Age of Consent

At The Olsinski Law Firm, we handle criminal defense for sex crimes with a focused understanding of the age of consent laws in Charlotte, North Carolina. Navigating through these sensitive cases, we provide our clients with the knowledge and support necessary to understand their rights and the legal implications of their situations. Our approach is tailored to the unique aspects of each case, ensuring that our clients receive personalized and effective legal counsel.

We pride ourselves on offering high-quality representation throughout every stage of the legal process. Our commitment to building and maintaining a close attorney-client relationship means we work diligently to protect your interests and uphold your rights. We understand the importance of clear communication and trust in these challenging times. Contact a Charlotte sex crimes defense lawyer at 704-405-2580 to secure your dedicated and compassionate legal support.

In North Carolina, the age of consent law is designed to protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse. The age of consent is established at 16 years old, meaning individuals under this age are legally considered incapable of consenting to sexual activity. Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal if the accused is at least four years older than the minor and is 12 years of age or older, the minimum age at which an individual can be prosecuted for this crime.

North Carolina's Romeo and Juliet Exception

The state acknowledges the Romeo and Juliet exception, which provides leniency for consensual sexual relationships between minors who are close in age. According to North Carolina law, this exception is applicable when the individuals involved are less than four years apart in age, and it prevents the older party from facing statutory rape charges if the younger party is at least 16 years old. This law recognizes the difference between exploitative relationships and those where parties are similarly aged and consensually involved.

Understanding North Carolina's age of consent laws is crucial, as they play a major role in determining the legality of sexual activities, particularly between adults and minors. The offenses related to the age of consent encompass a range of illegal acts that exploit or harm minors. A Charlotte age of consent attorney can help you understand the potential charges and consequences you face in these cases.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a person who is under the age of consent (16 years old), where the defendant is significantly older, typically at least four years older than the victim.

Sexual Activity with a Minor

This offense includes various forms of sexual contact with minors who are below the age of consent beyond just intercourse.

Indecent Liberties with a Child

Indecent liberties with a child involves committing lewd and lascivious acts in the presence of or with a child under the age of consent.

Child Exploitation

It encompasses creating, distributing, or possessing child pornography or engaging in child prostitution.

Solicitation of a Minor

Using the Internet or other means to communicate with a minor for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual conduct. Offenses involving the age of consent in North Carolina are taken seriously and carry severe penalties. It is important to understand that these laws are not just about the physical act of sexual intercourse; they also cover other forms of sexual contact and exploitative behaviors.

North Carolina's legal system treats matters involving the age of consent with great seriousness to safeguard minors' rights and well-being. Therefore, those entangled in these legal matters must secure competent legal representation to navigate the complexities of sex crime charges effectively.

The penalties for statutory rape in North Carolina vary, depending on the age of the accused and the victim. The state's legal system categorizes these offenses into different degrees of severity, with potential consequences ranging from short-term imprisonment and probation for less severe cases to long-term imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration for more egregious violations. The age of the accused and the age difference between the parties play a crucial role in determining the severity of the sentence. A

In North Carolina, viable defenses to sex crimes, such as statutory rape charges, can include proving that the sexual activity was consensual and that both parties were of legal age or that the age difference falls within the Romeo and Juliet exemption. Additional defenses may include challenging the accuracy of the age claimed by the alleged victim or disputing the evidence presented by the prosecution. Legal representation from a skilled Charlotte age of consent defense attorney is essential in these cases to navigate the complexities of the law and ensure a fair trial.

If you were recently arrested and charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you have a Charlotte sex crimes attorney who will take your case as seriously as you do. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our team of attorneys has extensive experience successfully representing clients charged with statutory rape, solicitation of a minor and other child sex offenses. We understand the stakes these cases present and are prepared to provide you with the defense you need, deserve, and are legally entitled to. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our Charlotte criminal defense lawyers, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach our Cabarrus County defense attorneys at 704-918-4747. We represent clients in Charlotte, Concord, and Kannapolis, as well as throughout Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, and Union Counties.