Kernersville Sex Crime Lawyer

Kernersville Sex Crime Attorney

Being charged with a sex crime can disrupt your life entirely. Individuals accused of a sexual offense should seek out a Kernersville sex crime lawyer as soon as possible. The risks to your freedom are too great for you to ignore the potential consequences of a conviction. Retaining legal counsel will enable you to formulate an effective defensive strategy.

The criminal defense attorneys at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, are here to help you determine the most appropriate course of action you should take regarding your case. Our knowledgeable and experienced team of sex crime lawyers can help you navigate the criminal justice system while advocating for you throughout the entirety of your case.

About Us

LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, has offices in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina. Our team primarily handles cases involving criminal defense, and we are prepared to work hard to defend you. J. Scott Smith, named one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the nation, and Sam Moore have years of experience helping criminal defendants formulate effective defensive strategies.

Laws Regarding Sex Crimes in North Carolina

The primary statute delineating sex crimes in North Carolina is Article 7B of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes. The sex offenses outlined in this statute include first-degree forcible rape, first-degree forcible sexual offense, and sexual battery. Understanding the specific charge you are facing will help you contextualize your case and begin to create a defensive strategy tailored to your specific needs.

Other common sex offenses in North Carolina are pimping, internet sex crimes, and indecent liberties with a juvenile. Every criminal offense contains elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can work tirelessly to use all the available evidence to raise any doubt that you committed a crime.

The Importance of Evidence in Defenses to Sex Crime Cases

One of the most important things a criminal defense attorney can do when handling a sex crime case is scrutinize the evidence the state uses to prosecute a defendant. Police reports, witness statements, and records of online communication are some of the types of evidence relevant to sex offense cases. A common defense involves an alleged victim who fabricates allegations of rape or sexual assault.

DNA testing, rape kits, and other physical evidence are also critical to defensive strategies in sex crime cases. The prosecution is required to turn over all evidence to a defendant’s legal counsel. Therefore, the state cannot hide the evidence it uses against you, and you have the right to contest the evidence by scrutinizing its validity. Understanding these rights will help you determine the right course of action to take to protect your liberty.

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer

It is in your legal interest to hire a sex crime lawyer if you are facing accusations regarding a sex offense in Kernersville, North Carolina. The criminal justice system is complex, and many nuances regarding criminal procedure can have a profound effect on the outcome of your case. Retaining a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney at our firm means protecting your legal rights.

We can review your case, scrutinize evidence, and ensure you get the most effective defense possible based on your case circumstances, even if that means negotiating a plea deal for lighter penalties. If your case proceeds to trial in the Forsyth County Superior Court, we can aggressively represent and advocate for you.

FAQs

Is North Carolina Strict on Sex Offenders?

Yes, North Carolina is strict on sex offenders.  In 2024, the rate of registered sex offenders in North Carolina was 266 per 100,000 residents. Individuals convicted of sex crimes face limitations on where they can live, work, and travel. Convicted sex offenders cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school, childcare center, or playground. They also cannot loiter where children tend to congregate.

Can Skinny Dipping Lead to Sex Crime Charges in North Carolina?

Yes, skinny dipping can lead to sex crime charges in North Carolina, depending on the circumstances, such as who can see it and where it happens. Under indecent exposure laws, it is illegal to expose the private parts of one’s body in public places, such as beaches, parks, and public access points. Indecent exposure is a Class 2 misdemeanor under North Carolina law.

What Can You Not Do as a Sex Offender in North Carolina?

The list of things you cannot do as a sex offender in North Carolina includes living within a certain distance of a school, park, or childcare center, working in professions associated with childcare or educating children, and restrictions on internet use and domestic travel.

What Happens if You Don’t Register as a Sex Offender in North Carolina?

If you don’t register as a sex offender in North Carolina, you will be arrested and charged with a Class F felony. This could mean years of incarceration, fines, and lifetime registration on the sex offender registry. If you are ordered to register as a sex offender, it is vital that you do so to avoid more severe penalties.

Reach Out to LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC Today

It is often isolating and fearful to deal with being charged with a sex crime. It is essential that you consider all the legal options available to you so you can protect yourself. The criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, are prepared to help you determine the legal defenses that may apply to your case. Our team has years of trial experience, and we can speak on your behalf in and out of court.

If you are seeking a sex crimes lawyer in Kernersville, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation during which we can examine the facts of your case. Our team is ready to scrutinize police reports, body cam footage, and written statements related to the charges filed against you. You are not alone during this difficult time, and we are standing by to help you when you decide to reach out to LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC.