Frederick County Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sex crimes are serious criminal charges that can carry life-altering legal and social consequences. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you are facing a challenging path forward, and you need the support of an attorney.
Seth Okin is an experienced Frederick County sex crimes lawyer who is committed to fiercely advocating for your rights and skillfully pursuing a beneficial case resolution on your behalf.
What Are Some Examples of Sex Crime Charges?
The State of Maryland defines sex crimes as any nonconsensual sexual contact with someone else. Consent plays a primary role in every sex crime case in the state.
Any sex between an adult and a minor who has not reached the age of consent, which is 16 in Maryland, is also a crime. This applies even if the minor is a consenting participant.
Ultimately, those under the age of 16 do not have the legal capacity to consent, which makes sex between an adult and a minor illegal. The state does have a legal provision that addresses cases involving a minor and a partner close in age. A Frederick County sex crimes attorney could help you in cases like this.
Rape
Rape is classified into two separate categories: first-degree and second-degree. Both are felonies that carry serious legal fines and penalties. First-degree rape involves the use of force or the credible threat of force and requires an aggravating factor, such as:
- Using or displaying a deadly weapon
- Inflicting serious injury
- Suffocating or strangling the victim
- Credibly threatening to suffocate or strangle the victim
- Credibly threatening to inflict serious injury or death on the victim
- Being aided and abetted by another person
- Committing a burglary during the commission of the sex crime
Second-degree rape refers to the use of force or the credible threat of force when no aggravating factor applies.
Sexual Assault
The charge of sexual assault applies to nonconsensual sexual contact, rather than sexual intercourse, which is required for the charge of rape to apply. Any form of unwanted sexual activity, including unwanted touching, qualifies. This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
The determining factors of the severity of the sexual assault charge include the nature of the sex act, the victim’s age and mental state, whether force was used, and the accused party’s criminal record.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual activity with a minor or with anyone unable to consent is classified as sexual abuse. The charge is a felony that carries up to 25 years of prison time.
Sexual Offense Against a Minor
The charge of sexual offense against a minor applies to a range of criminal acts. Prime examples include statutory rape, sexual solicitation of a minor, and indecent exposure to a minor.
Statutory rape refers to an adult having sex with a minor who has not reached the age of consent, even if it has been given. There are provisions for couples who are close in age, which is often referred to as a Romeo and Juliet law. If the minor is 14 or 15 years old and the person with whom they had consensual sex is no more than three years older, the statutory rape law may not be triggered.
Child Pornography
Child pornography refers to any visual depiction, including electronic images, of sexually explicit conduct that involves a minor. A first offense is a felony that carries up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. It requires registration as a Tier 1 sex offender. Each subsequent offense carries up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.
Seek the Help You Need From an Experienced Sexual Crimes Attorney in Frederick County
Seth Okin is a diligent Frederick County sex crimes lawyer who works extensively in his commitment to building a solid defense on your behalf. A conviction can carry long-lasting and serious impacts on your life.
Your future is important, so call today for more information about what they could do to help you.
