Montgomery County Sex Crimes Lawyer

Depending on the nature of the offense, a sex crime conviction could lead to anything from probation to life behind bars. An attorney could make all the difference in the outcome of any sex-related case and given the discretion by the court, and the stakes involved, it is always worth consulting with a professional attorney if you are charged. Call a Montgomery County sex crimes lawyer to learn more about the options and rights you may have in your case. It may make all the difference in the outcome.

Rape in the First Degree

The most serious of all sex crimes is rape. The most severe of all rape charges are first-degree rape. First-degree rape is punishable by life in prison.

Rape in the first degree is defined by §3-303 of Code of Maryland as engaging in vaginal intercourse by force or threat of force while:

• Employing a dangerous weapon
• Employing an object which the victim reasonably believes to be a dangerous weapon
• Preventing the victim from breathing
• Threaten death or serious injury to the victim or someone is known to the victim
• Committing a burglary
• Being aided or abetted by another

Rape in the Second Degree

 Second-degree rape is defined by Code of Maryland § 3-304 as engaging in vaginal intercourse through the use of force or threat of force while:

• The victim is incapacitated
• The victim is a mentally defective individual
• The victim is physically helpless
• The victim is under the age of 14

A conviction for the crime of second-degree rape is punishable by up to 20 years in state prison.

Sexual Offense in the First Degree

Sexual Offense in the degree is the most serious non-rape charge. It involves engaging in sexual activity, as opposed to vaginal intercourse, with another by the use or threat of force while one or more of the following conditions are met:

• A dangerous weapon is used
• The victim is prevented from breathing
• There is a threat of serious injury or death
• The offense occurs during a burglary
• The offense is aided or abetted by another

One may think of this offense as similar to first-degree rape, without the requirement of vaginal intercourse. As with first-degree rape, sexual offense in the first degree is punishable by life in prison.

Sexual Offense in the Second Degree

Sexual offense in the second degree requires a forced sexual act under similar conditions as second-degree rape. It is punishable to the same extent as a rape in the second degree, which means that a conviction may result in up to 220 years in prison.

Sexual Offense in the Third Degree

A person who engages in sexual contact without consent has committed the crime third-degree sexual offense if any of the following conditions are met:

• A dangerous weapon is used
• The victim is prevented from breathing
• A threat of serious injury or death is made
• The crime is aided or abetted by another

Note that only contact is required, not the commission of forcing a person to engage in a sexual act.

Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree

An instance of non-consensual sexual contact could result in a §3-308 charge of fourth-degree sexual offense. This crime is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1000.

Consult with a Montgomery County Sex Crimes Attorney Today

Whether it is a misdemeanor charge or a felony punishable by life in prison, the court takes all sex crimes seriously. That is why it is important that a person facing such charge has a Montgomery County sex crimes lawyer by their side to ensure justice and a fair trial.

If you are charged with any sex crime in MoCo, consult with an attorney before proceeding with any stage of adjudication. Call today to learn more.