Cary, NC Sex Crime Defense Attorney

Defending Against Felony Sex Crime Charges

Sex crime charges in Cary, NC, are not taken lightly in Wake County courts. When hiring a criminal defense attorney for sex crime charges, you understand that your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. These serious allegations require immediate action and highly skilled legal representation.

Patrick Roberts Law provides aggressive defense strategies for individuals accused of felony-level sex crimes in Cary. This page will offer clarity on what you can expect throughout the legal process and what to look for when deciding on the right legal defense attorney in Wake County.

What Should Someone Charged with a Sex Crime in Wake County, NC Know?

Understand the Severity of the Charges

Unlike misdemeanor offenses, felony sex crimes in Cary often result in mandatory prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your personal and professional reputation.

The Wake County District Attorney's office prosecutes these cases aggressively

This makes it crucial to have a skilled felony lawyer on your side from the moment charges are filed. A lawyer with local experience as a prosecutor will have a much deeper understanding of how to defend these charges by leveraging their dual perspective and experience on both sides.

North Carolina Law Categorizes Sex Crimes into Various Degrees

with first-degree offenses carrying the most severe penalties. These charges often involve allegations of force, threats, or victims under certain ages. The prosecution must prove every element of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Look for an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has proven results in these cases and can identify weaknesses in the prosecutor's case and develop effective defense strategies.

Know Your Legal Rights Immediately and Critical First Steps

When facing criminal accusations, the clock starts ticking the moment you are contacted by law enforcement. Your constitutional rights are your strongest shield, but you must actively invoke them. The following steps are absolutely critical to protect your defense:

Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

Do not speak to anyone about the allegations except your attorney: this includes police, investigators, friends, family, or coworkers.

What to tell officers: "I am invoking my right to remain silent, and I want a lawyer."

Why it's essential: Any statement you make, even an attempt to explain an innocent misunderstanding, will be used by the prosecution to build their case. Police are trained to elicit information; you are not obligated to provide it.

Cut All Contact with the Accuser

Immediately and completely cease all communication with the person who made the accusation.

Avoid: Explaining your side, apologizing, reaching out for clarification, or trying to convince them to drop the allegations.

The Risk: Any contact can be misinterpreted by the police or the prosecutor as harassment, witness intimidation, or an admission of guilt. Protect yourself by maintaining zero contact.

Preserve All Relevant Evidence

Your defense depends on evidence that supports your version of events. Secure this information immediately and do not delete anything.

Secure: All electronic communications (texts, emails, dating app messages), photos, videos, documentation, and the contact information for any potential witnesses.

Action: We will need this material to establish consent or support your defense. Ensure it is preserved and bring it directly to our office.

Understand the Limits of Confidentiality

Only conversations with your attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege.

Caution: Do not discuss the details of your case with anyone else—not your spouse, children, or closest friends. These private conversations can be subpoenaed and used against you in court, compromising your defense.

Why Early Legal Intervention is Key

Time is critical when facing felony sex crime charges. Law enforcement may attempt to conduct interviews, seek search warrants, or gather additional evidence that could strengthen the prosecution's case. Having a Wake County criminal defense attorney involved early in the process can protect your rights and prevent potentially damaging mistakes.

Patrick Roberts advises clients to exercise their right to remain silent and request legal representation immediately upon arrest or contact by law enforcement. He can quickly mobilize resources to protect your interests from the earliest stages of an investigation.

Early intervention also allows for thorough investigation of the allegations, preservation of favorable evidence, and development of defense strategies before the prosecution solidifies their case. Roberts' team includes investigators and support staff who can immediately begin working to protect clients' interests and build strong defenses.

How Patrick Roberts Defends Felony Sex Crime Cases in Cary

Patrick Roberts' approach to defending felony sex crimes involves thorough case investigation, forensic evidence analysis, and strategic legal arguments. He understands that these cases often involve complex evidence, including digital communications, DNA analysis, and witness testimony that requires careful scrutiny. He works diligently to uncover inconsistencies, challenge improper evidence collection, and present compelling defenses that protect clients' rights.

His track record speaks volumes about his capabilities. His case results include a dismissed first-degree statutory sex offense, negotiated plea/dismissal for a felony child abuse charge, and many more.

What To Know About Indecent Liberties Charges

Defending charges of indecent liberties in Cary requires a skilled defense that knows the specific elements prosecutors must prove under North Carolina law. These charges, governed by N.C.G.S. § 14-202.1, involve allegations of improper conduct between an adult and a minor. The prosecution must establish that the defendant was at least 16 years old, at least five years older than the alleged victim, and engaged in specific prohibited conduct.

Patrick Roberts has extensive experience defending these cases in Wake County courts. His successful outcomes include cases where clients faced multiple counts of indecent liberties charges, ultimately resolved with misdemeanor probation and no registration requirements. These results demonstrate the importance of skilled legal representation in protecting clients from the most severe consequences.

Common Defenses in Indecent Liberties Cases Include:

Challenging the credibility of allegations

Questioning the circumstances surrounding the alleged conduct

Examining whether the prosecution can meet their burden of proof.

Roberts' background as a former prosecutor provides valuable insight into how these cases are built and where vulnerabilities may exist in the state's evidence.

Statutory Rape Defense in Cary and Wake County

How Do Statuary Rape Charges in Cary Come with Unique Challenges?

Statutory rape charges in Cary present unique challenges that require immediate legal intervention. North Carolina's statutory rape laws are complex, with different degrees of charges depending on the ages of the parties involved and the specific circumstances of the alleged offense. These charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies carrying potential life sentences.

Patrick Roberts understands the nuances of statutory rape law and has successfully defended clients against these charges throughout Wake County. His case results include dismissals of charges that carried potential sentences of 25 years to life, demonstrating his ability to achieve favorable outcomes even in the most serious cases.

Local Court Experience in Cary and Wake County

The Wake County court system handles thousands of criminal cases annually, including serious felony sex crime charges. It's crucial to hire a lawyer with the familiarity of local courts serving Cary residents.

Cary residents facing charges may appear in various Wake County courthouses, including the main courthouse in Raleigh or satellite locations depending on where the alleged offense occurred. Roberts' extensive experience throughout the county ensures consistent, high-quality representation regardless of the specific venue.

Patrick Roberts Law maintains an office at 543 Keisler Dr, Suite 202 here in Cary, NC, providing convenient access for clients in the area. This local presence allows for more personal attention and easier coordination of defense strategies with clients and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I'm arrested for a felony sex crime in Cary?

Immediately request an attorney and exercise your right to remain silent. Contact Patrick Roberts Law at 919-746-7206 for emergency legal representation.

Can felony sex crime charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, with proper legal representation, charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed based on insufficient evidence, procedural violations, or successful plea negotiations.

What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree sex offense charges?

First-degree charges typically involve more serious circumstances such as the use of force or weapons, while second-degree charges may involve different circumstances but still carry significant penalties.

How long do sex crime investigations typically take in Wake County?

Investigations can last weeks to months depending on the complexity of the case and the evidence involved. Having an attorney involved early can help protect your rights throughout the process.

Can I be charged with a sex crime based solely on accusations?

Yes, charges can be filed based on accusations, but the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

Take Action Now - Your Future Depends on It

Time is critical when facing felony sex crime charges. Evidence must be preserved; witnesses interviewed, and defense strategies developed before the prosecution solidifies their case. The sooner you contact Patrick Roberts Law, the more options may be available for your defense.

Schedule a FREE Criminal Case Evaluation in Cary, NC

Book a free case evaluation by calling 919-746-7206 or visiting our contact page. Don't let these charges define your life - contact us today for the aggressive defense you deserve.