Annapolis Sex Crimes Lawyer
Being charged with a sex crime can ruin your life, even if you are innocent. While some sex crimes are misdemeanors with relatively minor penalties, other sex crime convictions may put you behind bars for the rest of your life.
An experienced Annapolis sex crimes lawyer could ensure your rights are protected. Let a diligent defense attorney help you build the best defense possible.
Typical Types of Sex Crimes
In Maryland, there are various types of sex crimes for which a person may be charged. These include:
- Sexual assault – various degrees of severity, from first to fourth
- Sexual assault of a child
- Indecent exposure
- Date rape
- Statutory rape
- Internet sex crimes
- Child pornography – possession and/or distribution
- Unlawful sexual contact
- Solicitation of minors
Those previously convicted of sex crimes may face charges if they fail to register as sex offenders, or if they break the terms of their release. Those convicted of a sex crime face penalties beyond prison and significant fines.
Once they leave prison, they must register as sex offenders, lose gun rights and may have a very difficult time finding work. If potential employers search the person’s name on the internet, and the first item that is likely to show up is a sexual predator website or similar registry.
When it comes to sex crimes, much also depends on the age difference between the accuser and accused, the relationship between the two of them – which could include a teacher and student or a corrections officer and inmate – and the mental and physical capacity of the accuser.
Maryland Sex Crime Registration and Penalties
Under Maryland statutes, even attempted sex crimes might land a person in prison for life. That is the case with attempted rape in the first degree, which carries a possible penalty of life in prison, the same potential punishment a conviction of first-degree rape may carry.
A sexual offense conviction in the third degree means up to ten years in prison, while a sexual offense in the fourth-degree conviction can send a person to jail for up to one year and includes a fine of up to $1,000.
Sexual abuse of a minor conviction carries a term of up to 25 years in prison, while a sexual solicitation of a minor conviction can mean up to ten years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Given the potentially life-altering impact of being placed on a sex crime registry, defendants are recommended to speak with an accomplished Annapolis sex crimes lawyer.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Offenses
While there is no statute of limitations for felony sex crimes in Maryland,
the statute of limitation is one year from the date of the event for misdemeanor sex crimes.
How a Sex Crimes Attorney Could Help
A sex crimes attorney in Annapolis could gather all relevant information and thoroughly investigate the circumstances of each case. In some situations, they may prove that accusations are false. This may occur when a couple is going through a divorce and the spouse makes the accusation to receive child custody.
A defendant’s attorney could attempt to prove that the accuser did consent to the act, or that a charge of a particular degree of sexual assault is actually a lesser charge.
Speak with a Maryland Sex Crimes Lawyer
If you are arrested for a sex crime, you may need tenacious legal representation as soon as possible. Call today and arrange a consultation. While it may be overwhelming to find yourself in this situation, an Annapolis sex crimes lawyer could advise you every step of the way.