Baltimore Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sexual offenses vary in degree and severity, but they are all taken extremely seriously throughout the entire state of Maryland, including in Baltimore. Depending on the type of charge, the penalty for a sex offense conviction could follow you for your entire life, either through a life sentence for first-degree rape or through having to register as a sex offender once released from prison. Sex offense charges are especially serious because of these lifetime consequences, meaning that if you are being charged with a such a crime in Baltimore, you will want to have legal representation in the form of a Baltimore sex crime lawyer.
A Baltimore sex crimes lawyer can fight aggressively to help you protect your reputation and avoid the negative consequences associated with a sex offense conviction in Baltimore, Maryland. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a criminal lawyer in Baltimore and to explore your options for building a solid defense to the charges.
Types of Sex Crimes Cases a Lawyer Handles
Rape Crimes in Baltimore
Rape offenses are generally characterized by one person engaging in sexual contact with another without their consent. Rape can also occur if the victim is being intimidated into having sex, for example if they believe there is a risk of harm if they refuse. A sex offense could also be considered rape in cases where no consent can be given, such as when someone is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, is mentally impaired, or is otherwise unable to give consent at the time the sexual intercourse occurs. The Maryland Criminal Code also includes a charge in cases of forced oral sex or other type of sexual contact. What some people do not know is that you can also be charged with rape if the alleged victim is a spouse or someone you know.
The severity of the sentence that you could be facing if you are accused of a sex crime depends on the circumstances of the alleged offense. A forcible rape using a weapon or while also committing another crime, for example a robbery, will likely carry a higher sentence than one that is nonviolent. There are many types of sex crime charges and each has its own associated penalties, therefore the severity of the punishment depends on the offense that is being charged. A sex crimes attorney in Baltimore can tell you the specific charges you are facing.
Child Sex Crimes
There are also many different types of sex offenses outlined in Maryland’s laws that are specifically related to children. The charges differ depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime. Some of the different types of child sex charges in Baltimore include:
- Child pornography
- Sex with a child under the age of 13 by a person over 18
- Sex with someone under 14 by some over four years older than them
- Forcible rape where the victim is under 16
- Sex with someone who is 14 or 15 by someone over 21
- Solicitation of a minor for sexual activity
- Sexual activity with a minor over a period of more than 90 days
Each of these charges involves a different sentence based on the circumstances of the offense that is being alleged. For certain sex crimes, a conviction could mean up to a life sentence in prison. For this reason it’s important you contact a lawyer who understands the sex crimes charges you are facing.
Other Charges A Baltimore Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help With
There are many other kinds of sex crimes that you could be facing charges for as well. A teacher could face a rape charge for having alleged sexual contact with an underage student. A corrections officer for either adults or juveniles could face sex offense charges for allegedly having sex with an inmate, even if the intercourse would otherwise be considered consensual between two adults.
Is Sexting Child Pornography in Baltimore, Maryland?
Sexting can bring up a whole host of other charges related to child pornography possession, distribution, and even convincing someone to take a sexually explicit picture. Child pornography charges related to sexting can arise even if a picture is sent voluntarily from one teen to another that they know. Unlike many states, Maryland does not have any special laws related to sexting situations, meaning that the charges someone could face related to sexting could be the same, and have the same consequences, as an adult with traditional child pornography on his or her computer. Those who are unsure about the sex crime laws in this area should reach out to an attorney right away.
Consulting With a Baltimore Sex Crimes Lawyer
If you have been accused of any type of sex crime whether rape, sexting, or another criminal offense, it is imperative that you seek legal representation right away. A Baltimore sex crimes lawyer is available to assist in looking at the facts of your case and building a defense, but also advocating on your behalf and guiding you through the court process. Call today for a free consultation to learn more about what an attorney can do for you.