Essex, MD Sex Crimes Lawyers

Attorneys Defending Against Sexual Assault and Other Sex Crime Charges in Essex, Maryland

When you are accused of a sex crime, your life may be turned upside down. You may be unsure about how to address these accusations, and you will most likely be worried about whether you may face a lengthy prison sentence, the requirement to register as a sex offender, and other consequences that come with a sex crime conviction. Understanding the best approach to take during your case is not easy, which is why you will need a legal advocate on your side who can protect your rights and help you defend against these charges.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we have the skills and experience needed to successfully defend against sex crime charges. We have helped many clients in Essex and throughout Maryland address accusations of rape, sexual assault, or other related offenses, and we have been recognized for our ability to provide effective legal representation and secure positive results for defendants. We will provide the strategic representation you need, fighting to protect your rights and working to achieve an outcome that will minimize or eliminate the severe penalties of a sex crime conviction.

The Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

Allegations of sex crimes can lead to harsh penalties. Those who are convicted may face prison sentences lasting for years or decades. Some offenses may even result in life imprisonment. In addition, many convictions will require a person to register as a sex offender. There are three tiers of sex offender registration in Maryland:

• Tier I: This classification may apply for lower-level sex crimes, including fourth degree sexual offenses or possession of child pornography. A person will be required to register in person with law enforcement every six months, and this requirement will remain in place for 15 years.
• Tier II: Offenses such as distributing child pornography or third degree sexual offenses involving minors will require a longer period of registration. A person will be required to register every six months for 25 years.
• Tier III: The most serious offenses will require lifetime registration, and a person will be required to register every three months. Offenses in this category include rape, incest, and sexual abuse of a minor.

Sex offender registration will place significant restrictions on your life. You will be prohibited from living in any location near schools or public parks, and many landlords may refuse to accept you as a tenant. You will also be restricted from working in certain jobs, including those involving contact with children, and employers will often be hesitant to hire convicted sex offenders. Because the consequences will affect nearly every aspect of your daily life, it is crucial to take steps to defend against a conviction that could lead to sex offender registration.

Do Not Speak to Law Enforcement Without Legal Counsel

When you have been accused of a sex crime, your first impulse may be to give your side of the story to police officers and explain why you believe you are innocent. This is likely to be a huge mistake, because any explanations you provide or other information you turn over may be seen as a confession.

For this reason, you should always exercise your right to remain silent. Aside from giving police your basic identifying information, such as your name and address, you can decline to answer any questions. You should request to speak to an attorney immediately and refuse to give police any information without having your attorney present. Our lawyers will provide you with guidance on how to handle interactions with police, and we will ensure that your rights are protected during investigations or questioning.

Sexual Assault Charges in Maryland

Some of the most common sex crime charges in Maryland are related to accusations that a person has committed sexual assault. These charges generally fall into one of two categories:

Rape

The offense of rape generally involves sexual acts in which the alleged victim did not consent to the activity in question. The most serious offense is first degree rape, which may apply following accusations that sexual acts were committed through the use of force or threats to inflict harm. This offense may also apply in situations where someone who is more than 18 years old is charged with engaging in sexual acts with an alleged victim who is less than 13 years of age. A conviction on charges of first degree rape carries a potential lifetime prison sentence.

The offense of second degree rape may apply in situations involving non-consensual sexual acts, including when a person was allegedly helpless, incapacitated, or cognitively impaired. In some cases, a person who was drunk or under the influence of drugs may feel remorse the day after engaging in sexual acts with someone, and they may claim that they could not give consent due to their intoxication. Defending against these accusations will require the assistance of a skilled attorney.

Second degree rape may also include sexual acts between minors and adults. If an alleged offender is at least four years older than a victim below the age of 14, the charge of second degree rape may apply. In most cases, second degree rape carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, but if an alleged offender older than 18 years of age is charged with sexual acts with someone younger than 13, the maximum sentence increases to life imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years will apply.

Sexual Offenses

Sexual assault may be classified as a sexual offense rather than rape in certain situations. First degree sexual offenses carry penalties that are similar to those that would apply for first degree rape charges. If a case allegedly involved a victim who is younger than 16 years old, a defendant could face a sentence of life imprisonment without parole. As with charges of second degree rape, second degree sexual offenses may result in increased penalties if the alleged victim is a minor.

A third degree sexual offense may include charges related to non-consensual sexual contact in which aggravating factors were involved, such as the infliction of injuries or the use of a dangerous weapon. These offenses also address sexual acts between adults over the age of 21 and children between the ages of 14 and 15 and sexual contact between a child under the age of 14 and a person who is at least four years older. A conviction for a third degree sexual offense may lead to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

A fourth degree sexual offense generally involves sexual contact that is non-consensual. It also specifically addresses situations where people who work at schools, including teachers, coaches, or administrators, are charged with sexual contact involving students. A conviction for a fourth degree sexual offense carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

Contact Our Essex Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

Sex crime charges should be taken seriously. By securing legal representation, you can determine the best strategies that will help you resolve your case successfully. Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC is here to help in these cases, and we can provide you with effective legal counsel and take steps to minimize the consequences of sex crime accusations. Contact our Essex, MD sex crimes defense lawyers by calling 410-837-0020 and arranging a free initial consultation.