Ocean City, MD Sexual Assault Defense Attorney

Experienced Attorneys Defending Clients Against Rape Charges in Ocean City, Maryland

Rape is a gravely serious sex crime, with life-altering consequences for those who are convicted. The criminal penalties for this crime can include a decades-long prison sentence, fines, and permanent placement on the sex offender registry. If you have been accused of sexual assault, you should seek out legal representation as soon as possible.

An Ocean City rape defense lawyer can provide you with critical legal assistance, protecting your best interests. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we receive all clients without judgment, strategizing for the best possible outcome in every case. When you work with our firm, we will fight the allegations against you while advising you of your options throughout your case.

Rape Charges

In Maryland, rape is a felony crime charged in the first or second degree. Both first- and second-degree rape involve non-consensual sexual intercourse, but first-degree charges have certain aggravating factors. These aggravating factors include:

• Displaying or using a dangerous weapon
• Strangling or suffocating the victim
• Threatening the victim or someone close to the victim with serious injury or death
• Committing rape with the help of another assailant
• Committing rape during a criminal trespass or burglary

A first-degree rape charge is punishable by life in prison. In the absence of these aggravating factors, you may be charged with second-degree rape, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, or life in prison if the alleged victim was less than 13 years old.

Sexual Assault

In Maryland, the term "sexual offense" is a term used to describe all forms of non-consensual sexual contact other than sexual intercourse. Sexual offenses may be charged in the third or fourth degree, and they can range from misdemeanors to felonies.

As with rape, the use of force or a dangerous weapon will come with harsher penalties. Also, sexual offenses committed against a physically or mentally helpless person may result in aggravated charges.

Fourth-degree sexual offenses are the least severe, as this is the only misdemeanor sexual offense. These crimes typically involve sexual contact between an adult and a minor, especially in cases where the adult is in a position of authority over the child as a teacher or coach. If convicted of a fourth-degree sexual offense, you could be sentenced to a year in jail and placed on the sex offender list.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we will do everything we can to help you avoid a conviction of a sexual offense. Depending on your case, we may be able to employ certain defenses to get the charges dismissed.

Defending Against Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

Our attorneys will prepare an exhaustive defense to minimize a count of rape or sexual assault. Before your court date, we can meet with you one-on-one to discuss your options for disputing the allegations against you.

First, we may question if the alleged assault happened at all. A sound alibi could damage your accuser's account. Furthermore, we may look at the available DNA evidence to see if you can be placed at the scene. If your accuser has something to gain by having you sentenced, we might cast doubt on their motives in front of a judge.

Alternatively, we might question if the act was consensual. Eyewitness statements, voicemails, text messages, and other evidence could prove that the encounter was agreed upon by both parties.

Meet With Our Ocean City Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys

If you have been accused of rape or sexual assault, your freedom might be at stake. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our Ocean City rape defense lawyers will fight for your rights no matter how serious the charges against you may be. Call us at 410-280-2500 or reach out to us online to schedule a free initial consultation.