Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers in Bowie and Crofton

Skilled representation for those accused of rape and sexual assault

Sexual assault is a violent crime which often only involves the word of the accuser against the word of the alleged perpetrator. Rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or any offense involving unwanted, non-consensual or forced sexual contact are charges that carry significant, life-altering consequences for the defendant. Without representation by a skilled criminal defense lawyer, your freedom, should you be convicted, hangs in the balance.

At Carey Law Office, we offer experienced representation when you have been accused of a sex crime. We don’t judge you. We provide thoughtful legal strategies and present a compelling case in your defense. Our Bowie criminal defense lawyers do not back down from complex criminal defense cases, but you must call right away if you have been charged with a crime so that we can get to work on your defense immediately.

What are the most common sex offenses committed in Maryland?

Sex offenses cover a range of elements and degrees within Maryland criminal statutes. Our society holds tremendous animosity towards those who are accused of sex crimes like assault and rape – even, in some cases, when the accused is found not guilty, or when the charges are dropped. The following are examples of sex crimes in Maryland:

  • Rape in the first degree and attempted rape in the first degree. These charges are defined by the Maryland Criminal Code as vaginal intercourse or a sexual act by force, and/or the threat of force without the consent of the other party. Rape can involve the use of or threatened use of a dangerous weapon. Rape in the second degree is committed against a person who is mentally deficient, physically helpless, under age 14, and more than four years younger than the perpetrator. The possible penalties for rape include the mandatory minimum of 25 years to life without parole.
  • Sexual offense in the third degree. This felony sexual offense involves a non-consensual sexual act by force using a deadly weapon, an object that the victim believes is a deadly weapon, and suffocation, strangling, disfiguring, or inflicting serious physical injury while committing the crime. This statute also includes sexual contact with a victim who is substantially cognitively impaired or mentally incapacitated, and statutory rape. For convictions of third-degree sexual offense, the mandatory minimum sentence is 10 years.
  • Sexual offense in the fourth Degree. This offense includes forced, non-consensual sexual acts perpetrated by a “person in a position of authority,” who is over 21 years old, employed at a public or private elementary or secondary school and exercises supervision over minors who attend the school. An individual convicted of a sexual offense in the fourth degree could face three years in prison, and a $1,000 fine.

What are the possible consequences of a sex crime conviction?

If you are convicted of rape, sexual assault or another felony sex crime, there are many serious consequences that could negatively impact your life, including:

  • Mandatory minimum jail sentences
  • Fines
  • Probation
  • Requirement to register as a sex offender
  • Loss of professional license
  • Loss of security clearance
  • Loss of the right to or possess a firearm
  • Disqualification for federal financial aid or Social Security benefits
  • Difficulty finding housing or employment
  • Damage to your reputation in the community if there is news coverage about the incident

Can I be sued if I’m charged with a sex crime?

If you are convicted of a sex crime, the victim may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover civil damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost time at work, and other losses. Understand that even if you are found not guilty, the accuser may still be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against you. While being found not guilty in a criminal court of law can help your case, it is entirely possible to be found not guilty during a criminal trial, yet still be held accountable financially in a civil suit.

Will I be listed on the Maryland sex offender registry?

As a part of the sentencing for a sex crime, the judge can order a person to sign up on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry, which is public information that anyone can access. Like the National Sex Offender Registry, the Maryland Registry keeps records of those convicted of sex crimes in Maryland. Getting your name removed from the registry is a complex process, but it is not impossible. Contact us to learn more.

How our Bowie & Crofton sex crime defense attorneys can help

If you are facing sex crime charges, you need the help of an aggressive Bowie criminal justice attorney. We will do whatever possible under the law to protect your future and minimize your charges. At Carey Law Office, we are here to help.

We understand how devastating it can be to face the consequences of felony charges with their severe consequences. We have helped countless clients before you who faced similar charges. You can feel confident in our support and in the knowledgeable guidance you will receive about your challenging circumstances and we will help you achieve the best possible outcome given the facts of your case. Your Bowie criminal defense attorney should protect your rights within the criminal justice system without judgement, and eliminate, or at least minimize, any potential damage to you, your reputation, or the life you want to lead. We will get you through this.

Contact Carey Law Office for aggressive representation

If you have been charged with a crime, Carey Law Office is ready to help. We have locations in Bowie and Crofton, and we serve clients in Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and the surrounding areas. We offer a level of personal attention to you and your case that you might not find at a larger firm. You may call 301-464-2500 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.