Annapolis, MD Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Charges of Rape or Sexual Offenses in Annapolis, Maryland

Few criminal charges carry the long-term consequences that apply to people who are convicted of sex crimes. People who are accused of these offenses may face long prison sentences and thousands of dollars in fines, as well as the requirement to register as sex offenders. Defending against these charges will require representation from an attorney who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we provide representation for clients who have been accused of rape, sexual offenses, or crimes involving child pornography. We work tirelessly to protect the rights of people who have been accused of sex crimes, and we can build strong defense strategies to help prevent a conviction or minimize the impact of these charges on a person's life.

Why You Should Contact an Attorney Immediately

When law enforcement begins investigating a sex crime allegation, police officers may reach out to a person to request an interview or statement. However, you should never speak to police without first consulting with an attorney.

Even if you believe that you can "clear things up" or explain a situation, everything you say to police has the potential to be used against you. Your explanations may be considered to be a confession, and police are trained to get information, even during what may seem like casual conversations. They can even lie to you to try to get you to admit to a crime or provide information that could be used as evidence in your case.

It is critical to speak with an attorney before making any statements to police or discussing the allegations with anyone else. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we can provide the guidance you need during every stage of your case, including in situations where you learn of an investigation or when your devices have been seized by law enforcement. We will make sure you avoid self-incrimination, and we will protect your constitutional rights as we work to develop an effective defense strategy.

Rape and Sexual Offenses in Maryland

Accusations of sexual assault may be based on claims that a person engaged in sexual intercourse or sexual contact without receiving consent from the other party. When a person is arrested based on these accusations, the specific charges they may face will depend on the circumstances involved in a case. These offenses may include:

First Degree Rape (Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 3-303): This offense generally involves vaginal sexual intercourse or sexual acts that were committed using force or threatening to use force and without the consent of the other party. When someone over the age of 18 is accused of sexual intercourse or sexual acts with a child younger than 13 years old, they may also face first degree rape charges. The maximum penalty for a conviction of first degree rape is a sentence of life in prison.
Second Degree Rape (Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 3-304): This offense may also involve non-consensual vaginal intercourse or sexual acts accomplished by force or threat of force. Sexual acts or intercourse with a person who is incapacitated due to the use of drugs or alcohol or is otherwise substantially cognitively impaired may also be considered second degree rape. Sexual acts in which the alleged victim is younger than 14 years old and the alleged perpetrator is four or more years older may also be considered second degree rape. The maximum prison sentence in these cases is typically 20 years. In situations involving sexual acts between someone older than 18 and a child younger than 13, a conviction will result in a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
First Degree Sexual Offense (Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 3-305): This offense is similar to first degree rape, and it may involve the use of physical force or threats to engage in sexual acts. A conviction may result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and in cases where the alleged victim is under the age of 16, a person may be sentenced to life in prison, and they will not be eligible for parole. In cases involving an alleged victim younger than 13, a person will face a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Second Degree Sexual Offense (Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 3-306): This offense is similar to second degree rape, and it may involve sexual acts using force or threats or a victim who could not give consent due to incapacitation. The maximum prison sentence for this offense is usually 20 years.
Third Degree Sexual Offense (Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 3-307): This offense involves engaging in sexual contact with a person without receiving consent with certain aggravating circumstances, including displaying a dangerous weapon, being aided and abetted by another person, inflicting serious injuries, suffocating or strangling the victim, or a victim who was incapacitated. This offense may also include sexual contact with a child younger than 14 when the defendant is four or more years older or vaginal intercourse or sexual acts with a child between the ages of 14 and 15 when the defendant is over 21. The maximum sentence for this offense is 10 years in prison.
Fourth Degree Sexual Offense (Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 3-308): This offense may involve situations where a person is accused of sexual contact committed without receiving consent and without aggravating factors being present. Educators, school employees, or others in positions of authority who are accused of engaging in sexual contact with students may also be charged with this offense. The maximum penalty for a conviction is one year in jail and/or a fine of $1,000.

Maryland Sex Offender Registration Requirements

One of the most serious consequences of a sex crime conviction involves the requirement to register as a sex offender. Registration will be required after a person is released from prison, is granted probation, or receives a suspended sentence. Specific requirements will apply to registered sex offenders, including restrictions on where they can live and work. Maryland divides sex offender registration into three tiers:

Tier I: Offenses, such as possession of CSAM or fourth degree sexual offenses may require registration for 15 years.
Tier II: Offenses such as the distribution of CSAM or third degree sexual offenses will require registration for 25 years.
Tier III: Offenses such as rape may require lifetime registration.

Our attorneys can help minimize the sex offender registration requirements that may apply for our clients. In some cases, Tier I sex offenders may be able to be removed from the registry after 10 years. We work to help clients get removed from the sex offender registry and address other related concerns.

Contact Our Annapolis Sex Crimes Attorneys

When you have been accused of rape, sexual assault, or other related offenses, you will need to obtain legal representation immediately. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we will provide the effective defense you need to help you avoid a conviction or minimize the ways your life may be affected. Contact our Annapolis, MD sex crime lawyers at 410-837-0020 to arrange a free consultation.