Carolina Criminal & DUI Lawyer BlogWhat Does the Law Require? What are Possible Consequences? Talk to a Lawyer. Statutory Rape and Sex Offenses in North Carolina
The consequences for violating Sex Offense Laws in North Carolina are extremely serious – Bill Powers
First-Degree Statutory Rape:
- Engages in Vaginal Intercourse with Victim
- Victim is Child Under the Age of 13 Years AND
- Defendant At Least 12 Years Old AND
- Defendant At Least Four Years Older than Victim
More Information: How to Retain a Criminal Defense Attorney in Charlotte
Statutory Rape of Person 15 Years of Age or Younger:
- Vaginal Intercourse
- Victim “Person” is 15 Years of Age or Younger AND
- Defendant is At Least 12 Years Old AND
- Defendant is At Least Six Years Older
- EXCEPT if Defendant is Lawfully Married to the “Person”
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Modified Transcript of “Statutory Rape and Sex Offenses in North Carolina” for the Hearing Impaired
This may seem like a somewhat odd question. We see these on a pretty regular basis and the question is, “I’m 16 and pregnant and my boyfriend is 20. Will he be in trouble with the law. I live in North Carolina.” Gracious, that is a complicated one for multiple different reasons and we see these questions all the time about whether or not a certain age person can have sexual relations with someone of another age and whether that’s legal or illegal.
My first rule of thumb is to say, “I’m glad you’re calling and I’m glad you’re emailing. This is really, really serious, and if you get it wrong, it can be a felony.” There are some circumstances where we’re looking at statutory rape. There are other circumstances where we’re looking at a sex offense. There are other instances where it can be a violation of both state and federal law.
Because of the complexity, there’s no real good, specific answer I can give to you on video. We like to ask a lot of questions. We like to figure out what the background circumstances are. Now the vast majority of the cases where people call, there have been criminal charges brought or there may be some level of criminal investigation. It makes sense to speak with an attorney without delay to make sure that you are effectuating certain legal rights that you may have regarding a right to remain silent, a right not to incriminate yourself.
If that’s the case, get on the phone, whether it’s with us or someone else, and speak with a lawyer quickly. Most criminal defense, and at least we do in North Carolina, provide a free, confidential consultation. If we think we can help you out, if we think that this is a set of circumstances where you need a lawyer, we’ll tell you that. Only when and if you decide to retain our services do we send you any kind of bill or invoicing. Again, very, very serious. Very, very complicated law in North Carolina. I encourage you, speak to a lawyer without delay. Don’t take a chance with this one. Look forward to hearing from you.