Sentencing After A Sex Offense Conviction In North Carolina

If you are facing criminal charges related to a sexually-based offense, whether you are being investigated or have already been arrested and charged, you need an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer. The penalties for sex crimes are harsh, in both the North Carolina criminal justice system and the federal system.

In North Carolina, you can generally expect a registration requirement if you are convicted of a sex-based offense. If you are sentenced to prison, once you are released, you will be forced to register as a sex offender and be subject to the restrictions placed on where a registered offender can live and work. Even if you do not end up in prison, you may still face long-term registration requirements. For instance, sexual battery is a misdemeanor crime in North Carolina and may not always result in an active prison sentence. A conviction for sexual battery may, however, trigger a 30-year sex-offender-registry requirement.

Felony sex offenses are sentenced according to an enhanced structured sentencing grid in North Carolina. The maximum penalties applicable to sex crimes are much higher than the regular structured sentencing grid. The maximum penalties for felony sex offenses that include a sex offender registry requirement are generally at least five more years than the minimum.

A felony sex offense conviction will also mean a five year period of post-release supervision. You may also be subjected to GPS monitoring for up to the rest of your life, depending on the offense involved.

To Learn More: What Can You Expect If Convicted Of An NC Sex Offense?