Sex crime allegations are among the most serious and stigmatizing charges a person can face. The accusation alone can ruin a reputation, destroy careers, and permanently damage family relationships. If convicted, the consequences are severe, often including long prison sentences, sex offender registration, and mandatory electronic monitoring for years or life.

At Denninger & Philbeck, we provide an aggressive and experienced defense for individuals accused of sex offenses. Our lead attorney, David Denninger, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to these cases after serving as a sex crimes prosecutor in Buncombe County for three years. He knows how these cases are built and how to dismantle them.

David Denninger: Former Sex Crimes Prosecutor

Attorney David Denninger spent three years as Buncombe County’s designated sex crimes prosecutor, handling cases involving rape, sexual assaults, child pornography, and the taking of indecent liberties with children. In his capacity as sex crimes prosecutor, David:

• Tried numerous sex crime cases to verdict
• Worked daily with detectives in the Special Victims Unit (SVU)
• Reviewed forensic interviews, search warrants, digital evidence, and expert testimony
• Learned to identify both the strengths and the weaknesses in these complex and often emotionally charged cases

David’s experience now gives our clients a significant advantage. When your freedom, your reputation, and your future are at stake, you need an attorney who understands exactly how prosecutors think.

Sex Offenses in North Carolina: Charges and Penalties

Sex crimes in North Carolina include a broad range of offenses, many of which carry harsh penalties including long prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and satellite-based monitoring.

Some of the most commonly charged offenses include:

• First-degree or second-degree rape
• First-degree or second-degree sexual offense
• Statutory rape or sex offense with a child
• Sexual activity with a student
• Indecent liberties with a child
• Sexual battery
• Sexual exploitation of a minor (child pornography)
• Solicitation of a child by computer
• Failure to register as a sex offender

Penalties depend on the class of the felony, the age of the victim, the relationship between the accused and the accuser, and the use of force or coercion. Many of these crimes are Class B1, C, or D felonies, which can result in decades of imprisonment.

Many sex offenses require mandatory registration with the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This registration can last 10 years, 30 years, or a lifetime, and includes public access to the registrant’s name, photo, address, and conviction details.

Important: Sex crime convictions in North Carolina include an additional five years of post-release supervision—on top of any prison sentence imposed. This is automatic and non-negotiable under state law.

Satellite-Based Monitoring (SBM)

In some cases, individuals convicted of sex offenses may be required to submit to Satellite-Based Monitoring (SBM)—a GPS tracking system administered by the state. SBM may be ordered as a temporary condition or for life, depending on the offense and the offender’s history.

A defendant may be ordered to submit to SBM if:

• They are classified as a “sexually violent predator”
• The crime involved a minor victim and the court finds they require monitoring
• They are a repeat sex offender
• They were convicted of a reportable offense against a child under age 12

A SBM hearing is held to determine whether the monitoring is necessary based on risk and prior behavior. At Denninger & Philbeck, we fight aggressively at these hearings to challenge the imposition of lifelong GPS monitoring.

Building a Strong Defense

Sex crime cases often involve no physical evidence and depend entirely on the testimony of a single witness. In other cases, evidence like digital files, text messages, or forensic interviews may be improperly obtained or interpreted. Our defense strategies may include:

• Challenging the credibility or motives of the accuser
• Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
• Contesting the admissibility of suggestive or biased interviews
• Identifying flaws in forensic or digital analysis
• Demonstrating consent or lack of intent, where applicable
• Asserting constitutional violations at every stage

Because of the stakes involved, these cases require surgical precision and experienced trial advocacy.

Why You Need an Experienced Sex Crimes Attorney

The consequences of a sex crime conviction go beyond prison. They include a lifetime of public scrutiny, loss of employment, broken family ties, and severe restrictions on where you can live or travel. Even an unfounded accusation can have a lasting impact.

At Denninger & Philbeck, we don’t back down from difficult or high-stakes cases. With David Denninger’s experience as a former sex crimes prosecutor, we know how to identify weaknesses in the State’s case and pursue every avenue for dismissal, acquittal, or reduced charges.

Accused of a sex offense in North Carolina? Don’t wait. Contact Denninger & Philbeck today for a free and confidential consultation.