A 16-year-old female was raped by her 23-year-old manager at her job & it's been 7 years since it's happened. She's just now decided that she's strong enough to press charges. Can anything be done? Is it too late? What would happen to him if he's found guilty? Can the male say that is was consent since the legal age of consent was 16?? What's the first thing that the female needs to do??

What's the first thing that the female needs to do?? The first step is to file a report with the police or go directly through the District Attorney's office. Sometimes the DA will require a police report first. Generally, no crime can be investigated until an official report is filed with police.

What would happen to him if he's found guilty? This would depend on what crime he is ultimately convicted of. If found guilty of rape, he may serve time in prison and face monetary penalties.

Can the male say that it was consent since the legal age of consent was 16?? Yes, he could say anything in his own defense. This is something the victim should discuss with the prosecutors office or with a private attorney.

Can anything be done? Is it too late? We could not find a conclusive answer on this. For statute of limitations on "felony" crimes, please consult the District Attorney or North Carolina Legislature directly; it is not clear from our research what limitation standards have been set in the North Carolina courts as these laws appear to be going through a repeal process at this time.

Misdemeanor crimes:
Criminal Prosecutions Citation: Gen. Stat. § 15-1
The statute of limitations for all misdemeanors except malicious misdemeanors is a period within 2 years after commission of the offense.