Sexual Assault in Wilmington, NC
Sexual assault can be considered by anyone as an offense in perhaps any part of the country. This is commonly the case when the defendant has one or more victims subjected to unwanted and even offensive sexual acts. These range from groping to even rape. However, some states have different laws on different subjects. The case is just the same in North Carolina.
A Wilmington criminal defense attorney can help you with your case.
Sexual Assault Charges
In North Carolina, sexual assault laws and crime classifications are identical to the state’s rape laws. However, North Carolina still defines rape as involving vaginal penetration. Meanwhile, forced anal penetration is charged as a sexual offense. Regardless, both charges can result to conviction with 44 months to a lifetime in prison.
In North Carolina, rape can be associated to two different degrees.
The First Degree rape assault means a person forces the victim to have non-consensual sex and either possesses a deadly weapon, inflicts serious injury on the victim, or is aided by one or more persons. Statutory rape is also considered as a first degree rape charge and can occur when a victim was younger than 13 years old and the defendant is at least 12 years old, and at least four years older than the victim.
Meanwhile, Second Degree rape means a person has non-consensual sex and the victim is incapable of giving consent because of a mental disability, incapacitation, or physical helplessness.
However, these laws can change over time and would need constant checking if you want to be updated and up to date with the current laws in North Carolina. This is especially helpful for those who may have been victims of such an event, or know someone who needs help because of these circumstances.
Hire a Wilmington Defense Lawyer
If you ever find yourself in this situation, it is always best to be aware of the laws of the land. It is always helpful to remember that North Carolina may have laws separate from other states, and it is wise to be familiar with some of these changes. It may be able to help you, your friends, and even your family.
Feel free to contact a Wilmington criminal defense attorney or any of our offices for a consultation. Remember, it’s always best to at least be familiar with the law, or at least have a legal expert to help you understand them.