Sexual Harassment Attorney
Sexual Harassment Defense Attorney Serving Jacksonville, Wilmington, and Surrounding Areas
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North Carolina Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyer
North Carolina makes no excuses for unlawful sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, but when sexual harassment occurs, this environment can be compromised, and offenders may land in serious legal trouble. In some cases, it may be far more than just your job at stake, as you could face criminal charges for the alleged offense. At The Wilkie Law Group, our North Carolina sex crime attorneys have handled a number of sexual harassment cases, which means we know what it takes to aggressively defend our clients and protect their rights.
If you’ve been accused of sexual harassment, you need an experienced Jacksonville criminal defense attorney like Aden Wilkie on your side as soon as possible. For a free consultation, give us a call at (910) 333-9626 today.
What is Considered Sexual Harassment?
There are many different situations that could be considered sexual harassment. The most common types of sexually harassing behavior include unwelcome sexual advances, discussing sexual activities, using offensive or crude gestures or language, telling jokes about sex, displaying sexually explicit images, inquiring about sexual favors, commenting on the appearance of an employee, and offensive touching. Basically, any spoken or physical conduct of a sexual nature that a reasonable person would find offensive, degrading, or uncomfortable is considered sexual harassment.
North Carolina Harassment Laws
North Carolina has provisions in place that make workplace harassment unlawful. Employees have the right to work in the workplace free from sexual harassment and retaliation. North Carolina employees and applicants are protected from discrimination based on sex via the North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act as well as other state laws. The law covers full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. Legal claims of emotional distress and civil battery in sexual harassment are also recognized by the law.
As for federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from discrimination based on sex, color, race, color, religion, and national origin. The Act states that sexual harassment becomes illegal when it is frequent or severe enough that it creates a hostile work environment.
Is Sexual Harassment a Crime?
Sexual harassment is not considered criminal in nature, however, charges can be filed if unwelcome sexual contact is made. Sexual contact includes touching of any of the victim’s sexual organs or touching another person with one’s own sexual organs. Regardless of whether the victim is wearing clothing or if the offender touches the victim directly, sexual touching is unlawful.
A sexual harassment charge that involves sexual contact will be considered sexual battery. Sexual battery is considered a Class A1 misdemeanor under North Carolina law. Depending on the extent of the sexual contact, other charges may also apply.
In cases where sexual harassment does not cross the line of criminal actions, accusations will likely be handled by employers.
Sexual Harassment Penalties in NC
The penalties for sexual harassment depend on several factors, including the severity of the offense. Potential penalties vary on case-by-case basis, but anything from fines to even jail time may result from a sexual harassment conviction.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’ve Been Accused of Sexual Harassment?
Sex crimes are some of the most serious accusations one can face, but they are also often the hardest to prove. As such, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced defense attorney to create a successful strategy to counter the allegations made against you. In every case he accepts, North Carolina criminal defense attorney Aden Wilkie will review every piece of information the prosecution plans to utilize against his clients. He approaches every case with a full grasp of the issues involved and seeks to get the best outcome possible, whether that is convincing the state to drop or lessen the charges brought against his clients or creating a strong trial defense.
Experienced Jacksonville, NC Sexual Harassment Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of sexual harassment, you will need the help of an attorney to understand your rights, persuade authorities to drop or reduce your charges, conduct a private investigation, and defend your in court. At The Wilkie Law Group, our attorneys can do that and more. We will fight vigorously to defend your rights and your future against sexual harassment charges.
For a free consultation concerning your specific legal issue, call North Carolina sexual harassment defense attorney Aden Wilkie at (910) 333-9626 or complete our online intake form today.
Call Jacksonville Sexual Harassment Defense Attorney Aden Wilkie Today
If you’ve been accused or charged with a sex crime in North Carolina, it is imperative that you retain a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Jacksonville criminal defense attorney Aden Wilkie understands the complexities of criminal law in North Carolina and knows what it takes to successfully defend against sex crimes and other criminal offenses. To schedule a consultation with an experienced NC attorney at The Wilkie Law Group, call 910-333-9626 or use the online contact form below.
