Bowie and Crofton Rape Charge Defense Attorney

Aggressive representation for clients accused of rape and other sex crimes throughout Maryland

Being convicted of rape will have serious and long-lasting consequences in all aspects of your life. It is not only the possible prison term that can have a negative impact on your future, but the other serious consequences that will impact your employment prospects, education, housing, and more.

At Carey Law Office, we understand how tough it is to face felony charges and how they will affect your future should you be convicted. We have worked with many other clients before you under similar circumstances. You are welcome to schedule a confidential consultation so that you can discuss your case with our capable criminal defense lawyers in Bowie and Crofton.

Facing Maryland rape charges

Recently, the state of Maryland made some significant modifications to how it classifies sex crimes. Sexual offenses in the first and second degree have been reclassified as rape in the first and second degree. Under the previous statute there was a requirement to prove the use of force or the threat of force and lack of consent before an alleged perpetrator could be charged with a sexual offense. Now, according to the new statute, “evidence of physical resistance by a victim is not required to prove that a sexual crime was committed.”

The following is a summary of Maryland’s rape statutes:

Rape in the first degree  MD Crim Law Code § 3-303 (2017)

Under Maryland law a person may not engage in vaginal intercourse or in a sexual act with another by force, or the threat of force, without consent. This means using or displaying a dangerous weapon, or an object that the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon, inflicting serious harm, threatening the victim or someone known to the victim. A person may not commit the crime of rape while aided or abetted by another or commit the crime in connection with a burglary. The penalties for rape in the first degree include a rape conviction and a prison term not exceeding life. A first-degree rape conviction also has a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.

Rape in the second degree MD Crim Law Code § 3-304 (2017)

Second degree rape is forced, non-consensual intercourse with a victim who is substantially cognitively impaired, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, is under age 14 and the perpetrator is more than four years older than the victim. The penalties for second-degree rape is a felony conviction, and a prison sentence of 20 years with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.

Attempted rape in the first degree and attempted rape in the second degree are also felonies and subject to prison sentences not exceeding life, and not to exceed 20 years.

The Maryland sex offender registry

One of the consequences of a sex crime conviction, for both felonies and misdemeanors, is that the convicted party’s name will be added to the Maryland sex offender registry. The sex offender registry has three tiers, which have increasing levels of restriction. Tier one, which is the least restrictive, requires registrants to remain on the list for 15 years, Tier II names remain for 25 years, and Tier III names remain on this list for the rest of their lives. Tier II is for offenses such as rape, incest, kidnapping, murder with the intention of rape, and sex trafficking.

How could a rape conviction impact your life?

Maryland residents who have been convicted of a felony sex crime, who are serving a prison sentence, are on parole or probation are not permitted to vote. Once individuals have completed their prison sentence, they will be allowed to vote again. Some other impacts on your civil liberties and your future include:

  • Forbidden from owning a regulated firearm
  • Disqualified for professional licenses
  • Unable to pass a security clearance
  • Disqualified for federal financial aid for education or Social Security benefits
  • Restrictions on international travel
  • Negative influence on custody decisions
  • Limited employment and housing opportunities
  • Probation
  • Fines
  • Requirement to register as a sex offender

 

The possibility of a civil lawsuit after rape charges

If you have been charged with rape or another sex crime in Maryland, the victim can file a personal injury lawsuit against you whether you are convicted or not. The lawsuit will cover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses related to injuries from the incident, lost wages for the time missed at work, and any other losses related to the incident.

If you have been charged with rape, there is no question that you need competent legal representation. Our Bowie sex crimes defense lawyers at Carey Law Office are here to fight for you.

Schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Bowie sex crimes defense lawyer today

If you are facing rape charges, Carey Law Office is ready to help. We have locations in Bowie and Crofton, and we serve clients throughout Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and the surrounding areas. We offer personalized legal services. Call 301-464-2500 or fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation now.