Ellicott City Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Charges of Rape, Sexual Offenses, or Other Sex Crimes in Ellicott City, MD

Criminal charges related to sexual conduct can put your entire future at risk. If you are accused of engaging in sexual activity without receiving consent from the alleged victim, or if you are facing other types of allegations involving sex crimes, you may face severe penalties. A conviction can lead to years of imprisonment, and some offenses may carry sentences that would require you to be imprisoned for decades without the chance to receive parole. You could also be subject to mandatory sex offender registration, which will lead to long-lasting restrictions on where you can live or work while affecting nearly every area of your life.

Due to the severity of the potential penalties, you will need to determine what options for defense are available to you. With help from an attorney who has experience defending against sex crime charges, you can take steps to avoid a conviction, have the charges against you reduced or dismissed, or negotiate agreements that will limit the penalties that could affect your future.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we represent clients in Ellicott City who are facing sex crime charges, providing strong defense strategies designed to protect their rights. We can help you determine the ideal approach to take, and we will advocate for a favorable outcome that will allow you to move forward with your life.

Types of Sex Crimes in Maryland

Some of the offenses that people in Maryland may face include:

Rape: This crime involves engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts without receiving consent from the alleged victim. Charges of first degree rape may apply in situations involving accusations of the use of force or threats to use force. Second degree rape may also involve force or threats, as well as situations where the alleged victim was unable to consent because of cognitive impairments, intoxication, or unconsciousness. A conviction for second degree rape may carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a conviction for first degree rape may lead to a lifetime prison sentence.
Sexual Offenses: First degree or second degree sexual offenses are similar to first degree or second degree rape. These cases may also involve sexual acts between adults and minors, which will often lead to more serious penalties. Third degree and fourth degree sexual offenses may involve non-consensual sexual contact other than intercourse. Third degree sexual offenses may include sexual contact when carrying a weapon, when inflicting injuries, when another person has aided and abetted an offense, when the alleged victim was physically helpless, or when a person allegedly injured or strangled the victim. Fourth degree sexual offenses may involve other forms of sexual contact without consent, as well as contact between students and adults who have authority over them. A fourth degree sexual offense carries a maximum jail sentence of one year, while a third degree sexual offense may lead to a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
Child Pornography (CSAM) Offenses: People in Maryland may be charged with crimes related to the possession, distribution, or production of visual materials depicting children under the age of 16 in a sexually explicit manner. Possession of CSAM generally carries a maximum sentence of five years, although a separate sentence may be imposed for each count of this offense. Charges of distribution, promotion, or creation of CSAM may lead to a sentence of up to 10 years. In cases where child pornography offenses are prosecuted in federal courts, the potential penalties are likely to be more serious.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Sex Crime Cases

Speaking to police or investigators without an attorney present is one of the most damaging mistakes you can make when you are facing sex crime allegations. Law enforcement officers may often encourage you to answer questions and provide explanations, and you may think that it may be possible to clear up confusion or resolve misunderstandings. It is important to remember that anything you say can be used to build a criminal case against you. Even conversations with friends, family, or coworkers could be damaging if these people are called as witnesses or asked to give statements.

You should contact an attorney immediately upon learning of an investigation or after an arrest. From the very beginning of your case, our lawyers can help you protect your constitutional rights and prevent you from incriminating yourself. We will work closely with you to develop a defense strategy and help you avoid a sex crime conviction.

Defense Strategies for Sex Crimes

Our lawyers will work with you to develop a defense strategy that is based on the unique factors involved in your case. We may be able to:

Challenge Consent Issues: We can help you demonstrate that a sexual encounter was consensual, or we can dispute claims of coercion, threats, or the use of force.
Expose Inconsistencies: We will highlight any contradictions in witness testimony to raise reasonable doubt about whether you committed the offense in question.
Contest Forensic Evidence: We can take steps to question the validity of DNA evidence or other forms of evidence that may play a role in your case.
Address Knowledge or Intent: In CSAM cases, we can help you demonstrate that you did not knowingly or intentionally possess or access the materials in question.
Challenge Unlawful Searches: We will work to suppress evidence that was obtained through illegal searches or seizures by law enforcement.
Negotiate Reduced Charges: While our primary goal will be to secure a dismissal or acquittal, we may also negotiate agreements with prosecutors that will allow for reduced penalties or avoid the requirement to register as a sex offender.

Contact Our Ellicott City, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we can provide you with a comprehensive defense as you address accusations of sex crimes. Our attorneys understand the sensitive nature of these cases, and we will handle matters with discretion while fighting to achieve the outcome you are looking for. Contact our Ellicott City, MD sex crimes attorneys at 410-837-0020 to discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation.