Have you been accused of a sex crime in Prince George’s County, MD? Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 262-7005 for a free consultation. Our Prince George’s County sex crimes lawyers can build a strong defense on your behalf.
We bring over 125 years of combined criminal defense experience to every defendant’s case. Sex crime allegations can severely affect all aspects of your life, even if you aren’t ultimately convicted. The stakes in these cases are high, and every statement you make can impact your future.
Why Choose Alpert Schreyer to Help Me if I’m Arrested for Sex Crimes in Prince George’s County, MD?
Being accused of a sex crime in Prince George’s County, Maryland, can feel overwhelming and isolating, with so much at stake for your life and future. You need Prince George’s County sex crimes attorneys with proven experience and a strong understanding of how sex crime cases work in this practice area.
When you work with Alpert Schreyer, you benefit from:
- Over 125 years of combined criminal defense experience
- More than 400 five-star Google reviews from clients who trusted us
- Former prosecutors on your side, who know exactly how cases are built and tried in court
- A dedicated, personalized approach to your case
- Recognition from The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100” and other reputable legal organizations
Reach out to us to schedule a free consultation with a Prince George’s County sex crimes attorney.
Overview of Sex Crimes in Maryland
Sex crimes in Maryland cover a broad range of behaviors involving sexual acts committed without consent, those involving force, the use of threats, or cases where a victim cannot give consent because of age or incapacity. Below is an overview of common sex crime charges under Maryland law.
First-Degree Rape
Rape in the first degree offense involves vaginal intercourse committed by force or threat of force, and without consent. The crime falls under first-degree if certain serious factors apply, such as the use or display of a weapon, physical harm, or threats of severe injury, participation by more than one person, kidnappings, or offenses occurring during a burglary.
Second-Degree Rape
Second-degree rape covers several types of acts. First, it includes situations where someone has vaginal intercourse or commits a sexual act without the other person’s agreement. That can be enough if the other person did not or could not say yes, and the actor knew (or should have known) about the lack of consent.
Rape in the second degree also happens if the victim is severely mentally impaired, unable to make decisions, or physically unable to communicate or resist. The law counts it even if the victim never said no, as long as the person committing the act should have known the victim was unable to consent.
This charge also covers age gaps with victims under 14. If the victim is younger than 14 and the other person is at least four years older, the act is considered rape in the second degree.
Third-Degree Sexual Offense
This charge covers a broad range of situations involving sexual contact. One way a third-degree offense is committed is when sexual contact happens and the situation includes aggravating factors. This could be using or appearing to use a weapon, threatening or actually causing significant bodily harm, putting the victim or someone close to them in fear of severe injury or kidnapping, or acting with the help of at least one other person.
It’s also a charge of sexual offense in the third degree if the victim cannot agree because they are substantially impaired mentally or physically, and the actor should be aware of the victim’s status. Additionally, any sexual act, including intercourse, with a 14 or 15-year-old when the adult is 21 or older, also qualifies as a third-degree offense.
Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense
Fourth-degree sexual offense is a less serious charge compared to second or third degree, but it still addresses serious acts involving sexual contact. If someone commits a sexual act or intercourse with a 14 or 15-year-old and the other person is at least four years older (unless that conduct fits the previous third-degree category), this counts as fourth degree.
The law also covers cases where people in power exploit their position. If someone works at a school or program and is in a position of authority, and they have sexual contact with a minor who is at least six years younger, that’s covered here as well, unless the conduct is already covered under third-degree.
Sexual Abuse of a Minor
Sexual abuse of minors includes any action that leads to sexual mistreatment or exploitation of a child, whether or not physical injury occurs. This term covers a wide span of illegal actions, such as incest, rape, all the offenses already described, and abuse from anyone living with, related to, or supervising the minor, either at home or in any caretaking role, even if it’s temporary.
A person charged with any of these criminal offenses should speak with an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer right away.
What Are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Anyone convicted of a sex crime in Maryland faces very serious potential penalties. The law considers several factors that influence the lengths of sentences and whether enhancements may apply based on age differences, relationship specifics, or previous convictions. Possible penalties include:
Prison or Jail Time
Most felony sex crime convictions, such as rape or sexual abuse of a minor, can result in multiple years or even decades in state prison. In certain circumstances, you could face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if the case involves aggravating factors. Even for some misdemeanors, a jail sentence is possible.
Probation
Some convictions come with a period of supervised probation either after or instead of jail time. This supervision may include regular check-ins, electronic monitoring, restrictions on where you can live or travel, ongoing drug testing, and mandatory meetings with a probation officer. You could remain under court control for years for some offenses, with new violations resulting in more time or strict penalties.
Fines
The court may order you to pay significant financial penalties alongside prison time. Even for misdemeanor sex offenses, fines can reach the thousands, impacting your savings and ability to rebuild your financial stability after a conviction.
Mandatory Sex Offender Registry
Most sex crimes require registration as a sex offender in Maryland. This places your name, address, workplace, and other information on a public database. This could be for a certain number of years or for your entire life. This can limit where you work and live, and what jobs you’re allowed to hold.
Mandatory Counseling or Treatment
The court may require individuals to participate in sex offender treatment or counseling programs either while on probation, as a part of their sentence before release, or as an ongoing follow-up. These programs often involve frequent sessions, group or individual therapy, and ongoing reviews to monitor compliance and risk to the community.
The actual outcome in a specific case depends on the facts, prior record, and negotiations or findings at court. A skilled defense attorney can help you understand what penalties are realistic and how to defend yourself.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Sex Crimes?
Being accused of a sex crime in Maryland often leaves people with fear, confusion, and a sense of urgency. However, charges alone do not equate guilt. There are always ways to fight back. Some common defenses include:
Consent
One common defense is that the encounter was consensual. If you and the alleged victim agreed to the sexual activity, your lawyer will focus on evidence of voluntary participation — such as text messages, witness accounts, or physical evidence. This is only applicable if the victim was of legal age to consent.
False Allegations
Sometimes, false allegations of sex crimes arise out of mistaken identity, miscommunication, revenge, or attempts to gain leverage in divorce or custody disputes. Your attorney may collect evidence showing inconsistencies and ulterior motives for the accusation. Demonstrating a false or unreliable report is a powerful way to defend against sex crime charges.
Lack of Evidence
Sex crime convictions must be based on solid and credible evidence, not just accusations. If there are no physical injuries, DNA, or credible witnesses directly linking you to the crime, your attorney can present the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Raising doubts about whether a crime actually happened — or whether you were the person involved — can sometimes result in evidence being thrown out or charges being dropped. If the case ends up at trial, you could be found not guilty.
Alibi
An alibi defense provides a factual explanation that you were somewhere else when the offense was supposed to have occurred. If witnesses, surveillance footage, or other records show you could not have been at the scene, your attorney will gather these details and present them to show you couldn’t have possibly committed the crime.
Sex crime charges are complex and emotionally charged, but every case has a possible defense.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Prince George’s County Sex Crimes Lawyers
Getting accused or convicted of a sex crime can follow you for the rest of your life, leading to registration as a sex offender, loss of employment, and changes to where you’re allowed to live. These cases are handled differently from other criminal charges and need a careful, thorough defense. Navigating the court process without an experienced criminal defense attorney often results in more severe penalties or long-lasting restrictions.
At Alpert Schreyer, we will explain your options and prepare your case for trial if it comes to that. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Prince George’s County sex crimes attorney.