The Experienced Legal Help You Need When Facing North Carolina Sex Crimes Charges
When it comes to sex offenses, accusations alone can be enough to destroy a person’s reputation. Things only get worse from there. It should go without saying that if you’ve been charged with a sex crime, you don’t need a lecture or condemnation – you need the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney.
In Greensboro and throughout Guilford County, look no further than Aberle & Connolly, PLLC. Our firm’s sex crime lawyers provide supportive, nonjudgmental representation backed by more than 30 years of combined legal experience. Attorney Brennan Aberle has been named a board-certified specialist in state criminal law by the North Carolina State Bar Association. Attorney Julie Connolly is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to better serve and connect with a diverse group of clients in the Greensboro area. Together, they provide compassionate and client-focused representation rooted in hope rather than fear.
Comprehensive And Holistic Representation By Lawyers Who Care About Your Future
Our attorneys are ready to defend you against any state or federal sex crimes charges, including those alleging:
- Forcible rape
- Statutory rape and other offenses involving minor victims
- Sexual assault and battery
- Sexual act between a student and a school employee
- Possession, distribution or manufacturing of child pornography
- Prostitution and solicitation
- Indecent exposure
- Failure to register as a sex offender
You need an attorney who cares about your rights, freedom and future as much as you do. When you work with our firm, you can be confident that our sex crime lawyers will be by your side throughout the duration of your case and beyond. They provide holistic representation to address your criminal charges and all related issues, including sex offender registration and controversial sentencing provisions like satellite-based GPS monitoring. Because of our firm’s extensive work with clients who are noncitizen residents of the United States, our attorneys are also very mindful of how criminal charges can negatively impact immigration status.
Our firm’s ongoing advocacy for those we represent is one of many reasons why we have earned the respect of the local legal community and come highly recommended by former clients.
Answers To Common Questions About Sex Offense Charges
Below, we’ve provided answers to questions our attorneys are regularly asked by prospective clients. They are ready to answer any additional questions you may have during a free initial consultation.
Do I need an attorney to fight North Carolina sex crime charges?
Yes, hiring an attorney is crucial when you are charged with a sex offense. The legal system can be complex, and sex crime charges carry serious consequences, including potential prison time, fines, and a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.
An attorney will help you understand the charges against you as well as all available defense options. When contacted early, our attorneys can often argue for reduced or dismissed charges and/or negotiate with prosecutors to obtain a plea deal that is more favorable than the one they were initially offering. If you decide that your case needs to go to trial, our sex crime lawyers will immediately begin preparing a thorough defense strategy.
Will I have to register as a sex offender in North Carolina?
Whether you need to register as a sex offender depends on the nature of the crime and the court’s decision. North Carolina law requires individuals convicted of certain sex crimes to register with the state’s sex offender registry, including anyone convicted of a sexually violent crime or an offense involving minor victims.
Becoming a registered sex offender will have significant long-term consequences, including restrictions on where you can live and work. It’s important to explore all defense strategies to avoid ending up on the sex offender registry, if at all possible.
When is a person unable to consent to sexual activity?
In North Carolina, a person is considered unable to consent to sexual activity under several circumstances. Consent cannot be given if the individual is:
- Under the age of 16 (with some exceptions based on the age of the other party)
- Mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, whether due to drugs, alcohol, cognitive disability or other reasons
- Asleep, unconscious or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring
Consent also cannot be used as a defense when a teacher, coach or other school employee engages in sexual acts with a student who is at least four years younger. This is true even if the student has reached the age of consent.
Talk To Lawyers Who Are On Your Side – Contact Us Today
From our office in Greensboro, Aberle & Connolly, PLLC, serves clients throughout Guilford County. To schedule a free initial consultation with our North Carolina sex crime lawyers, call 336-900-5452 or submit an online contact form.