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College Park Sex Crimes Lawyer 

Sex offenses may encompass not only physical crimes that involve threats or force, but also may include offenses carried out over the Internet, such as child pornography, online sexual harassment, solicitation of minors, and sexting.

While there is a wide range of sex offenses, the consequences for a conviction are typically severe. A College Park sex crimes lawyer may be able to give you important advice if you are accused of sex offense-related charges. By contacting a skilled defense attorney, you can learn about your options and the potential ramifications of a conviction.

Sexual Offenses

Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-307 establishes the elements of sexual offense, which other states often refer to as sexual battery or assault. Sexual offense is a felony of the third degree and may result in incarceration for up to ten years. Sexual offense occurs when individuals:

  • Engage in sexual contact with others without consent and
    • Use or display a dangerous weapon or what appears to be a weapon
    • Inflicts serious physical injury in the commission of the offense
    • Threatens or places others in fear of imminent death, bodily harm, or kidnapping of themselves or another, or
    • Commits the offense while aided and abetted by others
  • Engage in sexual contact with mentally or physically incapacitated individuals
  • Engage in sexual contact with others under the age of 14, if the individuals are at least four years older, or
  • Engage in a sexual act or intercourse with others who are 14 or 15, if the individuals are at least 21 years of age

Sexual offense in the fourth degree is outlined in Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-308. This offense covers various situations involving sexual contact, acts, and intercourse between students and persons in positions of authority over those students, including principals, teachers, coaches, and counselors at public or private preschools, elementary schools, and secondary schools.

Individuals who violate this section a first time can face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, but individuals with previous convictions can face as much as three years of incarceration. Nonetheless, a person facing these types of penalties should contact a College Park sex crimes lawyer.

Rape Offenses in College Park

Under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-303, rape in the first degree occurs when individuals engage in sexual acts with others by force or threat of force and without their consent, and:

  • Use or display a dangerous weapon
  • Inflict serious injury on others during the offense
  • Threaten or place others in fear of imminent death, serious injury, or kidnapping to themselves or others
  • Commit the offense while aided and abetted by another, or
  • Commit the offense in connection with a burglary

Rape in the first degree may result in incarceration for life without parole, whereas attempted rape in the first degree may result in a life sentence. Rape in the second degree, which involves sexual acts committed by force or threat of force, when the victims are mentally or physically incapacitated or under the age of 14 (when the individuals are at least four years older), also can result in a life sentence pursuant to Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-304.

Attempted rape in the second degree, however, has a maximum term of incarceration of 20 years under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-310.

Call a College Park Sex Crimes Attorney Today

No matter what the nature of the accusations against you, the potential consequences can be severe, and may include years in prison and mandated sex offender registration. A conviction also may impede your ability to further your education and pursue certain careers. In this situation, the advice of a College Park sex crimes lawyer may be invaluable to you.

If you have been charged or have reason to believe that you will be charged with a sex offense of any kind, you should strongly consider contacting a criminal defense attorney in College Park. Getting the legal counsel that you need for these types of charges is highly advisable, given the potentially severe penalties that may result from a conviction.

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