How These Charges Arise in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill

Law enforcement in Wake County—including specialized task forces in Raleigh, Durham, and Cary—aggressively pursue digital sex offenses involving minors. Investigations typically begin through:

• Reports submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
• Alerts generated by file-hosting services like Apple iCloud and Google Drive
• Undercover operations and forensic searches by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force
• Subpoenaed internet activity and data from ISPs or social platforms

If your phone, laptop, or storage account has been accessed or seized in connection with a suspected sex offense, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced Raleigh sex crime attorney before answering any questions from investigators.

Why Choose Patrick Roberts to Defend a Sexual Exploitation Charge

Patrick Roberts is widely respected across Wake County courtrooms for his deep knowledge of sex crimes defense and consistent track record in high-stakes cases. He has successfully defended professionals, students, parents, and military members against sex crime charges involving sexual exploitation of a minor and related allegations.

He brings the following to your defense:

• Over two decades of focused criminal defense experience
• Proven results in sex crimes trials, including not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and probation outcomes
• Strategic relationships with forensic experts, digital analysts, and psychologists
• Reputation for thorough trial preparation and persuasive defense strategy
• Highly personalized, nonjudgmental legal counsel

You can view relevant case wins on the Sex Offense Case Results page, and explore aligned practice areas like Statutory Rape Defense and Indecent Exposure Charges.

Legal Defenses for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Charges in Wake County

Patrick Roberts builds every case from the ground up, tailoring the defense to the specific facts and digital evidence. Common legal strategies include:

• Lack of Intent: The client did not knowingly store or access illegal content
• Unlawful Search or Seizure: Search warrants were overly broad or improperly executed
• Shared Device or IP Address: Multiple users had access to the device or network
• AI Mislabeling: Automated systems misclassified content that was not actually illegal
• Improper Evidence Handling: Gaps in the digital chain of custody or forensic errors

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Exploitation Charges in North Carolina

What Are the Penalties for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Raleigh or Cary?

Penalties vary depending on the degree of the charge, but even third-degree offenses can carry potential prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. First-degree charges can result in more than a decade in prison and lifetime registration.

Can I Be Charged If I Didn’t Know the Person Was a Minor?

Yes. Mistaken belief about age is not generally a defense under North Carolina law. However, this factor may influence whether a prosecutor reduces charges or if your attorney can negotiate a favorable resolution.

Can Patrick Roberts Help Keep My Case Out of Court?

In many cases, yes. Patrick Roberts often intervenes during the investigative stage to limit charges or keep a case out of court entirely. Early involvement can lead to dismissals or a non-public resolution.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender?

If convicted of any degree of sexual exploitation of a minor, registration is almost always mandatory. Patrick Roberts has successfully helped clients avoid conviction and therefore avoid registration in many cases.

Are These Cases Handled at the Local Level or in Federal Court?

Many sexual exploitation cases begin at the state level in Wake County courts. However, cases involving large volumes of material or evidence of interstate activity may be referred to federal prosecutors. Patrick Roberts is experienced in both state and federal criminal defense.

Trusted Defense Across Wake County: Local Knowledge Matters

Patrick Roberts represents clients charged with sex crimes in:

• Raleigh (Wake County Justice Center)
• Durham (Durham County Courthouse)
• Cary (Wake County District Court and municipal offices)
• Chapel Hill (Orange County District and Superior Court)

He understands the local procedures, prosecution teams, and court personalities that can impact your case. This local experience often makes the difference between a conviction and a second chance.

Speak With a Wake County Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

Sexual exploitation charges can ruin your future—but they do not have to define it. When you work with Patrick Roberts, you get more than a criminal defense lawyer—you get a relentless advocate who understands how to navigate the legal system, challenge digital evidence, and defend your name.

Schedule a confidential consultation now by contacting us online or giving us a call at 919-746-7206. Patrick Roberts serves clients in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and across the greater Wake County region.