Arrested Doesn’t Mean Guilty

Protecting Your Rights And Reputation In Sex Crime Cases

Being charged with a sex crime is one of the most humiliating and embarrassing things that can happen to a person in North Carolina. Not only does the charge itself spark public shame, but in many cases, the charges are not even true. Being convicted of a sex crime charge is even worse since, in many cases, it involves an active prison sentence, a social stigma of being labeled a sex offender and a requirement to register. This sex offender registration stays with a person for years after getting out of prison, prevents a person from living near a school and involves many other daily hassles that are not part of normal life.

Police Sex Crime Investigations

When being investigated by police for a crime, many people feel – especially if they did not do it – that it’s OK to speak with the police. This is wrong. Never speak to the police without first speaking to a lawyer. What Hollywood doesn’t teach us is that the police can lie to you to get a confession.

Remember, in all the movies, when the characters are buying drugs and they ask the seller if they’re a cop? This is always followed by “you know you have to tell me if you are.” This is a Hollywood myth. The police don’t have to tell you anything. The only reason the police want to speak with you is to help them make a case against you. There have been numerous studies on false confessions (just look at the documentary section of any of your favorite streaming services) and all of them point to the fact that the police use interrogation techniques taught to them to extract information that is sometimes found to be untrue. This is especially true in sex crimes cases and is even more horrifying in those cases involving minors.

Our attorneys at The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, have experience dealing with sex crimes charges ranging from misdemeanor sex crimes, like prostitution and sexual battery, all the way to felony rape. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.

Sex Crimes In North Carolina

There are numerous types of sex crimes that can be charged in North Carolina. They vary in degree and severity, including both felony and misdemeanor offenses. The punishment for a conviction depends on the type of charge. Below, you can find a listing of many sex crimes that our firm confidently handles.

Rape:

  • First-Degree Forcible Rape
  • Second-Degree Forcible Rape
  • First-Degree Statutory Rape
  • Statutory Rape by an Adult
  • Statutory Rape of a Person 15 or Younger by a Defendant Who Is at Least 12 Years Old and at Least Six Years Older Than the Victim
  • Statutory Rape of a Person 15 or Younger by a Defendant Who Is at Least 12 Years Old and Is More Than Four but Less Than Six Years Older Than the Victim

Sexual Offenses:

  • First-Degree Forcible Sexual Offense
  • Second-Degree Forcible Sexual Offense
  • First-Degree Statutory Sexual Offense
  • Statutory Sexual Offense by an Adult
  • Statutory Sexual Offense by a Person 15 or Younger by a Defendant Who Is at Least 12 Years Old and Is at Least Six Years Older Than the Victim
  • Statutory Sexual Offense by a Person 15 or Younger by a Defendant Who Is at Least 12 Years Old and Is More Than Four but Less Than Six Years Older Than the Victim

Sexual Activity By A Substitute Parent

Sexual Activity By A Custodian

Sexual Activity With A Student:

  • Sexual Activity with a Student by a Teacher, School Administrator, Student Teacher, Coach or School Safety Officer
  • Sexual Activity with a Student by School Personnel Other Than a Teacher, School Administrator, Student Teacher, Coach or School Safety Officer Who is at Least Four Years Older Than the Student
  • Sexual Activity with a Student by School Personnel Other Than a Teacher, School Administrator, Student Teacher, Coach or School Safety Officer Who is Less Than Four Years Older Than the Student

Indecent Liberties:

  • Indecent Liberties with a Child
  • Indecent Liberties between Children
  • Taking Indecent Liberties with a Student by a Teacher, School Administrator, Student Teacher, School Safety Officer or Coach
  • Taking Indecent Liberties with a Student by School Personnel Other Than a Teacher, School Administrator, Student Teacher, School Safety Officer or Coach Who is at Least Four Years Older Than the Student
  • Taking Indecent Liberties with a Student by a Teacher, School Administrator, Student Teacher, School Safety Officer or Coach Who is Less Than Four Years Older Than the Student

Sexual Battery

Solicitation Of A Child By Computer Or Other Electronic Device:

  • Solicitation of a Child by Computer or Other Electronic Device to commit an Unlawful Sex Act
  • Solicitation of a Child by Computer or Other Electronic Device to commit an Unlawful Sex Act Resulting in Appearance at a Meeting Location

Sex Offender Crimes

Crime Against Nature

Incest Offenses:

  • Incest
  • Incest with a Child Under 13
  • Incest with a Child Who is 13, 14 or 15 Years Old by a Defendant Who is at Least Six Years Older Than the Victim
  • Incest with a Child Who is 13, 14 or 15 Years Old by a Defendant Who is More Than Four but Less Than Six Years Older Than the Victim

Bigamy

Fornication And Adultery:

Indecent Exposure:

  • Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure
  • Use of Premises for Indecent Exposure
  • Felony Indecent Exposure

Peeping:

  • Peeping Into a Room Occupied by Another
  • Peeping Underneath or Through Clothing
  • Peeping While Possessing a Device Capable of Creating a Photographic Image
  • Peeping Using a Photographic Imaging Device
  • Secretly Using a Photographic Imaging Device to View Another’s Body or Undergarments
  • Secretly Using or Installing a Photographic Imaging Device to Arouse or Gratify Sexual Desire
  • Possessing a Photographic Image Obtained in Violation of the Peeping Statute
  • Disseminating Images Obtained in Violation of the Peeping Statute

Prostitution:

  • Prostitution
  • Solicitation of Prostitution
  • Patronizing a Prostitute
  • Promoting Prostitution
  • Promoting Prostitution of a Minor or Mentally Disabled Person

Obscenity:

  • Disseminating Obscenity
  • Creating, Buying, Procuring or Possessing Obscenity with Intent to Distribute
  • Advertising or Promoting the Sale of Obscene Material
  • Using a Minor to Assist in an Obscenity Offense
  • Disseminating Obscene Material to a Minor Under 16
  • Disseminating Obscene Material to a Minor Under 13

Disseminating And Exhibiting Material Harmful To Minors:

  • Displaying Material Harmful to Minors
  • Disseminating Material Harmful to Minors

Exhibiting A Performance Harmful To Minors:

Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor:

  • First-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
  • Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
  • Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Adult Establishment Offenses

Disclosure Of Private Images

If you are facing any of the above charges, it is essential that you get in touch with our firm as soon as possible. The sooner we become involved in your case, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights.

Hire A Winston-Salem Sex Crimes Attorney

Remember, in sex crime cases, you need a lawyer you can trust. You need a lawyer who has handled serious sex crime cases before to help guide your case and give professional advice as your case makes its way through the criminal justice system in North Carolina. Our attorneys at The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, can help you get the best possible results in your case. Call us today at 336-646-7775 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation about your matter.