Elkridge, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Charges Involving Sexual Assault, Child Pornography, or Other Sex Crimes in Elkridge

When you have been accused of a sex crime, you may face multiple types of consequences that could affect your life, even before your case reaches trial. The criminal charges that may be related to these accusations carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and sex offender registration. These cases are often emotionally charged, and defending against accusations and protecting your good name may not be easy. A strong legal defense is essential. You need a lawyer who can help you defend yourself throughout your case.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., our Elkridge sex crimes defense attorney can provide you with skilled legal representation. By closely examining the facts of your case, reviewing the conduct of law enforcement officials, challenging questionable evidence, and developing effective defense strategies, he will work to reduce or dismiss the charges you are facing. He understands what is at stake, including your liberty, reputation, and future, and he will provide the strong defense you need.

Rape and Sexual Offense Charges

Under Maryland law, sexual assault charges may be classified as rape or sexual offenses. The charges that may apply in a specific case will be based on the nature of the alleged conduct, the use of force or threats, the ages of the people involved, and issues involving consent. These charges may include:

• Rape in the First Degree: Sexual intercourse or sexual acts that were allegedly committed through force or using threats of force are the most serious sexual assault charges. These felony charges could lead to a sentence of life imprisonment.
• Rape in the Second Degree: Other types of sexual intercourse or sexual acts that were committed without receiving consent may be classified as rape, including in situations where the victim was allegedly incapacitated due to intoxication or physical helplessness. These felony charges could lead to up to 20 years of imprisonment.
• Sexual Offense in the Third Degree: Sexual contact other than intercourse that was committed without consent through the use of force or coercion may be classified as a sexual offense rather than rape. These felony charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.
• Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree: Non-consensual sexual contact that did not involve force or threats may be classified as a sexual offense. This misdemeanor offense may lead to a jail sentence of up to one year.

Rape or sexual offense charges may also involve allegations that a person engaged in sexual intercourse, sexual acts, or sexual contact with a minor. Because children are unable to legally give consent to participate in sexual activity, these charges may apply even if the acts in question were consensual.

Our attorney can assess the evidence presented in a case involving sexual assault charges, including statements from the alleged victim or other witnesses, DNA tests, and other factors. He will work to demonstrate that a person did not commit the offense in question, that sexual acts or contact were consensual, or that accusations were based on mistaken identity. His goal is to secure a dismissal or acquittal and help prevent a conviction for rape or a sexual offense.

Defending Against Child Pornography Charges

When a person faces allegations of possessing, distributing, or producing material that depicts minors engaged in sexual conduct, they could be charged with offenses related to child pornography, which is also known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). It is illegal to knowingly possess CSAM or access child pornography with the intent to view it or distribute it to others. The specific charges in these cases may include:

• Possession of CSAM: This offense may involve knowingly having access to or storing illegal images or videos, including possessing physical photographs or videotapes, storing digital files on a computer or other device, or accessing CSAM online. A conviction may lead to up to five years of imprisonment for each count of possession of child pornography.
• Distribution or Production of CSAM: Sharing or sending CSAM via a website, email, other online platforms, or selling photographs or videos can result in charges that are more serious than child pornography possession. Allegations of photographing or filming minors while they engage in sexual acts may also lead to serious charges. Convictions for these offenses may result in up to 10 years in prison for each count of an offense.

Defending against these allegations may require a detailed review of digital evidence, including the manner in which files were obtained, stored, and accessed. Our attorney may challenge the validity of search warrants, the legality of the investigative methods used by law enforcement, or whether a person knowingly possessed or distributed the materials in question.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

Online solicitation charges may arise when a person is accused of using the internet or other electronic communication tools to engage in conversations with minors for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual activities. A person could be charged with this offense even if no physical meeting occurred. In many cases, law enforcement agencies conduct undercover operations where officers pose as minors in online chatrooms or on social media platforms. If a person communicates with the undercover officer and expresses an intent to engage in unlawful sexual conduct, they could be arrested and charged with a crime.

Our lawyer can help determine the defense strategies that may be used to challenge charges of online solicitation of a minor. He may question the intent behind the communications, the identity of the person involved, or whether entrapment occurred during the course of an investigation.

Contact Our Elkridge, MD Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Criminal charges involving sexual assault, child pornography, or other sex crimes can lead to serious consequences. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., our experienced defense attorney can help protect your legal rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work to minimize the penalties you may face. Contact our Elkridge sex crimes lawyer by calling 301-589-9500 to discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation and explore your legal options.