Home » Practice Areas » North Carolina Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
In North Carolina, sexual exploitation of a minor involves making, distributing, or possessing child pornography. These charges are treated as felonies, and you’ll be charged according to the NC felony sentencing guidelines. Unfortunately, you cannot use mistaking their ages as a defense in a court of law. You’ll still face the law as long as the pornographic material has anyone below 18 years.
This is the first step toward securing your confidential consultation with an experienced attorney by phone, virtually, or in-office.
Sexual exploitation of a minor is taken as a serious offense, and these cases are harshly punished in the criminal justice system. You’ll also have to register as a sexual offender, which can be damaging to your life in a number of ways. That’s why, at King Law, we have experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorneys ready to fight for your rights. If you’ve been accused of sexually exploiting a minor, it’s best to contact a lawyer right away to discuss your rights and legal options.
In the modern era, you could find yourself committing a sexual exploitation offense on your computer, over the internet, and even on your smartphone. The repercussions of this offense depend on the degree of the crime. Under the NC state and federal laws, there are three degrees of sexual exploitation of minors. These are:
You’ll be charged with first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor in NC if you knowingly:
Generally, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is committed by anyone who facilitates or is involved in the production and participation of minors in sexual activities. This is a Class C felony in North Carolina that carries a sentence of at least 51 to 64 months for first-time offenders.
A person will be charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor if they:
This is a Class E felony, with offenders receiving a possible sentence of 15 to 31 months.
To be accused of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, the prosecutor will find you in possession of material containing a visual representation of a minor engaging in sexual activities and are aware of the character and content of the material. This is a Class H felony, punishable with a 4 to 8 month sentence.
Typically, being charged with sexual exploitation attracts a heavy penalty. The penalties are even worse for offenders previously convicted of any sexual offense. Therefore, don’t hesitate to contact King Law lawyers for help if you are accused of any of these crimes.
In addition to a prison sentence, a person convicted of sexually exploiting a minor must register on the North Carolina sex offender registry. Once registered, you’ll remain on the list until a court of law says otherwise. With this registry available to the public, finding yourself on this list could have long-term consequences for your life. Some of these include:
Once convicted, you’ll be branded a sexual offender, irrespective of the nature of your case. You can prevent this by hiring a reputable criminal defense lawyer who cares about your well-being.
If you’re being investigated or charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, you should immediately get help from an experienced NC criminal defense attorney who has handled sexual exploitation cases before. They will guide you through the case, saving you from making mistakes that could worsen your situation.
North Carolina law enforcement and prosecutors take sexual exploitation offenses seriously and try their best to inflict the maximum penalties the law allows. Therefore, you’ll need an outstanding criminal lawyer who will not only build a solid defense against your charges, but also ensure your rights are protected.
Depending on the nature of your case, you could have strong defenses that could help your case. However, you should remember that mistaking age is not a defense. With that said, here are a few possible defenses to the charges you face:
An experienced sexual exploitation criminal defense attorney at King Law will analyze your case and find the best defense to help ensure you get a favorable outcome.
Sexual exploitation of a minor includes creating, possessing, or distributing any media involving a minor in sexual acts. This also includes using or facilitating a minor’s participation in such acts for the purpose of creating pornography. This can lead to charges ranging from third-degree exploitation of a minor to first-degree, depending on the actions involved.
There are three degrees:
Yes. North Carolina law does not accept age ignorance as a defense. Even if you mistakenly believed the person was of legal age, you can still face charges such as second-degree exploitation of a minor if the materials involve someone under 18.
Penalties vary by degree:
Yes. A conviction for any level of exploitation, including third-degree exploitation of a minor, requires registration on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This registration is often lifelong and comes with major restrictions on residency, employment, and public perception.
Defenses include:
An attorney will:
Immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. Don’t speak to law enforcement alone. Whether facing second-degree exploitation of a minor or other serious charges, early legal guidance is critical to protect your future.
Expungement in North Carolina is the legal process of petitioning a court to remove a charge or conviction…
Television courtroom dramas often focus on intense jury trials, giving those accused the impression that this is how…
Downloadable guides, checklists, and tools to help you navigate the child support process.
TOOL • All States
Our criminal law attorneys defend clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in North and South Carolina. We understand how intimidating it is to be charged with a crime and face the criminal justice system.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
When facing sexual exploitation charges in North Carolina, your criminal defense should start as soon as possible. This is because sexual exploitation is a serious crime that could have devastating consequences on your life. Therefore, you’ll need a defense lawyer specializing in defending people accused of sexual exploitation to fight your case.
At King Law, we understand how complicated it is to fight allegations of sexual exploitation. Our experienced lawyers have proven experience and will mount an aggressive defense on your behalf. We are committed to providing you with the best legal representation in your case. Fill out our contact form or call us at (888) 748-5464 or (888) 748-5464 for a consultation on how we can fight for you and help you overcome your charges.
