Facing an Age-Based Charge? Get a Defense Informed by Thousands of Criminal Cases
North Carolina statutory rape allegations can turn on the alleged victim’s age, the defendant’s age, and the age difference between them, not necessarily an accusation of force. This distinction separates age-based statutory offenses from forcible rape allegations. We represent people under investigation, arrested, or charged with these offenses in Raleigh and Wake County.
Early legal guidance can help protect your options before you answer investigators, surrender a device, or make other decisions that could affect the case. Age records, communications, digital evidence, witness accounts, and the timeline surrounding the alleged conduct may all require close examination.
Call (919) 805-3663 for a free and confidential consultation about a statutory rape investigation or charge.
We Look Beyond the Police Report
Our independent investigation examines evidence such as age documentation, messages, social media activity, device data, and witness statements. We compare those materials with the police account and look for inconsistencies, missing context, or evidence that hasn’t been preserved or attributed correctly.
We also evaluate how law enforcement obtained statements and digital or physical evidence. When appropriate, we file pretrial motions, including motions seeking suppression of evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights.
The defense strategy depends on the charged statute, admissible evidence, the prosecution’s position, and your objectives. We provide straightforward assessments, explain the available options directly, and prepare for negotiations or trial as the circumstances require.
Thousands of Criminal Cases & Proven Felony Trial Experience
Founding attorney Chris Floyd is a career criminal defense and civil litigation lawyer. Our lead attorney has handled thousands of criminal cases across North Carolina, including complex felony trials resulting in not guilty verdicts, and has extensive experience in Wake County criminal courts.
Our work has earned recognition from Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and Three Best Rated. That courtroom background shapes how we investigate allegations, assess the prosecution’s evidence, and prepare each case for trial when necessary.
Clear Guidance From the First Consultation
We explain the allegation, the applicable North Carolina statute, and the stages that may follow. Clients receive direct communication as the case progresses, along with practical guidance about their rights and legal options. Initial consultations are free and confidential, and flexible payment plans are available.
North Carolina Statutory Rape Laws
Several provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes address conduct commonly described as statutory rape. The applicable charge depends on the alleged victim’s age, the defendant’s age, the age difference, and the conduct alleged.
Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult
Under G.S. 14-27.23, a person who is at least 18 and engages in vaginal intercourse with a child under 13 may be charged with statutory rape of a child by an adult. The statute classifies the offense as a Class B1 felony.
First-Degree Statutory Rape
G.S. 14-27.24 applies when the alleged victim is under 13 and the defendant is at least 12 and at least four years older. This offense is also a Class B1 felony, although determining whether the statute applies requires careful review of the defendant’s age and the specific facts.
Statutory Rape of a Person 15 or Younger
G.S. 14-27.25 addresses vaginal intercourse with a person who is 15 years of age or younger. The potential felony classification depends in part on whether the defendant is at least six years older or more than four but less than six years older. Statutory exceptions and other age-related provisions may affect which subsection applies.
Felony & Sex-Offender Registration Consequences
A conviction can carry consequences beyond incarceration and a felony record, potentially affecting employment, education, housing, professional licensing, and family circumstances.
Sex-offender registration isn’t automatic for every offense described as statutory rape. North Carolina’s registration statutes identify convictions under G.S. 14-27.23, G.S. 14-27.24, and G.S. 14-27.25(a) as sexually violent offenses, a legal category that can trigger registration requirements.
Under G.S. 14-208.7, the initial registration period for a reportable conviction is generally 30 years. A person may become eligible to petition for termination after 10 years, but eligibility doesn’t guarantee that a court will grant the request. Registration information may be publicly accessible, and additional statutory restrictions can apply.
Evidence That May Shape the Defense
We begin by comparing the prosecution’s allegations with every element of the charged statute. Consent generally doesn’t resolve an age-based statutory rape charge, but the prosecution must still establish the required ages, age difference, conduct, and identity through admissible evidence.
Important areas for case-specific review may include:
Age information: Whether official records and other evidence accurately establish each person’s age and the required age difference.
Communications: Whether messages, social media exchanges, photographs, or calls are complete, authentic, and presented in context.
Digital evidence: Whether devices and accounts were properly identified, searched, preserved, and attributed to the accused person.
Witness accounts: Whether statements align with the timeline, physical evidence, and earlier versions of events.
Police conduct: Whether officers lawfully obtained statements, device contents, location data, or other evidence.
Depending on the findings, the strategy may involve further investigation, pretrial litigation, negotiations, trial preparation, or a combination of these approaches.
Discuss the Allegation Before Your Next Step
We bring independent investigation, direct communication, and substantial courtroom experience to statutory rape defense. We serve clients in Raleigh and Wake County, offer free and confidential initial consultations, and provide flexible payment plans.
Call (919) 805-3663 to discuss your case with Floyd Law Offices PLLC before making your next decision.
