Rockville County Sex Crimes Lawyer

Facing criminal charges pertaining to a sexual crime and attempting to fight the charges on your own could be overwhelming. You may not have to face the charges on your own. Hiring a Rockville County sex crimes lawyer could mean you have someone on your side advocating for you.

A diligent criminal defense attorney may fight on your behalf to help you obtain the best legal result possible.

Sex Crimes Laws

Laws on sexual crimes in Rockville County are detailed in Maryland’s criminal law code under subtitle 3 of title 3, which outlines crimes against the person. Examples of specific acts constituting sexual crimes under Maryland law may include:

  • Rape or attempted rape in the first or second degree
  • Committing a sexual offense third or fourth degree
  • Maintaining ongoing sexual involvement with a minor
  • Sexual solicitation of a minor

Rape and Attempted Rape

Rape and attempted rape in either the first or second degree both involve having intercourse with another person by the use or threat of force against that person’s will. A first-degree rape charge is more serious than a charge for rape in the second degree as it involves the use of a weapon, suffocation, strangulation, disfigurement, or the infliction of serious bodily injury on the alleged victim (see § 3-303).

As an attorney could explain, attempted rape in the first degree is also a more serious charge than second-degree attempted rape.

Sexual offenses in the third degree that are not categorized as rape or attempted rape may involve engaging in sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent through the use of force or the threat of force. Sexual offenses in the fourth degree may involve sexual contact with or the sexual abuse of a minor by a person in a position of authority.

Penalties for a Sex Crimes Conviction

The possible penalties for conviction of a sex crime in Rockville County could differ depending on the specific offense(s) for which a person was charged and convicted. The penalties may be more severe for subsequent convictions of the same offense. A lawyer for sex crimes in Rockville County could provide a more detailed explanation regarding the possible punishment for a conviction of the specific charges a person is facing.

The penalty for a conviction of committing a sexual offense in the fourth degree could be a term of imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000 (see § 3-308). The penalty for a sexual offense in the third degree could be imprisonment for up to 10 years (see § 3-307). A conviction for rape in the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years (see § 3-304).

The penalties for committing rape in the first degree may include a term of imprisonment of between 25 years to life or life in prison with no possibility of parole (see § 3-303).

How a Sex Crime Attorney Could Help

A Rockville County lawyer could help a person charged with sex crimes in several ways, including:

  • Answering questions regarding the specific charges
  • Explaining the possible legal penalties for a conviction
  • Providing legal representation throughout the legal process
  • Preparing a legal defense against the charges
  • Fighting for the best possible legal result

Contact a Rockville County Sex Crimes Attorney

It may not be advisable to fight charges for a sex offense on your own. The legal system could be complicated and it may be difficult to determine how to best defend yourself against the charges. Reach out to us for help.

A sex crimes lawyer could help prepare a proper defense and fight to get you the best possible legal outcome. Contact a Rockville County sex crimes lawyer today.