Timonium, MD Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Charges of Rape, Sexual Offenses, or Other Sex Crimes in Timonium

There are a variety of situations where a person may be charged with a sex crime. Many of these cases involve accusations that a person has engaged in sexual acts with someone without receiving consent. Depending on the specific allegations, a person could be charged with rape or a sexual offense. These charges may also apply if an adult is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a minor, regardless of whether consent was a factor. Because of the serious nature of these charges, legal representation is crucial.

By contacting an attorney as soon as possible after learning that you have been accused of a sex crime, you can make sure you will be able to defend against these charges. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we will provide you with the experienced legal representation you need, working to prevent a conviction that would require you to register as a sex offender and helping to defend against penalties such as fines or a prison sentence. With our understanding of the defense strategies that are most likely to be effective in these cases, we can help you resolve the matter, prevent serious consequences, and move forward with your life.

What to Do if You Are Arrested for a Sex Crime

When facing sex crime accusations, attempting to explain what actually happened may seem like a good idea. It is important to remember that when you speak to police, anything you say could come back to haunt you later. What may seem like a reasonable explanation could be viewed as a confession. Any details you provide may be used to build a case against you. No matter what you say, it is likely to do more harm than good.

When you have been arrested, or even if you are being questioned in relation to an alleged crime, you should do the following:

Remain silent. Do not answer questions asked by police, provide information about your actions or whereabouts, or turn over any documents or files, even if you believe that this information could be helpful to your case. State that you will not answer any questions or speak to police unless your attorney is present.
Request legal counsel immediately. In addition to your right to remain silent, you have the right to legal representation from a qualified attorney. Contact us to get representation. We will speak to police on your behalf and advise you on what you should say and do during your case.
Do not discuss your case with anyone else. While you may want to discuss the situation with friends or family members, you should avoid doing so. Even if you believe that you are speaking in confidence, your statements could be repeated to others. The person may be called to testify in your case, and what you said to them could be used against you in court.

Charges of Rape in Maryland

Many of the most serious sex crime charges involve accusations of rape. Under Maryland law, rape generally involves vaginal intercourse or other types of sexual acts that were committed without the consent of the alleged victim. Charges of rape will generally fall into two categories:

Rape in the First Degree (Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-303): When rape allegedly involves the use of force to engage in sex acts or threats to cause harm to the alleged victim or another party if they did not comply, a person will face the possibility of a life sentence in prison.
Rape in the Second Degree (Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-304): Allegations of rape that involve non-consensual intercourse or other sexual acts may lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years. These charges may include situations where a victim was allegedly unable to provide consent because of substantial cognitive impairments or intoxication by alcohol or drugs.

Adults who are accused of engaging in sexual acts with children may be charged with rape. In cases where the alleged perpetrator was at least 18, and the alleged victim was below the age of 13, first degree rape charges may apply. If a person is accused of committing rape against a child under the age of 14 who was at least four years younger than the alleged offender, charges of second degree rape may apply. Increased penalties will typically apply in cases involving minors.

Sexual Offense Charges in Maryland

In some cases, a person may face sexual offense charges that are similar to charges of rape. A first degree sexual offense may carry a potential life sentence, with increased mandatory minimums if in cases involving minor victims. A second degree sexual offense carries a potential sentence of 20 years, with increased penalties in cases involving minors.

Third degree and fourth degree sexual offenses will typically involve accusations of sexual contact rather than vaginal intercourse or sexual acts. In cases where the alleged victim suffered serious injuries, was strangled or choked, or was helpless or impaired, a person may be charged with a third degree sexual offense, which carries a potential sentence of 10 years in prison.

Other allegations involving sexual contact without consent may result in fourth degree sexual offense charges. In these cases, the maximum penalty is usually one year in jail.

Sex Offender Registration Following a Maryland Sex Crime Conviction

Convictions for sex crimes in Maryland will typically require a person to register as a sex offender. The specific requirements will be based on the severity of the offense:

Tier I: Crimes that are considered to be less severe, including fourth degree sexual offenses, will require 15 years of registration. A person will be required to register with law enforcement every six months.
Tier II: Crimes such as third degree sexual offenses involving minors will require 25 years of registration. A person will be required to register with law enforcement every six months.
Tier III: The most serious offenses, including first degree or second degree rape and third degree sexual offenses involving weapons, force, threats, or incapacitated victims, will require registration for the rest of a person's life. They will be required to register with law enforcement every three months.

Defense Strategies for Sex Crime Charges

The attorneys at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC can help determine the ideal steps that may be taken to protect clients against convictions or reduce the impact of sex crime allegations. These strategies may include:

Investigating the Circumstances: We will examine the context of the allegations to gain a full understanding of what exactly happened and how to show that our client is innocent.
Demonstrating Consent: We may provide evidence showing that the alleged sexual encounter was consensual.
Challenging Witness Credibility: We may be able to find inconsistencies in the accuser's account of what happened or show that other witnesses are unreliable.
Questioning Evidence: We will closely review the evidence involved in a case, including DNA evidence, medical records, surveillance footage, or location data on a person's devices, looking for details that may prove our client's innocence.
Negotiating With Prosecutors: We may be able to reach agreements that will allow for reduced charges or minimal sentences. We will work to achieve an outcome that will protect against harsh penalties like sex offender registration.
Advocating at Trial: With our experience representing clients in the courtroom, we can present an effective defense while fighting to achieve an acquittal or dismissal.

Contact Our Timonium, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

When addressing sexual assault charges or other sex crime accusations, representation from a skilled attorney is critical to ensure that you can protect your rights and build a strong defense. When you work with Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, you can rest assured that you will have an experienced legal advocate by your side. Call 410-837-0020 to contact our Timonium sex crime lawyers and set up your free consultation.