The recent sentencing of a 28-year-old Gaston County man for multiple sex offenses, including second-degree sex offense of a child and one count of indecent liberties with a child, reveals the severe consequences that a conviction or guilty plea can bring. Marcus Stephen Archer pleaded guilty to two of six counts and faces up to ten years in prison as well as lifetime registration as a sex offender. He will also be required to submit to satellite monitoring after his release from prison.
Archer admits not remembering the events due to heavy drug use during the time the offenses were committed, when the victim was between five and eight years old. Such circumstances underscore the particular difficulties of sex crimes allegations involving child victims, as well as the potential for false allegations of molestation. In such cases, a defendant must employ an aggressive criminal defense strategy that also recognizes the sensitive nature of legal processes involving children, and proceed cautiously when using expert witnesses to discuss the more difficult aspects of child sexual abuse allegations.
Sex crimes trials are often the subject of intense media scrutiny and public attention. Either during trial or at a sentencing hearing, a skilled North Carolina sex crimes lawyer can strive to explain mitigating factors such as drug addiction while asserting and protecting a client's rights and the constitutional presumption of innocence.
A North Carolina Defense Attorney Can Explain Your Rights in a Moment of Crisis
Facing a sex crimes investigation and prosecution is a deeply challenging matter that requires deliberate action and experienced counsel. Under North Carolina criminal law, any allegation from lewd behavior or indecent exposure to statutory rape, sexual assault or an internet sex crime can lead to felony charges.
A swift response is important, because even in cases involving fabricated, malicious allegations of illegal behavior, a defendant's reputation can suffer immediate and enduring harm. An aggressive criminal defense lawyer can investigate the circumstances and assert every protection the law provides for a client.
