Sexual Activity With a Student or Guardian
Get Free Consultation
STUDENT SEX CRIMES ATTORNEY IN NORTH CAROLINA
Charged With Sexual Activity Involving a Student or Ward in North Carolina? Here’s What You Need to Know
When sexual allegations involve a student, teacher, coach, legal guardian, or caregiver, the legal consequences are amplified. North Carolina aggressively prosecutes any form of sexual activity involving an individual in a position of authority—particularly if the alleged victim is a minor or subordinate.
If you've been accused of sexual activity with a student or guardian relationship in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, or Chapel Hill, the most important decision you make is your legal defense. These cases are often high-profile, emotionally charged, and built on complex laws about consent, age, and power dynamics.
Patrick Roberts is a highly experienced sex offenses attorney in North Carolina who has defended clients across Wake County against allegations of statutory rape, exploitation, indecent liberties, and other school- or guardian-related offenses. He provides confidential, strategic defense for educators, counselors, guardians, medical professionals, and others facing professional ruin and prison time.
To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call us at 919-746-7206 today.
What Counts as Illegal Sexual Conduct Involving a Student or Guardian Relationship?
In North Carolina, certain relationships—such as teacher-student, guardian-ward, or coach-player—create legal restrictions around sexual conduct, even if the individuals are technically over the age of consent. Prosecutors often file charges under:
- Statutory rape (if the student is underage)
- Indecent liberties with a minor or ward
- Sexual activity with a student by a person in authority (a Class I felony under N.C.G.S. § 14-27.32)
- Sexual battery or sexual exploitation
- Kidnapping with sexual allegations, if confinement or coercion is involved
Even if the relationship was believed to be consensual, state law does not always view it that way when there is a clear power imbalance.
Who Faces These Charges in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill?
Patrick Roberts has defended clients from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
- High school and university teachers
- School resource officers
- Athletic coaches and tutors
- Legal guardians, foster parents, and caretakers
- Daycare providers and youth group leaders
- Therapists or medical professionals with minor clients
These cases often involve school board investigations, licensing threats, mandatory reporting triggers, and possible involvement of child protective services or university disciplinary hearings.
How Patrick Roberts Builds a Defense in Authority-Based Sex Crime Cases
Patrick Roberts understands that not every sex offense accusation is accurate—and not every allegation reflects the full truth. These cases frequently involve blurred boundaries, false claims, or criminal charges filed after a professional dispute.
Patrick Roberts’ defense strategies for sex offenses include:
- Analyzing all text messages, emails, and digital communications
- Evaluating school or institution policy violations versus criminal law
- Challenging interpretations of consent and authority
- Scrutinizing the alleged victim’s statements for inconsistencies
- Highlighting any investigative bias by law enforcement or administrators
In many cases, the most important step is preventing formal charges or managing the outcome quietly to avoid media exposure and career destruction.
Why Clients Across Wake County Trust Patrick Roberts
Patrick Roberts is known across Wake County for his tireless defense of those falsely accused or overcharged in sex crimes cases involving students, wards, or professional relationships. His decades of experience allow him to defend your case both inside and outside the courtroom.
He offers:
- Over 20 years of exclusive criminal defense experience
- Proven results in teacher-student sex crime defense
- Skilled negotiation with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Comprehensive understanding of both legal and professional consequences
- Discreet and strategic advocacy in the most sensitive legal matters
Explore more about his work on these related cases:
Sex Offense Attorney in North Carolina
Indecent Liberties Defense
Case Results
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Activity With a Student or Ward
Is it always illegal to have sexual activity with a student in North Carolina?
Not always—but it may be criminal if there’s an authority relationship, even if the student is over 18. Teachers, coaches, guardians, and others in positions of power are held to higher standards under the law.
Can I go to jail for a relationship that was consensual?
Yes. Consent does not always protect you under North Carolina law if you are a teacher, coach, or guardian. Even without allegations of force, you could face felony charges.
What if no physical contact occurred—just texts or online conversations?
Depending on the content, you may still face charges related to exploitation of a minor, solicitation, or indecent liberties. Patrick Roberts has defended clients against charges stemming solely from digital communication.
Will I have to register as a sex offender?
If you are convicted of a qualifying sex offense, registration is likely. However, Patrick Roberts has successfully resolved cases in ways that avoided both registration and incarceration.
What happens to my job or license?
Many clients face immediate suspension or termination from their position. Some are investigated by licensing boards. Having an experienced criminal attorney like Patrick Roberts can help navigate both the criminal and professional dimensions of your case.
Areas We Serve Across Wake County
Patrick Roberts provides aggressive legal defense for professionals and caretakers facing student-related or authority-based sex offense charges throughout:
- Raleigh – Wake County Justice Center and Board of Education cases
- Cary – Wake County District Court, private and public school cases
- Durham – Durham County Superior Court and university-related allegations
- Chapel Hill – Orange County Courthouse and UNC disciplinary defense
Whether you’re a teacher, coach, foster parent, or medical provider, your career, freedom, and reputation deserve skilled, confidential representation.
Get Legal Help Now — Confidential, Discreet, and Experienced Criminal Defense
If you are being accused of inappropriate or criminal sexual conduct involving a student or dependent in North Carolina, Patrick Roberts will defend you with precision, strategy, and discretion.
Don’t wait until charges are filed to get help. The earlier you involve legal counsel, the more options you’ll have to protect your name, your future, and your freedom.
Schedule a private consultation by connecting with us online or giving us a call at 919-746-7206 now. Serving clients in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the greater Wake County area.
WHY CHOOSE PATRICK ROBERTS FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A STUDENT OR GUARDIAN DEFENSE
TYPES OF AUTHORITY-IMBALANCE SEX CRIME CASES WE DEFEND
Student Offenses
Sexual Contact Between Teacher & Student
Authority Figures
Sexual Conduct by Guardian or Caregiver
Boundary Violations
Misconduct Allegations Involving Mentors
Position of Power
Professional-Client or Student-Patient Claims
STRATEGIC DEFENSE FOR STUDENT & GUARDIAN-RELATED SEX OFFENSES
WHY CHOOSE PATRICK ROBERTS?
20+ Years Defending Authority-Based Sex Charges
Patrick Roberts is known across North Carolina courtrooms for defending professionals and caregivers in high-stakes sexual misconduct cases involving students or dependents.
Former Prosecutor With Deep Understanding of Power Imbalance Laws
Patrick’s experience as a prosecutor helps him anticipate the state’s arguments and expose weak or exaggerated charges tied to educator-student or guardian-ward relationships.
Track Record in Student & Guardian Defense
From reducing felonies to preventing sex offender registration, Patrick Roberts delivers discreet, effective defense. See results here.
Elite Legal Education & Sensitive Case Experience
As a graduate of Duke and the National Criminal Defense College, Patrick Roberts brings both legal skill and emotional intelligence to every case involving allegations of abuse of trust or authority.
Decades of experience Decades of experience Decades of experience Decades of experience Decades of experience Decades of experience
Duke
Law
Graduate
22
Years of experience *
Ex-Prosecutor in
3
Counties

