Frederick, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Compassionate Lawyer Defending Against Sex Crime Allegations in Frederick, MD

Sex crime allegations can damage your personal and professional life beyond repair. In addition to straining your reputation and affecting your personal relationships, the criminal penalties associated with these offenses may include thousands of dollars in fines, years of prison time, a permanent criminal record, mandatory sex offender registration, and more. While such extreme consequences can be incredibly overwhelming, an experienced sex crimes defense attorney can give you the knowledge, tools, and support you need to safeguard your future.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we understand that being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty of it. We are fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic, and we are available 24/7 to discuss the details of your situation. With over 300 five-star reviews, our satisfied clients can attest to our warm approach to defending the residents of Frederick and the surrounding areas.

Understanding Sexual Assault Charges in Maryland

Under state law, sexual assault crimes are categorized as either sexual offenses or rape. As with most crimes, the specific charges and penalties may be based on several factors, including the ages of the people involved, allegations related to the use of threats or force, and the nature of the alleged conduct. Charges can include:

• Fourth Degree Sexual Offense: These offenses generally involve non-consensual sexual conduct without the use of force or threats. As a misdemeanor, this type of offense can be punished by up to one year in jail.
• Third Degree Sexual Offense: Sexual contact committed through the use of force or intimidation without consent can carry felony charges that may be punishable by up to 10 years behind bars.
• Second Degree Rape: Sexual acts or sexual intercourse committed without consent can lead to felony charges that carry up to 20 years in prison. This charge may apply to a wide range of alleged offenses, including intercourse with someone who is helpless due to a mental or physical disability or has been incapacitated because of alcohol or a "date rape" drug.
• First Degree Rape: Sexual acts or sexual intercourse committed through force or intimidation is the most serious type of sexual assault, and a conviction could lead to both a life sentence in prison and lifetime registry as a sex offender.

Allegations of sexual contact, intercourse, or other sex acts with a minor can also lead to sexual assault charges, since children cannot legally consent to participate in sexual activity. Maryland law imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for adult perpetrators who are convicted of sexual offenses against victims under 13 years old.

Registration as a Convicted Sex Offender

The Old Line State divides its sex offender registry into three categories, with each tier relating to the severity of the crime and dictating how long an offender must register:

• Tier I: Offenders convicted of the least severe sex crimes must register as sex offenders for 15 years.
• Tier II: More serious crimes or offenses involving minors require perpetrators to register for 25 years.
• Tier III: Rape, repeated offenses, and other severe sex crimes mandate lifetime registration.

Sex offender registry requirements will continue after a person has served their sentence. They can restrict where a perpetrator can live or travel. A person will also be required to conduct regular check-ins with law enforcement, and they may find it more difficult to find housing or employment.

In Maryland, failure to register as a sex offender, including failure to report changes in one's employment or address, is a misdemeanor offense that can be punishable by fines as high as $5,000 and a prison sentence of up to three years. A second conviction for the same offense is a felony that can result in fines of up to $10,000 and up to five years of incarceration.

Contact Our Frederick Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

If you are facing accusations of a sex crime in Frederick, do not wait to seek trusted legal representation. The lawyer at The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. handles these cases without judgment while working to protect clients' rights. Set up a free consultation today by contacting our Frederick, MD sex crimes attorney at 301-589-9500.