Salisbury Sex Crime Defense Attorneys

Defending Against Sex Offenses in Maryland Since 2009

Facing sex crime allegations can quickly destroy your reputation and lead to severe criminal penalties. If authorities have accused you of a sex offense, seeking help from an experienced sex crime attorney is vital to safeguard your freedom and future. At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, our Salisbury team has over 15 years of experience defending people charged with a range of sex offenses. 

Whether someone has falsely accused you or you made a mistake, our lawyers rely on deep knowledge of criminal law to protect your liberty and reputation. Don’t risk the lifelong consequences of a sex crime conviction by forgoing your right to a capable defense. Reach out to our firm to secure the strong guidance you need to defend your name and fight the lasting penalties of a conviction. 

Facing sex crime allegations can be terrifying and overwhelming, but you don’t have to fight alone. Call (410) 348-7809 to schedule a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7.

Common Types of Sex Crimes We Defend Against

Sex crime allegations threaten your name and future. Our skilled attorneys are here to help clear your name and protect your rights. Our lawyers draw on a strong background in criminal law to defend against a variety of sex offenses. 

Common types of sex crimes we handle include:  

• Rape in the First Degree—First-degree rape is defined in Maryland Code § 3-303. This offense involves non-consensual sexual intercourse involving weapons, serious injury, threats, accomplices, or burglary. It is a felony punishable by a minimum of 25 years to life in prison without parole. 
• Rape in the Second Degree—Second-degree rape is defined in Maryland Code § 3-304. This offense involves non-consensual sexual intercourse through force, with an incapacitated victim, or with a child under 14 by someone at least 4 years older. It is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
• Sexual Offense in the Third Degree—Third-degree sex crimes are defined in Maryland Code § 3-307. This offense involves non-consensual sexual contact involving weapons, serious injury, threats, or accomplices, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Third-degree sex crimes are felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison. 
• Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree—Fourth-degree sex crimes are defined in Maryland Code § 3-308. This offense involves non-consensual sexual contact or sexual contact with minors of 14 or 15 years old, or students, where the offender holds a position of authority. Fourth-degree sex crimes are misdemeanors punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
• Indecent Exposure—Indecent exposure involves the intentional exposure of one’s genitals in a public place or in the presence of others without consent. It is typically a misdemeanor but can carry serious social and legal consequences, including sex offender registration in some cases.
• Solicitation of Prostitution—This offense involves offering, agreeing to, or engaging in an exchange of money or something of value for sexual services. Solicitation of prostitution is a misdemeanor in Maryland and can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Sex Offenses Involving Minors

The criminal penalties for sex crimes involving minors are especially harsh compared to other offenses. 

Common offenses include: 

• Statutory Rape: In Maryland, statutory rape refers to non-consensual intercourse in which the victim is below the age of consent, set at 16 years old. Penalties depend on the ages of those involved and can include long prison terms. 
• Sexual Abuse of a Minor: This charge depends on the relationship between the accused and the minor. Maryland law defines it as an act of sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor by a parent or person responsible for the child, regardless of whether physical injury occurs. Maryland Code § 3-602 makes this a felony punishable by up to 25 years’ imprisonment. 
• Soliciting a Minor for Sex: Solicitation charges arise if an adult communicates with a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Maryland laws allow for even greater penalties if the offense is carried out online or using electronic means. 
• Child Pornography: Any act involving production, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit material involving a minor carries steep criminal consequences. Sentences can reach up to 20 years for possession and much longer for distribution or production.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Conviction in Maryland

A conviction for a sex crime in Maryland can lead to some of the most severe penalties in the state's criminal justice system. The consequences are far-reaching and can impact your life for decades to come, making it imperative to have a powerful defense from a sex crimes lawyer in Salisbury.

• Lengthy Prison Sentences: The sentences for sex crimes vary widely based on the degree of the offense. A Fourth-Degree sexual offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, while a First-Degree sexual offense is a felony that can carry a life sentence.
• Substantial Fines: In addition to any prison time, a conviction can lead to substantial fines that can run into the thousands of dollars.
• The Sex Offender Registry: This is one of the most devastating consequences of a sex crime conviction. Maryland has a three-tier sex offender registry that requires a convicted person to register for a specific period, which can be 15 years, 25 years, or life. Registration requires a person to regularly update their personal information, including their address and employment status, and it is a public record that can follow you for the rest of your life.
• Reputational Damage: The social stigma of a sex crime conviction is profound and can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or maintain personal relationships.
• Professional License Revocation: Many professions, such as doctors, lawyers, nurses, and teachers, require a professional license to practice. A sex crime conviction can be a significant barrier to obtaining a license or can result in the suspension or revocation of an existing license.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, a sex crime conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation.

These long-term impacts underscore the urgency of hiring a skilled Salisbury sex crime defense attorney to protect your future.

Speak with a dedicated sex crimes lawyer in Salisbury by calling (410) 348-7809 or reaching out through our online form. Your initial consultation is free.