Baltimore Sex Crime Attorney
Defending Against Sex Crime Charges in Maryland
Being charged with a sex crime is one of the most serious legal challenges. Your life and livelihood are at risk when someone accuses you of a sex crime, including rape, sexual assault, child abuse of a sexual nature, and a range of other criminal offenses. If convicted of a sex crime, you could face severe consequences, including jail time, a permanent criminal record, and registration on Maryland’s state Sexual Offender Registry. You must rigorously defend against these charges as they can have devastating effects on your future. For decades, the attorneys at Albers & Associates have provided effective criminal defense for clients in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. We recognize the gravity of these legal matters and work tirelessly for our clients. We are ready to assess your situation, guide you through your legal options, and passionately advocate for you in court. Contact Albers & Associates for a consultation.
Call Albers & Associates today at (443) 665-8030 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our sex crimes lawyer in Baltimore.
What are the Penalties For a Sex Crime in Maryland?
If you are charged with a sex crime in the state of Maryland, you could face some of the most serious charges in the justice system. The history of the defendant and the nature of the crime generally dictate the category of a felony and the amount of jail time. Below is a simplified chart of the most severe offenses.
Felony I
- Rape in the first degree: Life
- Subsequent Rape in the first degree: Life without parole
- Rape in the first degree in combination with kidnapping a child younger than 16: Life without parole
- Rape in the first degree as an adult with a victim under 13: Life without parole, minimum of 25 years
- Sexual offense in the first degree: Life
- Subsequent sexual offense in the first degree: Life without parole
Felony II
- Attempted Rape in the first degree: Life
- Rape in the second degree: 20 Years
- Sexual offense in the second degree: 20 years
- Rape in the second degree of a victim under 13: Life, minimum of 15 years
- Child abuse of a sexual nature under certain conditions: 25 years
Felony III
- Attempted rape in the second degree: 20 years
This is a small sampling of what constitutes a sex crime. With so many more offenses on the list, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced sex crime lawyer in Baltimore.
Maryland Sex Offender Registry
Anyone convicted of a sexual offense by a court of law must register with the state. Depending on the crime, the age of the victim, and the date that the offense was committed, a convicted person will be subject to one of three tiers.
- Tier I: Tier I is the lowest level of sexual offender. Crimes that constitute this tier include a sex offense in the fourth degree, possession of child pornography, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, sexual internet crimes, visual surveillance for sexual interest. These people are on the registry for 15 years.
- Tier II: Tier II is saved for more serious offenses than Tier I. Crimes that constitute this tier include distribution of child pornography, hiring a minor for prostitution, abduction of a minor for prostitution, operating a house of prostitution, human trafficking, sexual solicitation of a minor, and more. This tier subjects a person to 25 years on the registry.
- Tier III: Tier III is saved for worse crimes. These registrants are registered for life and include most crimes in the Felony I-III categories, including kidnapping, rape, attempted rape, assault of a sexual nature, incest, sale of a minor.
Common Defense Strategies Against Sex Crime Charges
Several possible defenses can be employed when facing sex crime accusations, including demonstrating consent, challenging the credibility of evidence or testimony, and proving mistaken identity. In some instances, showing procedural errors during an investigation can lead to diminished charges or outright dismissals.
Crafting a defense hinges on a detailed analysis of all available evidence and understanding each alleged crime's unique circumstances. Albers & Associates dedicates substantial resources to dismantling the prosecution's arguments and securing a favorable outcome while adhering to all relevant standards and ethical practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes
Can a Sex Crime Conviction Be Expunged from My Record?
Expungement, or the process of sealing criminal records, is not generally available for sex crime convictions in Maryland. A sex crime conviction can have long-lasting impacts on a person's future, affecting employment and housing opportunities due to public access to records. Seeking the reduction of charges or favorable outcomes in court is typically the most effective way to manage the long-term implications of a conviction. Understanding all available legal options with the help of a skilled sex crime attorney in Baltimore can potentially mitigate these lasting effects.
How Do False Accusations of a Sex Crime Get Addressed?
False accusations can have severe consequences. Various steps can be taken to address a false charge, but it requires a strategic legal approach. Immediate actions often involve gathering evidence that disproves the allegations, such as alibi verification, witness testimonies, or digital evidence. Albers & Associates can work swiftly to counteract these claims by crafting a thorough defense that includes scrutinizing the motivation behind the accusation and identifying inconsistencies in the accuser's story. Accurate and timely legal action is crucial in protecting reputations and rights.
What Are the First Steps to Take If Accused of a Sex Crime?
If accused of a sex crime, it is essential to contact a defense attorney immediately and avoid speaking to law enforcement until you have legal representation. This ensures that your rights are protected from the outset. Collect and preserve any potential evidence that could aid your defense, and refrain from discussing your situation publicly or on social media. Proactively engaging with qualified attorneys like those at Albers & Associates can help navigate this rugged terrain more effectively.
Contact Our Sex Crimes Lawyer in Baltimore Today
If you have been accused of a sex crime, it is imperative that you contact a sex crime attorney immediately. Albers & Associates has significant criminal defense experience. Our firm fights for clients charged with a range of criminal offenses. Sex crimes are some of the most serious accusations or charges a person can face. For a consultation with an experienced sex crime lawyer in Baltimore, contact Albers & Associates.
Contact Albers & Associates today to get started with our Baltimore sex crimes attorney.