Sex Crime Defense Attorneys in Rockville, Maryland

It is crucial to enlist an experienced attorney when fighting sex crime charges in Maryland. Imprisonment and other penalties may be imposed for a conviction, and even a sex crimes accusation carries a heavy social stigma and can harm your personal and professional future. 

Our criminal defense attorneys at Felsen and Sargent, LLC can provide legal advice and aggressive representation for people accused or charged with: 

• Rape

• Sexual assault

• Possession of child pornography

• Internet pornography

• Indecent exposure

• Public lewdness

• Online solicitation of a minor

• Prostitution and solicitation

Facing Prosecution for Rape 

Rape and sexual assault convictions come with heavy penalties. There are 2 degrees of rape. A number of situations involving vaginal intercourse by force or threat of force can result in a charge of rape in the first degree under section 3-303 of the Maryland Criminal Law Code. 

For example, rape in the 1st degree may involve:

• The use of a dangerous weapon

• Suffocation

• Burglary

• Threats of disfigurement or serious injury 

Rape involving certain types of victims, such as those who are mentally incapacitated or children under age 14, may be charged as rape in the 2nd degree. The maximum sentence for rape in the first degree is life imprisonment. 

However, the maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole may be sought if this illegal action involved:

• A kidnapped child under 16 

• An adult sexually assaulting a child under 13

• There is a prior conviction for a sexual offense

In the case of a rape committed by someone over 18 years old against a child under 13, the mandatory minimum sentence is 25 years. None of these years may be suspended, and the perpetrator will not receive parole.

Facing Prosecution for Other Sex Crimes

Section 11-207 prohibits child pornography. For a first conviction, you may face imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both. The prosecution will need to prove that the defendant knowingly caused or allowed a minor to participate in the production of an obscene performance or matter that shows that the minor engaged in sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse, among other situations. You may also be charged if you knowingly promote, solicit, distribute, advertise, or possess materials in a way that reflects a belief that the material shows a minor as a subject of sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse.

At Felsen and Sargent, LLC, we can undertake a thorough investigation to determine a strong strategy to defend against a sex crime charge. Sex crimes can often be defended through an attack on the alleged victim's credibility.

In some cases, it is possible to obtain a reduction in the type of charge or a dismissal. When this is not possible, we mount an aggressive defense at trial to attack the weakest elements in the prosecution's case.

For example, in a child pornography charge, the prosecution must show that the defendant acted knowingly, which may be difficult to prove without the defendant's testimony. If a confession was obtained in violation of constitutional protections, we may be able to have it suppressed.

Providing Defense Representation to Residents of Frederick County, Prince George’s County, Carroll County, Howard County, & The District of Columbia

A common mistake made by people being investigated is to believe that if they cooperate and speak about what happened voluntarily, the whole thing will go away. However, the information you give to the police can be used against you, and you should take even an accusation or an investigation of sex crimes charges very seriously. The lawyers at Felsen and Sargent, LLC provide aggressive representation to people throughout Maryland. 

Call (301) 970-3811 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.