Largo Sex Crimes Lawyers

Compassionate Attorneys Defending Clients Against Charges of Sex Crimes in Largo, Maryland

The fallout of a sex crime conviction can be incredibly damaging to your reputation and your freedom. If you stand accused of a sexual offense in Maryland, your best recourse is to get in contact with a knowledgeable sex crimes attorney who can advocate for your rights in court and help defend against a conviction.

At Salvado Law Offices, we are prepared to defend residents of Largo against serious allegations of sex crimes, including rape and sexual assault. Our attorneys have decades of experience, and in the history of our firm, we have secured countless victories for our clients in the courtroom. We will go to great lengths to protect your rights, providing assistance and guidance at every stage of criminal proceedings.

The Difference Between Rape and Sexual Assault in Maryland

Rape and sexual assault are similar offenses. Whereas sexual assault is characterized by non-consensual sexual acts, rape usually involves forceful, non-consensual intercourse. These offenses are sorted into degrees with escalating penalties as follows:

• Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense: This offense covers any sexual contact without consent. This also covers statutory charges when the victim is 14 or 15 and the other party is at least four years older. This crime is punishable as a misdemeanor with a prison sentence of no more than twelve months and a fine of $1,000.
• Third-Degree Sexual Offense: A fourth-degree sexual offense upgrades to the third degree when force or the threat of force is involved. Additionally, this charge applies to sexual contact with someone who is incapacitated or helpless due to disability. This is a felony offense punishable by 10 years in prison.
• Second-Degree Rape: This offense covers forceful sexual acts or intercourse done without the victim's consent. A conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
• First-Degree Rape: This offense refers to rape with aggravating circumstances, such as multiple assailants, brandishing or using a dangerous weapon, or rape carried out during a burglary or illegal entry. A conviction could potentially lead to a life sentence in prison.

A crucial element of sexual assault and rape charges is the lack of consent. If you can establish that consent was freely given by the other party, then you may be able to contest the charge against you.

Prostitution Offenses

In Maryland, you can be charged with a crime for attempting to solicit or engage in prostitution. Both the act of soliciting a prostitute and prostitution itself are prosecuted under the same law. Prostitution is classified as a misdemeanor offense punishable by a year of jail time and/or a fine of up to $500. No sexual intercourse needs to have occurred for prostitution charges to apply, only a clear attempt. If there is not enough evidence to suggest that you knowingly solicited sexual favors, the charges against you could be dropped.

Arranging meetings between prostitutes and prospective solicitors for profit is a separate crime. As part of Maryland's efforts to combat human trafficking, this offense comes with much harsher punishments, with a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Internet sex crimes have grown more common over time, and the law continues to account for new modes of communication.

Meet With a Largo, MD Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

If you face charges of sex crimes in Largo, it is in your best interests to get in touch with an attorney as soon as you can. With a skilled lawyer at your side, you can defend your reputation and see that your rights are upheld in court. At Salvado Law Offices, we have received numerous accolades for our aggressive advocacy, including the designation of Super Lawyers. To schedule a free consultation with our attorneys today, call our offices at 301-933-1814 or contact us online.