Rockville Sexual Assault Lawyer

Aggressive Defense for Sexual Assault Charges in Rockville, MD

While accusations of criminal charges can be worrisome in any situation, people who are accused of sexual assault are likely to be concerned about the many ways they may be affected by these claims. In addition to facing criminal charges, their reputations may be ruined, and they could lose their jobs, be shunned by people they care about, and even lose custody of their children. Determining how to respond to these accusations and defend against sex crime charges can be difficult, but a skilled attorney can ensure that a person's rights will be protected throughout this process.

The experienced attorneys at Salvado Law Offices can provide crucial legal support for people who have been accused of sexual assault. We will investigate the allegations against a person, determine how to address the evidence involved in a case, and work to reach agreements with prosecutors or take steps to defend against a conviction. We work to ensure that defendants will have peace of mind that their cases are being handled by skilled professionals who can ensure that they take the best steps to achieve positive outcomes in these situations.

Situations That May Lead to Sexual Assault Charges

In Maryland, sexual assault charges may be based on accusations of non-consensual sexual intercourse or sexual contact. Key factors may include the use of force or coercion or a victim's inability to consent due to age, incapacitation, or mental disability. Some examples of situations where sexual assault accusations may arise include:

• Non-consensual touching: Any unwelcome touching of a sexual nature, such as groping or fondling, can result in sexual assault charges.
• Sexual coercion: Sexual assault accusations may involve claims that a person committed sexual acts through threats, manipulation, or intimidation.
• Incapacitated victims: Sexual assault allegations may involve accusations that a person engaged in sexual activity with someone who was unable to consent because they were unconscious, were incapacitated by intoxicating substances such as "date rape" drugs, or did not have the mental capacity to understand what was happening.
• Age-related incapacity: Sexual activity with minors can lead to charges of sexual assault or statutory rape.
• Position of authority: Sexual contact in which one party is in a position of authority or trust over the other may result in sexual assault charges. These cases may involve relationships such as teachers and students or employers and employees.

Rape and Sexual Offenses

In Maryland, sexual assault charges may be classified as either rape or sexual offenses. Rape accusations will typically involve claims that a person committed sexual intercourse or other sex acts without receiving consent. These serious felony offenses can result in severe penalties, including sentences of life in prison.

Sexual offenses include non-consensual sexual activities that do not involve intercourse. A person may also be charged with a sexual offense if they engage in intercourse or sex acts with a minor. Maryland law details two categories of sexual offenses:

• Third degree sexual offense: This charge may involve sexual contact without consent when using dangerous weapons, inflicting serious injuries, threatening to harm someone, or being aided by another person. A person may also be charged with this offense if they engaged in sexual contact with a person who was physically helpless or had mental disabilities. Sexual contact with children younger than 14 years old may lead to criminal charges if the other person was at least four years older than the child in question. Sexual intercourse or sex acts with children between 14 and 15 years old may are also considered sexual offenses if the other person was over the age of 21. The maximum prison sentence for a third degree sexual offense is 10 years.
• Fourth degree sexual offense: This offense includes other situations involving accusations of sexual contact without consent. Cases may also involve sexual intercourse with a child between the ages of 14 and 15 in which the other person was at least four years older. Sex acts, including intercourse or sexual contact, between a person such as a teacher or coach and a minor may lead to criminal charges if the adult in question is at least six years older than the student. These offenses are classified as misdemeanors, and a conviction may result in a maximum prison sentence of one year and a fine of up to $1,000. A person who is convicted of a second offense may face an increased prison sentence of up to three years.

Contact Our Rockville, MD Sexual Assault Lawyers

Legal assistance is crucial for those who have been accused of sexual assault. The skilled attorneys at Salvado Law Offices can help guide defendants through these challenging cases. We can help develop defense strategies to help a person accused of sexual assault avoid a criminal conviction while protecting their reputation. Contact us today by calling 301-933-1814 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We represent clients in Maryland and Virginia from our offices in Rockville and Falls Church.