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 a person can face. Your life and livelihood are at risk when someone accuses you of a sex crime such as rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse of a child, or related offenses. A conviction carries severe penalties, including potential jail time, a permanent criminal record, and placement on Maryland’s Sexual Offender Registry. You must build a strong defense against these accusations, as the impact can alter the course of your future. For decades, the attorneys at Albers & Associates have delivered criminal defense representation for clients in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. We recognize the seriousness of these matters and work tirelessly on behalf of our clients. We stand ready to assess your situation, guide you through your legal options, and 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 crime 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 types of defenses work in sex crime cases, such as establishing consent, questioning the credibility of evidence or testimony, or proving mistaken identity. In some cases, procedural errors by investigators can lead to reduced charges or even dismissal.
Baltimore’s courts often conduct pre-trial hearings, consider motions to suppress evidence, and closely review police actions during the investigation. Defending a sex crime charge calls for vigilance at every step in the process. Our attorneys look for gaps or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and gather evidence that can influence the result in Baltimore courts. Local prosecutors take these allegations seriously, so a proactive defense that follows Baltimore-specific procedures can improve your chances of a positive result. We thoroughly review investigative methods used by Maryland law enforcement to uncover any rights violations or procedural errors that could affect your case.
Building an effective defense requires a careful examination of all available evidence and a clear understanding of your charge’s specific details. Albers & Associates devotes the resources needed to challenge the prosecution's case and seek the best possible outcome while respecting all legal and ethical guidelines.
Why Choose Albers & Associates?
Clients who work with Albers & Associates receive guidance from attorneys with deep Baltimore roots and substantial courtroom experience. Our team is known for honest communication and patient support. We draw on years of criminal law practice and understanding gained from both sides of the courtroom, including insight from a former city prosecutor. Our attorneys’ backgrounds include teaching, industry honors, and ongoing commitment to the Baltimore community, making us trusted advocates in Maryland’s legal landscape.
We maintain strong relationships with members of Baltimore’s legal community, so we know local court customs and the nuances that matter in your case. With hundreds of five-star reviews, we have earned a statewide reputation for professionalism and client care. We believe that preparation and knowledge matter, so you always know where your case stands. Choosing us means your story gets respected, your defense receives careful attention, and you work with attorneys dedicated to Baltimore’s legal and civic life.
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, contact a sex crime attorney as soon as possible. Albers & Associates has significant experience in criminal defense. Our firm defends clients charged with a range of criminal offenses, including sex crimes—the most serious accusations 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.