior record when sentencing.
Potential defenses against sex crime charges in North Carolina
Depending on the facts, a defendant can have viable defenses to a sex crime allegation, such as:
- False accusation
- Mistaken identity
- Consent of the alleged victim
- Tainted DNA testing
Our attorneys scrutinize the evidence and challenge every element of the case against you in pursuit of an acquittal or a favorable plea deal.
Mandatory sex offender registration
If you are convicted of a sex crime, the court will require you to register on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry, which in turn reports to the National Sex Offender Registry. This requirement means you must:
- Register with local law enforcement within a stated period following your conviction or your release from prison
- Reverify your registration information with local law enforcement periodically, as required
- Update any information as it changes
- Provide a current photograph upon law enforcement’s request
After you register, your photograph, home address and details of your conviction will available to the public on the sex offender registry.
With the stakes this high, it’s vital to have an attorney on your side who will fight the charges you’re facing.
Contact our New Bern defense lawyers to fight sex crime charges
The Carolina Law Group, led by Tommy Kellis, provides determined defense to sex crime charges in New Bern, Morehead City and the vicinity. Call us today at 252-636-3737 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
