North Laurel Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Representing People Charged With Sex Crimes in North Laurel, MD

For people who are arrested and charged with crimes, there are few types of charges that are as serious as sex crimes. Even before a case reaches court, the accusations against a person may lead to the loss of their job, information being released about them shared in news reports or online, and problems that may affect their family relationships and standing in the community. Anyone who has learned that they are being investigated for a sex crime or who has been arrested may be unsure about what accusations have been made, what penalties they may face, and what options for defense may be available.

When addressing sex crime accusations, legal representation is crucial, and a person will want to make sure they have an attorney on their side who can protect their rights. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we can provide the legal help needed in these situations. Our team has handled many serious criminal cases involving sex crimes and other offenses. We can provide the representation needed to achieve positive outcomes in these cases.

We know the difficulties that many people face in situations where they have been accused of sex crimes. We treat every client with dignity and handle their cases without judgment while working to achieve results that will preserve their freedom and protect their future.

We will always be available to answer questions about the issues involved in a criminal case, and we will work closely with clients to make sure they know what steps to take to protect their rights. This includes advising clients on what to expect when they appear in court, making sure they are dressed appropriately, and helping them practice what to say as they answer questions asked by judges. Our goal is to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible while advocating for outcomes that will minimize the effects on our clients' lives.

Rape Charges

Many of the most serious sex crime charges people may face involve accusations of sexual assault. The specific charges will depend on the acts that allegedly occurred and other factors that may have been involved in a case. Charges of rape may apply when a person has been accused of engaging in sexual intercourse or certain other sex acts without the consent of the other party. The degrees of rape charges may include:

First-Degree Rape

Intercourse or a sexual act that was allegedly committed by using force or threatening to use force can lead to charges of first-degree rape if a person allegedly used a weapon like a firearm, acted in a way that caused the alleged victim to fear that they would be killed or suffer a serious injury, or strangled or choked the alleged victim. This level of offense may also apply if multiple people allegedly committed rape together or if a person allegedly committed rape in connection with an offense of burglary. The maximum penalty for first-degree rape is life in prison.

Second-Degree Rape

When a person allegedly used force or threatened to do so in order to engage in sexual intercourse, but the case does not involve factors that could lead to charges of first-degree rape, charges of second-degree rape may apply. These cases may involve claims that a person engaged in sex acts with a victim who could not consent because they were impaired by a drug or were physically helpless and unable to give consent. A person convicted of second-degree rape could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

Third- and Fourth-Degree Sexual Offenses

When charges of sexual assault do not involve intercourse or related sex acts, a person may be charged with a sexual offense instead of facing rape charges. In general, sexual offenses will involve sexual contact, including accusations of intentionally touching someone's intimate areas for sexual gratification.

A person could be charged with a third-degree sexual offense if they allegedly used a gun or other weapon, suffocated or strangled the alleged victim, made threats or took other actions to cause the alleged victim to fear for their life or safety, were aided by another person, or committed an offense against an alleged victim who was intoxicated or physically or mentally impaired. A conviction could lead to a sentence lasting for up to 10 years.

Fourth-degree sexual offense charges may apply in other situations involving allegations of sexual contact without receiving consent. Sex acts between adults and teenagers, including when teachers or others in positions of authority have allegedly had sexual contact with students, may also lead to fourth-degree sexual offense charges. The penalties for a conviction may include a jail sentence lasting for up to one year.

Sex Crime Charges Involving Children

Some of the harshest penalties that people may face for sex crimes will apply in cases involving alleged sex acts against minors. In many cases, adults who are accused of having sexual intercourse or sexual contact with minors will face charges of rape or sexual offenses. Other charges that may apply when a person has been accused of crimes against children may include:

Online Solicitation of a Minor

People often use the internet to communicate with others in a sexual manner, including sending or soliciting sexually explicit images and videos, engaging in conversations of a sexual nature, or making arrangements to meet in person. When an adult is accused of communicating with a minor in this way, they could be charged with online solicitation of a minor.

Online solicitation charges may involve any forms of digital communication, including email, text messages, online chats, or messages sent through social media. Communications in which a person allegedly attempted to engage in a sex crime involving a minor can lead to criminal charges. Intent is a key factor in these cases, and a prosecutor may take steps to show that a person knew or believed that they were interacting with someone who was underage, even if the other person was actually an adult.

Child Pornography

Some of the most serious sex crime charges related to children involve child pornography, which is also known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). When someone has been accused of possessing CSAM could face a sentence of up to five years in prison for each count of the offense. Because of this, charges involving the possession of multiple images, videos, or digital files can add up to a lengthy total sentence. People who are accused of distributing CSAM or being involved in the creation of child pornography will face even more serious penalties.

Contact Our North Laurel, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

When a person has been accused of a sex crime, they may face penalties that could affect them for the rest of their life. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we can provide the legal help needed to defend against these charges. Whether a person has been accused of sexual assault, prostitution, sex trafficking, child pornography possession, or another offense classified as a sex crime, we can help them protect their rights and defend these serious charges. Reach out to our North Laurel, MD sex crimes attorneys at 301-762-7500 to schedule a free, confidential consultation and get effective legal representation.