Washington County Sex Crimes Lawyer
Due to the serious nature of sex crime, the effects of a conviction may be long-lasting. Immediate concerns may include handling the social stigma of an accusation of this nature, dealing with the questions or concerns of family and friends, and determining how to navigate the legal process.
A Washington County sex crimes lawyer could assist you in understanding the difference between various types of sexual offenses, the strategies which may be utilized in your defense, and the options which may be available to you. Reach out to an accomplished criminal lawyer to begin your defense case.
Sex Crimes in Alabama
Sexual offenses in Washington County are categorized by degrees, in Maryland Code §§ 3-303, 3-304, and 3-307. The felony of rape in the first-degree typically involves engaging in vaginal intercourse or other sexual act with another person by force or threat of force, in combination with using a deadly weapon or inflicting (or threatening to inflict) serious physical injury.
The felony of rape in the second-degree typically involves engaging in vaginal intercourse or other sexual act with another person by force or threat of force or engaging in vaginal intercourse or other sexual act with an individual who is mentally incapacitated or cognitively impaired.
The felony of sexual offense in the third degree typically involves engaging in sexual contact with another person, in combination with using a deadly weapon or inflicting (or threatening to inflict) serious physical injury. Engaging in sexual contact with an individual who is mentally incapacitated or cognitively impaired also falls into the category of a third-degree offense.
A sex crimes attorney in Washington County may be able to assist individuals in understanding the distinctions between first, second, and third-degree sexual offenses. An experienced lawyer could also help an accused person understand how authorities may charge them for alleged crimes.
Potential Penalties for Sexual Offenses
The felony of rape in the first-degree is potentially punishable by imprisonment not exceeding life. The penalty for the felony of rape in the second-degree is potential imprisonment not exceeding 20 years. If a person who is 18 years of age or older commits the offense against a child who is under the age of 13, a mandatory minimum of 15 years applies and the term of imprisonment typically does not exceed life.
The felony of sexual offense in the third degree could carry a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years. Other consequences that an individual may face if convicted of a sexual offense could include:
• Registration as a sexual offender
• Difficulty finding housing
• Difficulty obtaining employment
Individuals convicted of a sexual offense may be required to register on the sex offender registry. The term of the registration and the classification depends on various factors. A Washington County attorney may be able to assist individuals with questions regarding penalties and other consequences that may flow from a sex crime conviction.
Call a Washington County Sex Crimes Attorney
If you have any questions at all regarding sex crimes and the penalties that may accompany these crimes, you may benefit from consultation with a seasoned Washington County sex crimes lawyer. The laws regarding sexual offenses can be very complex.
Attempting to gain an understanding of these laws, while under the pressure of a pending criminal charge, may be overwhelming. A sex crimes lawyer in Washington County could provide professional guidance and counsel during this difficult time.