Sexual Offenses
Sexual offense charges must be taken very seriously. If you are convicted of a rape or sexual offense, you could face significant prison time and registration as a sex offender.
Have you been charged with a sex offense? Do you need help understanding what to do next?
The Southern Maryland law firm Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher (SCB) is ready to defend your case. Getting representation as soon as possible following a sexual assault charge is the best way to get a positive result at trial. These charges are considered very serious. Prosecutors, judges and juries take charges like these very seriously in today’s climate and it is essential that you retain an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer to fight for you.
A reputable Maryland sexual assault lawyer can help you build the strongest defense possible to maximize your chances of having a favorable outcome in court.
Types of Sexual Assault Charges
Even in the case of a shorter prison sentence, a felony sex crime conviction goes on your permanent record and could make it virtually impossible to find future housing, employment, loans, etc. To protect your future quality of life and prove your innocence, the best legal recourse is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Rape
Actions that lead to charges for rape in Maryland include engaging in vaginal intercourse with another individual by force or intimidation without the other individual’s consent. First degree rape may also be charged for other types of sexual contact if a weapon is involved or there is serious physical injury to the victim. First degree rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Second degree rape carries a maximum penalty of up to twenty years, or life imprisonment if the victim was under the age of 14 and the defendant is at least four years older than the victim.
Sexual Offense
Sexual offense charges in Maryland include either third or fourth degree sexual offenses. They are defined as non-consensual sexual contact/sexual acts with a person under the age of 16, or someone who is physically helpless or substantially cognitively impaired. Third degree sexual assault carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Fourth degree sexual assault carries a maximum penalty of one year of incarceration and includes any unwanted sexual contact or sexual abuse of a student by a person in a position of authority.
Sex Offender Registration
If you are convicted of a sex crime in the state of Maryland, you may be forced to register on the Maryland State Sex offender Registry. If you have a sexual assault case in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, La Plata, or anywhere else in Southern Maryland, please contact us.
Contact A Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been charged with sexual assault in the state of Maryland, it is imperative that you contact a Maryland criminal defense lawyer immediately. An attorney can help you make important decisions that may impact you and your loved ones for the rest of your life. If you do not have an attorney advising you about what to say, who you have to answer to, and what you should do, you run the risk of answering a question in a way that could incriminate yourself. Our attorneys are experienced criminal practitioners who can guide you through the trial and sex offender registry process.
If you would like to speak with a member of the firm, or have any question about our practice, please contact our offices to arrange a consultation. Call 301-627-5500.