Maryland has adopted a range of laws related to criminal sexual acts. While these offenses vary, each of them involves serious allegations and life-altering penalties. Some of the most serious offenses involve alleged victims who are under the age of 18.
If someone has accused you of a sexually based offense, now is the time to seek legal counsel. A dedicated criminal defense attorney can investigate the allegations against you and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Reach out to a Frederick County sex crimes lawyer right away.
Types of Sex Crimes
The most serious of these offenses—rape—can result in decades behind bars, but this is only one of the many criminal charges that a sex crimes lawyer in Frederick County can defend. Here are some of the most common offenses:
Rape
Rape is the most serious sex crime under Maryland law. It involves nonconsensual intercourse with someone through the use of force or threats. There are different degrees of this offense. For example, anyone charged with using a weapon during the commission of rape faces the possibility of life in prison. Even lower-tier charges are felonies that carry lengthy sentences.
Sexual Offense
Maryland also recognizes a broad crime known as a sexual offense. The state relies on these charges to cover nonconsensual sexual acts that did not involve intercourse. As with rape charges, sexual offenses have different degrees. The most serious type of this crime—first-degree sexual offense—has long-lasting consequences.
Statutory Rape
Statutory rape involves sex acts between an adult and someone younger than the age of consent. The severity of these charges depends on factors such as the ages of the alleged victim and the accused. There are other child-related crimes, including solicitation or trafficking, to consider as well.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure occurs when an individual exposes their genitals. This act must occur in a public place where others are present and might witness the act. The state only has to show that someone could have seen the exposure; it is not necessary to prove that anyone actually did. Other factors can lead to steeper penalties, such as when children are present at the time a person commits the offense.
Defense Strategies
When an individual accuses someone of a sex crime, the accused has the opportunity to fight these charges. A Frederick County sex crimes attorney could establish the right approach by evaluating the facts of the case and aggressively challenging the state’s evidence.
A common defense strategy in these cases involves consent. Most sex crimes involve acts that occur without the consent of one participant. By providing evidence that the alleged victim willingly participated in the alleged acts, the accused could avoid a conviction. Some charges, including statutory rape, do not allow consent as a defense.
Other defendants focus on the lack of evidence against them. The state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and doing so is not always possible. An attorney could argue that, even assuming all the available evidence is accurate, it is not enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Speak With a Frederick County Sex Crimes Attorney Today
You have the right to a vigorous defense, no matter which crime you have been charged with, and Price Benowitz can help. In many cases, the right approach can soften the consequences of a conviction or avoid a guilty verdict entirely.
Reach out to a Frederick County sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible for a free case evaluation.
