Child Molestation Attorney In Salisbury

Immediate Legal Help For Life-Changing Accusations

A child molestation accusation in Maryland can affect your freedom, your family, and your future in an instant. If you are being investigated or have been charged, you may feel shocked, afraid, and unsure what to do next. You also know you cannot afford a mistake right now.

Allegations of child molestation in Maryland can fall under several different criminal statutes. Depending on the facts, cases may involve sex offense charges, child abuse allegations, or accusations involving online conduct. Prosecutors often treat these cases as a priority, and the penalties can be severe.

At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we defend people accused of serious sex offenses, including allegations involving children, in Salisbury and the surrounding communities. We understand how quickly these cases move and how much is at stake, from possible prison time to sex offender registration and no contact orders. Our goal is to step in quickly and start protecting your rights.

Our attorneys are former prosecutors who now focus on criminal defense. We have handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and we bring that experience to every person we represent. To speak confidentially with a lawyer about your situation, call (410) 348-7809 or fill out our secure online form.

Understanding Sexual Abuse of a Minor Laws in Maryland

Maryland law is exceptionally strict regarding crimes against children. The primary statute, Sexual Abuse of a Minor (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-602), defines sexual abuse as any act involving the "sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor." It is critical to note that under this statute, physical injuries do not need to be present for a charge to be filed.

Maryland also utilizes a tiered system of "Sexual Offenses" to categorize conduct based on the age of the victim and the nature of the act:

• Second-Degree Rape or Sexual Offense: Often charged when the victim is under 14 and the defendant is at least four years older. This is a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison.
• Third-Degree Sexual Offense: This typically involves "sexual contact" with a victim under 14 (with a four-year age gap) or a "sexual act" with a victim aged 14 or 15 when the defendant is 21 or older.
• Continuing Course of Conduct: If the prosecution alleges that at least three separate acts occurred over a period of time, they may charge a "continuing course of conduct with a child," which carries a mandatory minimum sentence.

A Salisbury child molestation lawyer must be adept at navigating these specific age-based "triggers" in the law, as the difference of a single year in the victim's age can mean the difference between a misdemeanor and a decades-long prison sentence.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Child Molestation Crime Conviction

The penalties for these offenses in Maryland are designed to be punitive and permanent. A conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor is a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. If the charge is classified as a First-Degree Sexual Offense, the penalty can escalate to life in prison.

However, the "shadow" penalties are often what impact our clients the most:

• Sex Offender Registration: Most convictions require registration on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry. Depending on the "Tier," this can last for 15 years, 25 years, or life. This registry is public, meaning neighbors, employers, and family can see your photo and address at any time.
• Loss of Parental Rights: A conviction often triggers a "CINA" (Child in Need of Assistance) case, which can lead to the permanent termination of your parental rights and the loss of access to your own children.
• Employment and Housing: In a community like Salisbury, a "sex offender" label makes it nearly impossible to find work or rent an apartment. Most professional licenses (teaching, nursing, etc.) are revoked immediately upon conviction.
• No-Contact Orders: You will likely be barred from entering parks, schools, or any location where children congregate, effectively ending your ability to participate in community life.

What To Do If You Are Accused of Child Molestation

If you have been contacted by police, CPS, or a detective, or if you learn that someone has accused you of child molestation, your first reactions may be to explain yourself or to reach out to the accuser. These are understandable instincts, but they can make your situation worse. It is important to pause and get legal guidance before you act.

Anything you say to law enforcement, social workers, or other officials can be used against you. Even simple statements that seem harmless can be interpreted in ways you do not expect. Once those statements are recorded in reports or interviews, it can be very difficult to undo the damage. Speaking with an attorney first gives you a clearer picture of your options.

You should also avoid deleting texts, emails, or social media messages that might relate to the allegations. Destroying or changing potential evidence can create separate legal problems or make it harder to challenge the State's version of events. Instead, gather and preserve information that may help your defense.

If you are facing accusations, these steps can help protect you:

• Do not talk about the allegations with police, CPS, or school officials before you speak with a lawyer.
• Do not contact the accuser or their family, even if you feel you can fix things by talking.
• Keep any documents, messages, or notices you have received in a safe place.
• Write down a timeline of what has happened so far, including any calls or visits from authorities.
• Contact our firm as soon as possible so we can discuss your situation and next steps.

We understand that reaching out to a lawyer can feel intimidating. When you call our office, you speak with our team, and we treat your situation with discretion and respect. We work to provide clear, practical advice from the first conversation so you know how to move forward.

Why Clients Turn To MacDonald Law Office, LLC

When someone searches for a child molestation attorney in Salisbury, they are looking for more than general criminal defense experience. They want lawyers who understand how prosecutors build these cases and who will take the time to explain every step. That combination is what sets our firm apart.

Before founding MacDonald Law Office, LLC, Andrew and Cynthia MacDonald served as prosecutors. We have seen child sex cases from the other side of the courtroom, including how charges are prepared, how interviews are conducted, and how the State presents evidence to a jury. We now use that knowledge to anticipate what the prosecution may do and to look for weaknesses in their case.

We are also a small, client-focused firm. When you hire us, you work directly with our attorneys, not through layers of staff. We meet with you personally, return your calls ourselves, and keep you updated on every court date and development. In a case that can feel deeply personal and overwhelming, direct communication can make a real difference.

Location matters too. Our office is in Salisbury, across from the district court. We regularly appear in local courts on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, including the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, where many serious felony cases are heard. This local familiarity helps us navigate schedules, procedures, and practical details that affect your case.

How We Approach Your Defense for Child Molestation Charges in Salisbury

Every child molestation case is different, and each one requires careful, deliberate attention. Our approach begins with listening. We take the time to sit down with you, hear your account in detail, and review any documents, messages, or paperwork you provide. Understanding your perspective — and the history behind the accusation — allows us to evaluate the case thoughtfully and strategically. 

Drawing on our experience as former prosecutors, we examine how the investigation was conducted, how the State may present the case, and where weaknesses or unanswered questions may exist. Throughout the process, we guide you step by step, explain what to expect in court, and provide clear, honest assessments so you can make informed decisions about your defense.

Our defense approach includes:

• Careful Case Review: Listening to your full account and reviewing all available documents, communications, and evidence.
• Investigation Analysis: Evaluating how interviews were conducted, how digital evidence was collected, and whether proper procedures were followed.
• Credibility Assessment: Examining potential motives, prior disputes, custody conflicts, and how statements were obtained or interpreted.
• Strategic Evaluation: Analyzing how the State may present the case to a jury and identifying weaknesses or gaps in the evidence.
• Court Process Guidance: Preparing you for each stage of the case, whether in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County or another Eastern Shore court, including arraignments, bond hearings, motions, and trial settings.
• Ongoing Communication: Staying in regular contact, discussing risks and options, and providing straightforward advice about negotiations or trial without making unrealistic promises.

Our goal is to position you as strongly as possible within the facts and the law while ensuring you understand every step of the process.

Confidential Help When You Need It—Call Our Child Molestation Lawyers

Facing a child molestation accusation can feel isolating. Many people in this situation are afraid to talk to friends or family and are worried that no one will truly listen to them. Our firm provides a confidential space where you can speak openly about what has happened and ask direct questions about your options.

Everything you share with our attorneys is protected by the attorney-client relationship. We know how sensitive these allegations are, and we treat your matter with the discretion it deserves. Having defended serious criminal cases in Salisbury and across the Eastern Shore, we understand both the legal and personal pressures that come with charges like these.

If you need a child molestation attorney in Salisbury, we are ready to talk with you about your situation and the next steps. Call (410) 348-7809 or reach out online now.