Bowie and Crofton Sexual Assault and Aggravated Assault Attorneys
Protecting the rights of clients accused of sex crimes throughout Maryland
Sexual assault is a broad, catch-all term for various acts of sexual violence, which encompasses forced, non-consensual sexual contact from touching and groping to rape. Being convicted of sexual assault, which is almost always a felony, not only carries decades long prison sentences, but even after someone has served his or her time in prison, there are still serious consequences that will have a lasting negative impact on the rest of his or her life.
At Carey Law Office, we know the terrible stigma that comes with being accused of sexual violence. But we also understand that you have rights under the law that need to be protected. Our Bowie sex crime defense lawyers are here to assert and protect your rights, and to defend you throughout the entire legal proceeding. Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your case.
Maryland sexual assault laws
Maryland law categorizes the crime of rape, which is a sex crime that includes penetration, and sexual offenses, which involve sexual contact. What would be called sexual assault in another state is referred to in Maryland law as rape in the first degree.
Aggravated sexual assault involves a sex crime that is either rape or sexual offense, but which also includes certain aggravating factors. The crime of rape is forced vaginal intercourse or a sexual act without consent. Aggravating factors might include the use or display of a deadly weapon, the suffocation, strangling, disfiguring, or infliction of serious physical injury, threatening the victim, or placing the victim in fear that someone close to him or her will be harmed if he or she does not comply. Other aggravating factors include if the sex crime is committed by two or more people acting together, if the crime is connected to a burglary, the age of the victim, if the perpetrator is under age 18, and the difference in ages between the victim and perpetrator.
Penalties for sexual assault in Maryland
The crime of rape carries a felony conviction, which is subject to a prison sentence of life without possibility of parole. In some cases, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.
How will being convicted of a felony impact your future?
If you are convicted of a felony and you serve whatever sentence was handed down, that is not the end of the consequences the conviction will have in your life. In addition to your loss of your basic civil rights there are many additional consequences including:
- Loss of the right to vote, sit on a jury, or run for public office
- The right to own or use a firearm
- Employment restrictions such as law enforcement, education and healthcare, and other careers
- Disqualification for professional licensing
- Inability to qualify for federal housing, student financial aid, or Social Security
- Entry into the sex offender registry for sex crimes
Maryland sex offender registry
If you have been convicted of a sex crime in Maryland, one of the consequences is that your name and location are listed in the Maryland Sex Offender Registry. This registry is public information that is available to anyone in your community. Being listed on the sex offender registry will make it difficult to find housing, and employment and education.
How will a Bowie sexual assault defense lawyer help my case?
At Carey Law Firm, we understand that there are two sides to every story. We are not here to judge you. We are here to protect your rights and make sure to the best of our ability that you are treated fairly and to minimize the charges against you as much as possible. Because of the seriousness of the crime and the seriousness of the consequences you face if convicted, we focus on an aggressive defense against the charges. We can challenge the evidence and the allegations and negotiate to have the charges eliminated or reduced.
Your future is riding on the outcome of your case. It is vital that you work with an experienced, aggressive criminal defense lawyer who will fight for your future.
Aggressive, comprehensive counsel when you are facing sex crime charges
If you are facing sexual assault or other sex crimes, Carey Law Office is ready to help. Our offices are in Bowie and Crofton, and we serve clients in Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and throughout the state of Maryland. You are welcome to call 301-464-2500 or fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation right away.
