Sampson County Sex Crime Lawyer

Sampson County Sex Crime Attorney

A conviction for a sex crime can lead to heavy penalties and serious challenges in finding employment or housing. If you are charged with committing a sex crime in Onslow County or Sampson County, you can rely on a Sampson County sex crime lawyer to handle your defense. With legal representation, your attorney can help reduce the penalties you are facing.

The lawyers with Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, have helped many clients receive favorable outcomes to their sex crime charges. Depending on the evidence we uncover and the success of our negotiations with prosecutors, the crime you are charged with could be reduced to a lesser crime.

Why Choose Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC

If you are facing a sex crime charge, your very freedom could be at stake. Sex crimes can lead to serious penalties that could include mandatory prison time. Having a strong legal defense strategy can improve the odds that your case is resolved on favorable terms.

Residents in Sampson County trust Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, to defend them in criminal court because our legal team includes former prosecutors who understand how the court system works. Our seasoned trial lawyers can customize a legal defense strategy that gets your side of the story across and questions the narrative being portrayed by prosecutors.

Common Sex Crimes in Sampson County

Sex crimes in Sampson County include offenses that can be tried as anything from a low misdemeanor to the most severe of felonies in North Carolina. If you are facing criminal charges for these and other crimes, our lawyers can represent you in court so you do not face the worst-case outcome of your case.

• Statutory rape: Forcing someone to have sex in Sampson County is a serious offense that can come with a lengthy prison sentence, even for first-time offenders. Statutory rape refers to any sexual intercourse that involves someone under the age of consent. Depending on the age difference between the defendant and the victim, the charge can escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony. Even consensual relationships can lead to statutory rape charges if one party is a minor.
• Sexual assault: Forced sex that uses coercion or physical force can lead to the assailant being charged with sexual assault. Assault can also occur when someone has intercourse with someone who is intoxicated or mentally incapacitated. The charges can be elevated to felony charges when force or threats are involved.
• Indecent exposure: Revealing one’s genitals in public is more than an obscenity. The act can lead to criminal charges. In some cases, the act can lead to more than a misdemeanor offense, especially when the acts are repeated or involve minors.
• Child pornography: Anyone found in possession of child pornography can be sentenced to a long time in prison and levied with hefty fines and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

No matter which type of sex crime you are charged with, having legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A criminal defense attorney can be a formidable ally when you are facing potentially serious criminal penalties.

Criminal Defense Strategies for Sex Crimes

Each criminal case is unique and requires an open-minded and informed perspective when crafting a legal defense strategy. Consent plays a role in many sex cases. If the victim’s narrative is inconsistent, that could strengthen your case. Victims are sometimes motivated to make accusations that absolve them from past embarrassing decisions they’ve made.

Mistaken identity could be another defense, especially in a rape or sexual assault case. When a crime happens in the dark, eyewitness testimony can be unreliable. Demonstrating that the prosecution lacks credible evidence can also undermine the state’s case against you, especially due to the high burden prosecutors have to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

FAQs About Sampson County, NC Sex Crime Laws

What Is a Tier One Sex Offender in North Carolina?

Tier one sex offenders are considered low-level offenders in North Carolina. They may receive this designation following a conviction for indecent exposure or certain types of non-violent offenses like possession of child pornography. These individuals are required to register as sex offenders but for shorter periods than higher tiers. Speak with an experienced sex crime lawyer for further information.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Sex Crimes in North Carolina?

The statute of limitations for a sex crime depends on the crime in question. A serious felony sex crime has a statute of up to 15 years. A lower Class E felony sex crime has a statute of two years. If you were charged with a sex crime multiple years after the crime was said to have occurred, you could consult with a criminal defense attorney to see if prosecutors failed to meet the state’s statute of limitations.

What Is a First-Degree Sex Offense in North Carolina?

A first-degree sex offense in North Carolina is a potential B1 felony upon conviction. An individual is guilty of this offense if they commit a sexual act with a child under 13 years old, provided the defendant is at least 12 years old and is at least four years older than the victim. This offense carries severe legal consequences upon conviction.

What Is the Sentence for Sex Offenders in North Carolina?

Sentencing for sex offenders in North Carolina depends on the severity of the crime. For first-degree sex offenses, sentences can include life imprisonment without parole. Less severe offenses may result in shorter jail or prison sentences. First-time offenders may be able to settle their cases with probation with the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Schedule Your Sex Crime Consultation Today

Facing sex crime charges can make the weight of the criminal justice system feel overwhelming. Securing legal representation can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your case. If you are facing criminal charges, you can trust Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC’s legal team, to defend your rights in court.

Many of our lawyers are former prosecutors. We know how the criminal justice system works and how to secure favorable outcomes for our clients. Once we review your case, one of our attorneys can begin formulating a legal strategy that helps you achieve your goals. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.