Annapolis, MD Sex Crimes Lawyers

Experienced Lawyers for Clients Accused of Sex Crimes in Annapolis, Maryland

An allegation of a sexual offense has the potential to ruin your life. On top of penalties like incarceration and fines, if you are convicted of a sex crime, you may be required to register as a sex offender. This blemish can follow you for years, hurting your job prospects and restricting your housing opportunities.

An Annapolis criminal defense attorney can represent you during your case, fighting to minimize the charges against you. Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP offers individualized legal services to those accused of sex crimes, and we will work to help you achieve positive results in your case.

Sexual Offenses and Rape

In Maryland, non-consensual sex acts come with severe punishments on a conviction, with escalating penalties depending on the circumstances behind the act. A "sexual offense" refers to non-consensual sex acts in general, whereas rape refers to non-consensual intercourse.

A fourth-degree sexual offense is the lightest charge involving sexual misconduct. This crime usually relates to inappropriate sexual relations between an authority figure and a minor, and it usually involves allegations against coaches or teachers. A fourth-degree sexual offense is punishable as a misdemeanor, carrying up to a year in prison and/or a fine of no more than $1,000.

A fourth-degree sexual offense may be escalated to the third degree based on the use or threat of force. Alternatively, making sexual contact with a person who was helpless or unable to give consent may also result in third-degree charges. This is a felony offense punishable by a possible 10-year prison sentence.

Rape in the second degree is charged in similar circumstances as a third-degree sexual offense, except that it involves intercourse as opposed to sexual contact. This offense carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence if the offender was more than 18 years old and the alleged victim was under 13.

Rape in the first degree may be charged if the act was violent or involved some kind of threat. Additionally, trespassing or burglary that ends in rape will typically result in first-degree charges. This offense carries a prison sentence of no less than 25 years if a victim under 13 was involved, with the possibility of a life sentence.

Defending Against Accusations of Sexual Offenses

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we will develop a strong defense to help you fight an accusation of sexual assault or another sexual offense. As part of our strategy, we may:

• Question whether the alleged sexual contact was truly non-consensual
• Investigate the timeline of the alleged act to see if the evidence places you at the scene
• Look for any ulterior motive by the accuser that may call their accounts of what happened into question

Distribution of Child Pornography

You could be charged with a felony offense for sharing or allowing other people to access child pornography, which is defined under Maryland law as any obscene visual representation of a child under 16 engaged in a sexual act. If you are convicted of this violation, you could face up to 10 years of incarceration and a possible $25,000 fine. On a second conviction, you could face 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we can explore different options in your defense. We may question whether the visual depiction actually qualifies as child pornography, or if your rights were violated at any time during the investigation. We will do everything we can to protect you in and outside of court.

Meet With an Annapolis, MD Sex Crimes Lawyer

If you find yourself accused of a sex crime, you may not have much time to act before the prosecution starts making moves against you. The Annapolis sex crime attorneys at the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP have the skills and resources to take on your case, and we will work out a strategy to help you resolve your case successfully.

Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience. To set up your free consultation, contact us online or call our offices at 410-280-2500 today.