Hagerstown, MD Sex Crimes Attorneys

Lawyers for Sexual Assault, Rape, CSAM, and Other Sex Crimes in Hagerstown

Allegations related to sex crimes can destroy a person's life. People who face these accusations may be at risk of harsh penalties that could include decades or life in prison and sex offender registration requirements that will place severe restrictions on where they can live and work. Because of the potential impact of an accusation, a person may try to explain themselves to police or provide information about what really happened. Doing so is almost always a mistake, since anything a person says could be considered a confession, with their words being used against them during a criminal case.

Instead of answering questions asked by police, providing information to law enforcement about the circumstances surrounding an accusation, or discussing the situation with family or friends, the first thing a person accused of a sex crime should do is get in touch with an attorney.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we work with clients in Hagerstown who have been accused of sex crimes, including sexual assault, rape, and other sexual offenses. We have extensive knowledge of Maryland law, and we understand the defense strategies that are most likely to be successful in cases involving sex crimes. With our experience defending clients against these types of charges, we can help a person take the right steps to prevent a conviction, reduce charges, or avoid the harshest consequences.

When Sexual Assault Charges May Apply

A person may face allegations of sexual assault if they are accused of engaging in sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or other sexual acts without receiving consent from the other party. Examples of situations that can lead to accusations include:

The alleged victim may claim that the defendant forced them to engage in sexual intercourse or threatened to harm them or someone else if they did not comply. These accusations may be false, and they may be based on an attempt to cause harm to the defendant.
A person may be accused of taking advantage of a victim who was unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to consent due to age, intoxication, or disability. This is sometimes known as "buyer's remorse rape," since accusations may occur after someone engaged in consensual activities while they had been drinking alcohol or using drugs, but later came to regret their actions and claimed that the other person had taken advantage of them.
A person may be accused of using manipulation or coercion to engage in sexual contact with someone. In these cases, a defendant may need to counter the accusations made by the alleged victim or other witnesses and show that the activities were consensual.
A person may be charged with engaging in sexual acts with a minor. A minor cannot legally give consent to engage in sexual activities or sexual contact, and a person may face sexual assault charges even if they believed the alleged victim was of age. In the past, our attorneys have represented defendants who were misled into believing that a minor was old enough to give consent, and we have achieved successful results for clients in these situations.

Rape and Sexual Offense Charges in Maryland

There are different categories of sexual assault offenses under Maryland law. The specific offense that may be charged following an accusation will be based on the conduct involved. These charges may include:

Rape or Sexual Offense in the First Degree: Accusations of engaging in sexual acts, including vaginal intercourse, through the use of force or threats to cause harm are the most serious sexual assault charges. In these cases, a conviction may lead to life imprisonment. A person will not be eligible for parole if charges involve an alleged victim under the age of 16. If the alleged victim is below the age of 13, a maximum sentence of life in prison will still apply, but the minimum sentence will be 25 years.
Rape or Sexual Offense in the Second Degree: These charges may involve sexual acts, including vaginal intercourse, that were nonconsensual, including in situations where the victim was allegedly intoxicated, mentally impaired, or otherwise incapacitated. The penalties for a conviction may include up to 20 years in prison. In cases where an adult who is at least 18 years old is accused of sexual acts with a child younger than 13 years old, the penalties for a conviction may range from 15 years to life in prison.
Sexual Offense in the Third Degree: When sexual assault allegations involve sexual contact rather than sexual penetration or other activities that are considered sexual acts, an offense will be categorized as a sexual offense rather than rape. In cases involving the alleged use of force, physical injuries to the victim, choking or strangulation, an offense involving more than one perpetrator, or a victim who was incapacitated, the potential penalties for a conviction include a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree: Other forms of sexual conduct without consent may carry potential penalties including a sentence of up to one year in jail. These penalties may also apply in cases where a school official, teacher, coach, or person in a position of authority in a youth program is accused of sexual contact with a minor.

How Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC Can Help Defend Against Sex Crime Charges

Defending against allegations of sexual assault or other sex crimes will require a strong knowledge of the law, the ability to carefully evaluate evidence, and experience crafting successful defense strategies in these types of cases. Our attorneys can provide the knowledge and experience clients need, and we may utilize defense strategies such as:

Challenging the credibility of testimony by witnesses or identifying inconsistencies in the accuser's statements or reasons for making false accusations
Reviewing forensic evidence to determine whether it may be inconclusive
Arguing against charges that are not supported by the facts of a case
Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties when appropriate
Advocating for acquittals or dismissals when the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof
Working to minimize the restrictions a person may face related to sex offender registration

In past cases, we have been successful in helping clients avoid the requirement to register as Tier I sex offenders, limiting the amount of time they are required to register, or having them removed from the sex offender registry. We can provide guidance on when these options may be available and what steps can be taken to limit the long-term effects of a sex crime charge.

Contact Our Hagerstown, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

Because the consequences of a sex crime conviction could last for a lifetime, you will need to make sure you take the correct steps during your defense. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we will provide the aggressive defense needed to protect your rights and your future. Contact our Hagerstown sex crimes attorneys and arrange a free initial consultation by calling our office at 410-837-0020.