Towson Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers
Being accused of a sex crime, even a misdemeanor sex offense, is absolutely devastating to anyone and has the ability to ruin your life and reputation. The mere allegation of a sexual assault in Maryland results in severe consequences and repercussions. Maryland sexual assault crimes, more so than any other crime, frequently involve little of no corroborating evidence such as DNA, eyewitness accounts or other forensic evidence. And yet, despite this lack of evidence, sex crimes defendants often feel like they are guilty until proven innocent instead of the other way around.
If you are facing an alleged sex crime in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Harford County or Howard County, Maryland, you should definitely have a skilled, aggressive Towson criminal defense attorney on your side. The proper representation with a charged sex crime involves careful preparation and an aggressive defense. A client should have an attorney with the resources and experience to mount the kind of defense that can prevent a final prosecution or defeat the case at trial. Your attorney must be prepared to aggressively investigate a case as soon as the accusation is made. Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer John G. Turnbull III has the experience, knowledge and resources to properly defend your case. Contact his Towson law office today regarding your case at (410) 321-8860 or, click here to email his firm.
The Importance Of A Skilled Sex Crime Defense Attorney
In many sex offense cases it becomes incredibly difficult for an alleged sex offender to get a the fair trial that they deserve and that our justice system requires. Finger pointing, false accusations and emotional reactions can result in false allegations and convictions. The result can be mandatory jail sentencing even if the accused is innocent. And, many convictions result in lifetime Megan’s Law registration with the police. For all these reasons, having an experienced Bel Air, Maryland sex offense lawyer in you corner is absolutely essential.
Essex, Maryland Sex Offense Lawyer John G. Turnbull III spends time with each client to learn all sides of the story and prepare to mount an aggressive defense. Diligent preparation is critical to be able to effectively question the credibility of the accuser, witnesses and reveal extenuating circumstances which may explain why the charges were brought in the first place.
Types Of Sex Offenses In Maryland
Towson, MD Criminal Defense Attorney John G. Turnbull III thoroughly defends clients accused of all types of sex crime cases in Maryland including, but not limited to:
- §3–303. Rape in the First Degree
- §3–304. Rape in the Second Degree
- §3–305. Sexual Offense in the First Degree
- §3–306. Sexual Offense in the Second Degree
- §3–307. Sexual Offense in the Third Degree
- §3–308. Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree
- §3–309. Attempted Rape in the First Degree
- §3–310. Attempted Rape in the Second Degree
- §3–311. Attempted Sexual Offense in the First Degree
- §3–312. Attempted Sexual Offense in the Second Degree
- §3–313. Prior conviction – Sentencing
- §3–314. Sexual conduct between correctional or Department of Juvenile Services employee and inmate or confined child
- §3–315. Continuing course of conduct with child
- §3–321. Sodomy
- §3–322. Unnatural or perverted sexual practice
- §3–323. Incest
- §3–324. Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
- §3–502. Kidnapping
- §3–503. Child kidnapping
- §3–602. Sexual abuse of a minor
- §3–603. Sale of minor
- §3–902. Visual surveillance with prurient intent
- §11–207. Child pornography
- §11–208. Possession of visual representation of child under 16 engaged in certain sexual acts
- §11–209. Hiring minor for prohibited purpose
- §11–303. Human trafficking
- §11–305. Abduction of child under 16
- §11–306. House of prostitution
Penalties For A Sex Crime Conviction In Maryland
Under Maryland sex crime laws most sex offense statutes provide both the crime and the applicable penalty. The penalties for many of the the crimes listed above are:
- Rape
- First Degree – Generally, life imprisonment is the maximum sentence for this crime or attempt of this crime. However, if a person commits the rape on a kidnapped child under 16, had a prior conviction for first-degree rape or sexual offense, or raped a child under 13 while over 18 years old then life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is the maximum sentence available.
- Note: There’s a 25-year mandatory minimum prison sentence if the rape was by a person over 18 of a child under 13. The court can’t suspend any part of those 25 years neither is the person eligible for parole.
- Second Degree – Generally, the penalty by up to 20 years in prison, including for attempted second-degree rape. However, if a person 18 years or older rapes a child under 13 the minimum prison term is 15 years and maximum is life in prison.
- First Degree – Generally, life imprisonment is the maximum sentence for this crime or attempt of this crime. However, if a person commits the rape on a kidnapped child under 16, had a prior conviction for first-degree rape or sexual offense, or raped a child under 13 while over 18 years old then life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is the maximum sentence available.
- Sexual Offense
- First Degree – Usually this crime or attempt of this crime is subject to life imprisonment. However, if a person was previously convicted of first-degree rape or sexual offense, commits the rape on a kidnapped child under 16, or the defendant is over 18 and the victim was under 13, then life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is the maximum sentence.
- Note: The same 25-year mandatory minimum prison sentence applies here if the defendant was over 18 and the victim was a child under 13. None of the 25 years can be suspended by the court, nor is the person eligible for parole.
- Second Degree – Usually, the punishment is a maximum of 20 years in prison, including for attempt. However, if a person 18 years or older sexual assaults a child under 13 the minimum prison term is 15 years and maximum is life in prison.
- Third Degree – A felony with a sentence not more than 10 years in prison
- Fourth Degree – Typically, this crime is a misdemeanor punished by not more than one-year imprisonment and a fine not more than $1,000. However, if a person previously committed a sex crime, the punishment is increased to 3 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000.
- First Degree – Usually this crime or attempt of this crime is subject to life imprisonment. However, if a person was previously convicted of first-degree rape or sexual offense, commits the rape on a kidnapped child under 16, or the defendant is over 18 and the victim was under 13, then life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is the maximum sentence.
In addition, conviction of any of these sex crimes will get your registered as a sex offender in Maryland from 15 years to lifetime registration, depending on the crime. Being on the sex offender registry will greatly impact where you can live and work.
Contact A Bel Air Maryland Sex Crimes Attorney
If you have been accused of a sex crime in the Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Essex, Ellicott City , Glen Burnie or Towson areas Mr. Turnbull will make sure that you are properly and aggressively defended and that your rights and options are fully protected. Contact Mr. Turnbull’s Towson, Maryland law firm at (410) 321-8860 or email him here.