If you are charged with a sexual assault crime, it is important to be aware of the consequences you could face if you are found guilty, as they are quite serious. It is critical to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the challenges posed by a sexual assault case. Our Annapolis sexual assault attorneys are ready to develop a strong legal defense by investigating the origins of the charges and aggressively defending your constitutional rights. If you need an experienced attorney to fight for you, you’ve come to the right place. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today.
Consequences of Sexual Assault
Sexual offenses can result in years behind bars. They can be broken into crimes ranging anywhere from the fourth degree to the first degree, increasing in severity with each degree.
First-degree crimes
First-degree crimes can include engaging in any sexual act by force, threat, or without consent. These crimes can result in imprisonment for life.
Second-degree crimes
can include engaging in a sexual act by force or without consent, with an incapacitated person, or if the victim is under 14 and the accused is at least 4 years older. This can result in up to 20 years in prison.
Third-degree crimes
Third-degree crimes can include engaging in sexual contact without consent while using a weapon, with a person who is incapacitated, with a victim who is under 14 years old and the accused is at least 4 years older, and more. These can result in up to 10 years in prison.
Fourth-degree crimes
Fourth-degree crimes can include engaging in sexual contact without consent, statutory rape, and more. These can result in up to 1 year of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1000.
Maryland’s Sex Offender Registry Requirements
Maryland’s sex offender registry is broken down into 3 tiers, depending on one’s offense and potential for repeat behavior.
Tier I
Anyone who has committed a Tier I crime will be required to be on the Sex Offender Registry for 15 years. Crimes that fall into Tier I include sex offenses in the fourth degree, possession of child pornography, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, sexual internet crimes, and visual surveillance for sexual interest.
Tier II
Anyone who has committed a Tier II crime will be subject to 25 years on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry. Tier II crimes include the distribution of child pornography, hiring a minor for prostitution, abduction of a minor for prostitution, operating a house of prostitution, human trafficking, sexual solicitation of a minor, among others.
Tier III
Those who have committed Tier III crimes, which are the most serious, will be on the Sex Offender Registry for life. Some of these crimes include felonies, such as rape, kidnapping, attempted rape, sexual assault, the sale of a minor, incest, and more.
Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz
If you are facing charges of a sex crime, it is critical that you contact the experienced legal team at the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz as soon as possible. The consequences of being found guilty can be dire. The future may seem uncertain, but you’ve come to the right place. Our law firm, located in Ellicott City, is dedicated to protecting your future from the burden of a criminal record. We are ready to get to the bottom of your legal matter and defend your rights through the term of your criminal case. With so much of your future at stake, you need an attorney that can effectively fight for you. We are a dedicated and professional criminal defense law firm. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today.
