How a North Carolina Sex Crime Conviction Can Affect Your Future

At Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, our Raleigh defense attorneys know that few criminal offenses carry more stigma than sex crimes. Even if you have been convicted of a sex crime and paid your debt to society through jail time and post-release legal requirements, the consequences remain.

In North Carolina, being convicted of a sex crime has multiple layers of ongoing penalties, including those that impact you personally, professionally, and financially for a lifetime.

Even if you have not been convicted of a sex crime, our Wake County criminal defense attorneys know that your reputation can be damaged by the mere allegation.

That is why we are here — fighting to preserve your reputation, freedom, and future.

Because without the help of our team of skilled Raleigh sex crimes attorneys — each with a lengthy resume of proven success in these complex cases — everything is at stake.

How Can a North Carolina Sex Crime Conviction Affect My Personal Life?

It should come as no surprise that a sex crime allegation or arrest hits home first.

While it is true that you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, the court of public opinion sees things differently. Especially when you have been accused of a sex crime.

If someone accuses you of a sex crime, or if you are arrested because of an unproven allegation, your friends and family members may abandon you rather quickly. Even if you maintain close relationships with a few who believe you did not do anything wrong, the bias, prejudice, and intolerance will be clear from every angle before you even see the inside of a courtroom.

If you are convicted of the charges and must register as a sex offender, friends, family, and your community may view you as a threat upon your release or, at the very least, an outcast.

Keep in mind your sex crime conviction may also prevent you from working with children in any capacity — even a personal one.

No more coaching little league or chaperoning field trips.

And when it comes to your own children — if you have them — your former spouse or partner can use your sex registration requirement as a reason to deny you custody of your children stating that you may be a danger to them.

Unfortunately, the consequences are far-reaching and may impact your overall standing in the community, as well.

Once you are on the sex crime registry in North Carolina, anyone can find you.  Your information becomes public, including the crime you were convicted of, your picture, your contact information, and where you live, making privacy nonexistent.

Can a Sex Crime Conviction Affect My Ability to Get a Job?

Absolutely.

Many employers run background checks and review a candidate’s criminal history before offering them a position.

If you are convicted of a sex crime, your private information becomes public when you are on the sex offender registry.

If a potential employer sees you were convicted of a sex crime or have a felony conviction of any kind, your ability to find work may become limited.

What are the Financial Consequences of a North Carolina Sex Crime Conviction?

When you cannot work, you cannot make any money, which means you may not be able to afford to live on your own.

Even if you find affordable housing, property owners also run background checks and may refuse to rent to a registered sex offender.

If you believe that is against the law, you are wrong.

Fair housing laws, including those in North Carolina, were put into place to prevent discrimination against protected characteristics, including race, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, and disability.

They do not protect against those with a criminal background or sex offenses.

If the sex crime conviction involved a minor, you cannot live within a specific radius of schools, playgrounds, parks, or other locations where children are, which may significantly limit your housing options.

Have You Been Charged with a Sex Crime in North Carolina?

If you have been accused of a sex crime in North Carolina, your reputation, freedom, and future are at stake.  This is the life we are talking about.  Do not leave it to chance.

Contact our skilled sex crimes defense attorneys in Raleigh at the Marcilliat & Mills PLLC today by calling (919) 838-6643 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can empower you to take a stand and pursue real results for your unique legal circumstances.