Rockville Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Sexual Assault and Other Sexual Offenses in Rockville, MD

If you have been accused of a sex crime, your life may be affected in many ways. In addition to the severe penalties that come with a criminal conviction, your reputation could be destroyed, your relationships with loved ones could be affected, and you may face restrictions on your personal freedom. You will need to respond to these charges correctly and determine the best ways to defend against a conviction, and a skilled attorney can help you do so. The Law Offices of Mallon Snyder provides effective legal representation to help address allegations of sex crimes, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.

Types of Sex Crimes in Maryland

Sexual offenses can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. No matter the offense, a strong defense strategy will be crucial to protect your reputation and minimize the impact on your life. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we can help address charges such as:

• Sexual Assault: Accusations of unwanted sexual intercourse or sexual contact may lead to charges of rape or sexual offenses. Charges related to rape, attempted rape, date rape, or other similar offenses may be either misdemeanors or felonies based on factors such as the use of force, threats, or lack of consent. Charges will be more serious in cases where the alleged victim was a minor. Penalties for a conviction will often include lengthy prison sentences, with a potential life sentence in cases involving charges of first-degree rape.
• Prostitution and Solicitation: Engaging in, offering, or soliciting sexual acts in exchange for money or something of value is illegal under Maryland law. Penalties for prostitution or solicitation include fines, jail time, and a criminal record that can impact employment and housing opportunities.
• Sex Trafficking: Forcing or coercing a person to engage in commercial sexual acts or transporting or harboring people who are involved in these activities can lead to charges of sex trafficking. This felony offense carries harsh penalties, particularly when minors are involved.
• Online Solicitation of a Minor: Using the internet, social media, or electronic communications to solicit sexual acts from someone under the age of 18 is a serious offense. Even if no physical contact occurs, charges can still lead to severe penalties, including a prison sentence of up to 10 years and $25,000 in fines for a first offense and up to 20 years and $50,000 for a second offense.
• Indecent Exposure: Intentionally exposing private parts in a public setting in a way that is offensive or alarming to others can result in misdemeanor charges. A conviction may lead to a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to $1,000. If a minor was present, the maximum sentence is increased to five years, and the maximum fine is $10,000.
• Sexting: Sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos through electronic communications can lead to criminal charges if minors are involved. Sharing explicit material with a minor or possessing explicit images of someone under 18 may result in child pornography charges or other related offenses. Depending on the types of materials involved, a person could face either misdemeanor or felony charges.

The Impact of Sex Crime Accusations

Even before a case goes to court, accusations of sex crimes can cause significant harm to your life. You could lose your job, and your family life could be affected. You may be unable to pursue educational opportunities, and you may also struggle to find a place to live.

If you are convicted, the penalties are likely to be even worse. With a criminal record showing that you have been convicted of a sex crime, you may have difficulty finding employment. If you are an immigrant, a conviction could threaten your legal status in the United States.

A sex crime conviction will usually require you to register as a sex offender. The registry is public, and it can impact your ability to work in certain jobs and live in certain areas. Maryland classifies sex offenders into three tiers based on the severity of the offense:

• Tier I: This tier includes offenses such as possession of child pornography or fourth-degree sexual offenses. It will require registration for 15 years.
• Tier II: This category includes offenses such as distribution of child pornography, third-degree sexual offenses, solicitation of a minor, or human trafficking of a victim under the age of 18. It requires registration for 25 years.
• Tier III: This tier includes the most serious sex crimes, such as rape, incest, and sexual abuse of minors. It requires lifetime registration.

Defense Against Sex Crime Charges

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we understand the gravity of sex crime accusations. Our attorneys take a compassionate and aggressive approach to defend your rights, working to avoid a conviction. We can address issues related to witness testimony, digital communications, and other types of evidence, determining whether this evidence can be challenged. We can also address false accusations or violations of your constitutional rights.

When possible, we will work to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure alternative resolutions, such as rehabilitation programs that will allow you to avoid incarceration or sex offender registration. However, we will not simply accept a guilty plea, and we will fight to help you secure an acquittal. We have experience representing clients in criminal trials, and we are ready to advocate for you so that you can resolve your case successfully.

At all times, we will work to make sure you will be ready to address the legal issues you are facing and defend yourself effectively when appearing in court. We will work to ease your stress by explaining what will happen in the courtroom, providing you with a tie and making sure you are dressed professionally, and coaching you on how to answer questions appropriately during legal proceedings. We will be there next to you, fighting to protect your rights and helping you put these accusations and criminal charges behind you.

Contact Our Rockville, MD Sex Crimes Lawyers

If you have been accused of a sex crime, the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can provide the legal support you need to defend your rights and protect your reputation. We represent clients in Rockville, across Maryland, and in Washington, D.C. Contact us today at 301-762-7500 to set up a free, confidential consultation.