Greenbelt Sex Crimes Attorney

Trusted Lawyers Defending Clients Against Sex Crime Allegations in Greenbelt, MD

Allegations of sex crimes are some of the most grave charges you can face in a court of law. Not only do these crimes carry hefty penalties with the possibility for decades in prison, but if convicted, you may be placed on a sex offender registry, which will hurt your standing in the community and follow you wherever you go. When dealing with these serious accusations, you should seek out the consultation of a skilled attorney who can represent you in court. At Salvado Law Offices, our lawyers provide non-judgmental counsel to Greenbelt residents accused of sex crimes, and we will fight to defend you against a conviction.

Internet Sex Crimes

The internet has opened the floodgates for a wide variety of sex offenses, and Maryland has laws in place to prosecute online offenders. Some of these crimes include the solicitation of prostitution online, attempting to solicit a minor for sex, crimes related to child pornography, and distributing "revenge porn" of persons without their consent. These charges range from misdemeanors to felonies with prison sentences up to 20 years. Our lawyers can make a case for having your sentence mitigated or dismissed.

Sexual Offenses

In Maryland, sexual assault is defined as any non-consensual sex act against another person. Consent cannot be established if the other party is a minor, if the other party is unconscious, or if the other party is disabled to the point of not understanding the situation. This can include inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor and abuses of authority involving coerced sex under an implicit or explicit threat. In addition, this can cover unwanted sexual advances such as groping or fondling.

If a sexual act is deemed criminal and nonconsensual, but not enough to be considered rape, it is likely to fall under the category of sexual offense, charged in the third or fourth degree.

• Fourth degree sexual offenses deal with predatory age gaps between adults and minors engaged in sexual contact. This is charged as a misdemeanor, with a one-year prison sentence and a fine up to $1,000.
• Third degree sexual offenses are more violent in nature, involving the threat or use of force, the help of another person in committing the offense, or forcing oneself on someone who cannot resist due to a physical or mental disability. This also covers cases where the victim was under 14 and the perpetrator was at least four years older. This is a felony offense, with a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison.

Rape Charges

The crime of rape in Maryland is defined as forcible, non-consensual vaginal intercourse. Rape carries life-altering penalties upon conviction, charged in the first or second degree. First degree rape typically involves aggravating factors such as threatening the victim with a weapon, inflicting serious injury, or a rape carried out by multiple people (referred to as gang rape). In the absence of those aggravating factors, a perpetrator could still be charged with second degree rape for the use of force.

Whether first or second degree, life imprisonment is a very real possibility for defendants convicted of rape. Often, these sentences come with long minimum sentences if a minor was assaulted.

Meet with a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Greenbelt, MD

If allegations of sex crimes are brought against you, it is in your best interests to fight it to the fullest of your ability. At Salvado Law Offices, our Greenbelt lawyers are ready to protect your name against allegations of rape, sexual assault, and other offenses; we will dispute false accusations and hold the prosecution to the standard of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, ensuring that your rights are protected in and outside of the trial. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at 301-933-1814 today.