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North Carolina Sexual Assault Lawyers - Representing Survivors Of Sex Abuse

north carolina sexual abuse lawyer kristen beightol
Kristen Beightol, Esq. North Carolina Abuse Guardian

Hi - I’m Kristen. I am an attorney that is licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

My team and I are committed to fighting for justice for survivors of sexual assault. 

In North Carolina we represent victims of sexual abuse in the following types of cases: 

  • Daycare Abuse
  • Boarding Schools
  • Public Schools
  • Abuse in Religions
  • Doctor & Hospital Abuse
  • Abuse in Sports
  • Massage Spa Abuse
  • Nursing Home Abuse
  • Sex Trafficking
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(984) 256-8484
"Our alliance has over 15 sexual abuse lawyers nationwide dedicated to helping survivors get justice"  - Kristen Beightol, Esq.

How Our Sexual Assault Lawyers Help Clients With A Civil Claim For The Effects & Injuries From Abuse

When someone thinks of personal injuries they think of injuries from products or the side effects from drugs and medical devices. Sexual abuse is a personal injury. Often, the overlooked long-term effects of sexual assault or abuse are extremely damaging. We know the pain and suffering it causes. We know it damages future relationships and impacts everything in your life.

The trauma from victims of sexual assault often requires healing and that healing can be helped by getting justice and telling their truth. Kristen Beightol, an expereinced injury attorney in North Carolina, offers a safe place for victims of the heinous conduct of abusers. You can take action by filling out our contact form or picking up your phone and calling us about your sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sex trafficking situation. We will answer your questions, and give you as much advice as possible. We have seen and helped survivors in many situations and can help you pursue a civil claim. Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation if you or a loved one was sexually assaulted. 

After surviving, as the victim of a sexual crime, it’s normal to wonder how the predator who violated you will be criminally prosecuted. Sex crimes charges can help provide a sense of justice and also helps take dangerous sexual predators out of the community before they can continue to victimize others.

After surviving, as the victim of a sexual crime, it’s normal to wonder how the predator who violated you will be criminally prosecuted. A conviction can help provide a sense of justice and also helps take dangerous sexual predators out of the community before they can continue to victimize others.

North Carolina Laws On Sexual Misconduct And Sex Crimes - Info On Sex Crime Charges

We’ve summarized North Carolina’s sexual assault and sexual abuse laws below, which can give you an idea of how much time your perpetrator may face. But these laws do change, so it’s best to speak with one of our experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault attorneys if you want to get a better understanding of how the legal system might handle your case.

Our law firm has extensive experience and can fill you in on the criminal defense justice process, but we specialize in helping survivors of sex offenses get financial support through civil courts.
 
However, you should be aware that criminal courts often fail to adequately consider the needs of victims. This is why many survivors of crimes involving sexual abuse often turn to civil courts by filing sexual abuse lawsuits against both perpetrators and third parties who could have done more to prevent the crime.
 
For more information on how the civil and criminal process work in parallel, contact Kristen, our NC sexual abuse lawyer, who is experienced in handling child abuse, molestation, child pornography, and sex trafficking cases.
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Kristen Beightol, Esq.

1033 Oberlin Rd Suite 100,
Raleigh, NC 27605

(984) 256-8484

North Carolina Areas We Serve

  • Charlotte, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Asheville, NC
  • Wilmington, NC
  • Greensboro, NC
  • Durham, NC
  • Fayetteville, NC
  • Carolina Beach, NC
  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • Cary, NC
  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Concord, NC
  • High Point, NC
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(866) 577-2786

Serving All Of North Carolina For Victims Of Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse, Clergy Abuse, Daycare Abuse & Other Sexual Abuses

A civil sexual abuse lawsuit offers victims the opportunity to:

  • Hold perpetrators accountable when criminal courts fail
  • Hold organizations and other third parties liable for failing to prevent or report abuse
  • Secure financial compensation for personal and financial setbacks related to the abuse

From Wilmington and Durham to Charlotte and Asheville, our experienced abuse attorneys are here to help you pursue justice with confidence. Learn more about your legal options in a free, confidential consultation.

What Are The Time Limits For Filing A Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuit In North Carolina?

A survivor of sexual abuse in North Carolina has until the age of 28 years old to bring a civil lawsuit against institutions responsible for the abuse that occurred.

Where Can I Find Reviews Of Sexual Abuse Defense Attorneys In North Carolina?

Abuse Guardians has reviewed and vetted several sexual abuse lawyers in North Carolina. We appointed Kristen Beightol as our Abuse Guardian in North Carolina because of her track record in such complicated cases.

Child Sexual Abuse Offenses Across North Carolina

Throughout North Carolina, there are several statutes which are used to prosecute sexual predators who commit crimes of child sexual abuse:

Statutory Rape

There are two different laws which are used to prosecute people who commit statutory rape:

Statutory Rape Of A Child By An Adult

A person is guilty of this offense if he or she is at least 18 years olf and engages in vaginal intercourse with a victim who is younger than 13 years old. A conviction for statutory rape of a child by an adult is punishable by a sentence of anywhere from 300 months in prison to life without parole, depending on the offenders prior criminal history. Upon release, people convicted of this offense are subject to satellite-based monitoring for the rest of their lives.

Statutory Rape Of A Person Who Is 15 Years Of Age Or Younger

An offender who engages in vaginal intercourse with another person who is 15 years of age or younger when the offender is at least 12 years old and at least six years older than the victim is guilty of a Class B1 felony punishable by anywhere from 144 months in prison to life without parole. If the offender is at least 12 years old and more than four but less than six years older than the victim, the offense is a Class C felony punishable by 44-182 months in prison.

Statutory Sexual Offense

A statutory sexual offense involves unlawful sexual contact with another (but no penetration) who falls below the age of 16 (in most states, but not all). These offenses are also broken into two classifications:

Statutory Sexual Offense With A Child By An Adult

A person is guilty of this crime if they’re at least 18 years old and engage in any type of sexual activity with a victim who is under 13 years old. The penalty is based on criminal history and ranges from 300 months to life in prison, with lifetime surveillance upon release.

First-Degree Statutory Sexual Offense

A person is guilty of a first-degree statutory sexual offense if he or she engages in a sexual act with a victim who is younger than 13 years old, the defendant is at least 12 years old and also at least four years older than the victim. This means that this law can be used to prosecute minors who sexually abuse other minors.

The sentence for this crime also depends on prior criminal history and ranges from 144 months to life in prison without parole.
 

Statutory Sexual Offense With A Person Who Is 15 Or Younger

 
This crime can be charged as either a Class B1 or Class C felony:
  • A person is guilty of a Class B1 felony if he or she participates in a sexual act with a victim who is 15 years of age or younger, and the defendant is at least 12 years old and at least six years older than the victim. Punishable by 144 months to life without parole.
  • Class C felony charges apply in cases where the offender engages in sexual activity with a victim who is 15 years of age or younger, and the defendant is at least 12 years old and more than four but less than six years older than the victim. Punishable by 44-182 months in prison.

Sexual Activity With A Student

Any teacher, school administrator, student teacher, school safety officer, or coach of any age who has vaginal intercourse or any other sexual contact with a student who is at least four years younger than them is guilty of an offense called sexual activity with a student. This crime is punishable by 3-12 months in prison, depending on prior criminal history.

Sexual Activity By A Substitute Parent Of Custodian

This law is used to prosecute anyone who has assumed the position of a parent in the home of a minor and engages in vaginal intercourse or another sexual act with the minor residing in that home. This offense is punishable by 15-63 months in prison.

Sexual Assault Cases Against Adult Victims

North Carolina generally uses three laws to prosecute sex offenders who violate adult victims:

Forcible Rape

Anyone who engages in sexual intercourse with someone else through the use of force or against their will is guilty of forcible rape. This crime can be charged in one of two degrees, depending on the circumstances of the crime:

First Degree

First-degree forcible rape involves sexual intercourse committed through force and under any of the following additional circumstances:

  • The offender used or displayed a dangerous or deadly weapon or an item the other person reasonably believes is a dangerous or deadly weapon
  • The offender inflicts a serious injury on the victim or any other person
  • The offense is committed with the assistance of one or more other people
Forcible rape in the first degree is punishable by 144 months to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
 

Second Degree

 
A person will be charged with second-degree forcible rape if he or she engages in vaginal force with another person through force or against their will, or if the victim is mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless and the offender is aware of this inability to consent to the act. Punishable by 44-182 months in prison.
 

Forcible Sexual Offense

 
A person is guilty of a forcible sexual offense if they subject a victim to unconsented sexual acts which fall short of penetration. In some other states, forcible sexual offenses might be classified as sexual assault, instead. These criminal charges are also applied as either first or second-degree, and the same circumstances listed under first and second-degree forcible rape qualify here, with the same sentences.
 

Sexual Battery

 
A person can be convicted of sexual battery if he or she engages in sexual touching with another person by force or against their will, or with a victim who is mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless and the offender is aware of this fact. This crime is punishable by 1 day to 150 days in prison and a fine.
 

Charges In North Carolina Can Bring Healing For Victims Of Sexual Assault

 
Some survivors of abuse suffer from anxiety and many other mental health conditions that are directly caused by the sexual abuse they endured. Many try to manage this anxiety through medicinal products such as non thc cbd oils, cannabinoids, marijuana, cannabis, and other drugs. These substances can help some, however, many of our clients really begin healing after telling their truth and getting justice from those that allowed the acts of sexual assault or abuse to happen to them.
 

Information About Sex Abuse in the "Tar Heel State"

 
1. According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault, there are approximately 16,000 rapes and sexual assaults reported in North Carolina each year.
2. Of those 16,000 reported rapes and sexual assaults, it is estimated that only about one-third of all incidents are actually reported to law enforcement.
3. The vast majority of sexual assault victims in North Carolina are female. In fact, nearly 90% of all victims are female.
4. The average age of a sexual assault victim in North Carolina is just under 28 years old.
5. The vast majority of sexual assaults in North Carolina are committed by someone the victim knows. In fact, nearly 60% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows, such as a friend, family member, or acquaintance.
 

North Carolina Facts

 
1. North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States.
2. North Carolina is the 28th most populous state in the US.
3. As of 2016, the estimated population of North Carolina was 10,042,802.
4. The state's capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte.
5. North Carolina is nicknamed the "Tar Heel State".
6. The state is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Outer Banks.
7. North Carolina is known for its barbecue, sweet tea, and college basketball.
8. The state is also home to the Research Triangle, which is home to three major research universities: Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.
9. North Carolina was one of the thirteen colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution.
 

Our NC Sex Abuse Attorneys Make The Following Promises To Sexually Assaulted Victims

 
1. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you may be entitled to compensation
2. North Carolina sexual abuse lawyers can help
3. You don't have to face this alone - we can help
4. We have experience handling criminal cases
5. We will fight for you
6. You deserve justice
7. We will hold the responsible parties accountable
8. We will help you get the compensation you deserve
9. We will fight for your rights
10. We believe you
11. We are here for you
 

North Carolina Daycare Abuse Attorneys - File A Civil Lawsuit For Sexual Assault Or Abuse

 
In North Carolina, child day care abuse occurs frequently. Children are especially vulnerable in the hands of others. When children are abused, they suffer emotional damage and physical injuries. Some of these injuries include: bruises, bleeding, broken bones, burns, and other physical injuries. Child abuse attorneys are professionals who understand how to help victims of child abuse. Child abuse attorneys have helped many people in North Carolina receive compensation for their injuries. At Abuse Guardian Kristen Beightol, Esq., we are passionate about helping those who have suffered abuse. We know that children are innocent and should not be victimized. We will fight for you until you are compensated for your injuries. To learn more, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
 

Boarding School Sexual Abuse - Recover Compensation For Sex Crimes In North Carolina

 
Boarding School Sexual Abuse in North Carolina: The number of children being sexually abused at boarding schools has dramatically increased over the years. In many cases, the victims are children who are too afraid to tell anyone about what happened to them because of the stigma surrounding abuse. The victims may even feel like their only option is to go to court. If you are the victim of boarding school sexual abuse, we can help.

At Abuse Guardians - Kristen Beightol, Esq., we are dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault recover the compensation they deserve. If you have been sexually abused by someone in the care of a school or church, we can help. At Abuse Guardian Kristen Beightol, Esq., we are dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse recover the compensation they deserve. Our legal team is ready to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for the abuse you suffered.

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A review of Kristen Beightol, Esq.

Kristen was wonderfully supportive in my professional experience with her. She really offered catered service that was genuine and connected with what I needed during a really difficult time. - Cody M.

Webinar: How to report adult or child sexual abuse in North Carolina?

In this webinar, the experienced North Carolina sexual abuse lawyer Kristen Beightol, Esq. will discuss how to report sexual abuse in North Carolina. The webinar will also cover how to do so if its an adult or child sex abuse case. This webinar will be by Google Hangouts. To register, please email [email protected].

Date: 06/30/2022 at 9:30 PM

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AbuseGuardian.com is primarily sponsored by Brian D. Kent, Esq. Mr. Kent is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. Content regarding these states has been reviewed by Mr. Kent. Content pertaining to all other states will identify the local lawyer who is part of the Abuse Guardian alliance that is responsible for that content. Abuse Guardian is an alliance of attorneys across the United States who dedicate their professional careers to representing survivors of sexual abuse and helping them get justice. This website is to be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Past settlement and verdict values are no guarantee of simlar future outcomes.Abuse Guardian is not a law firm. Abuse Guardian has a team of survivor advocates who can help connect sexual abuse survivors to members of the Abuse Guardian alliance for free legal consultations.

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