There are few things more devastating to a person and his or her life than being charged with a sex crime. The criminal justice system, and the general public, are particularly hostile towards those accused of committing crimes of a sexual nature, which is why if you are facing such charges, you need to hire an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney at once. Not only will you face incarceration, high fines, and more, you will also most likely develop a criminal record and have to register as a sex offender. Please continue reading and reach out to our legal team to learn more about sex crimes in Maryland and how a conviction can impact you.
Will I have to register as a sex offender and if so, for how long?
When someone is convicted of a sex crime, the punishment for their crime extends far beyond their initial punishment. This is because all those convicted of sex crimes must have their names placed on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry for a certain amount of time. Sex offenses are broken down into three tiers, and they are as follows:
- Tier I: Tier I sex offenses, such as sex trafficking by force, internet sex crimes, and possession of child pornography will warrant a person being included on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry for 15 years.
- Tier II: Tier II sex offenses, such as abducting a minor for prostitution, human trafficking, or the distribution of child pornography will warrant a person being included on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry for 25 years.
- Tier III: Tier III sex offenses, such as attempted rape, rape, kidnapping, and incest will warrant a person being placed on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry for life.
When you are placed on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry, the general public can access information regarding your name, where you live, and the crime you committed. This can make it very hard to live in certain areas and gain employment, among other critical hardships. Our firm knows just how severely a sex crime can damage a person’s reputation, which is why we are here to fight for your rights and ensure your story is told. If you’ve been wrongfully accused of committing a sex crime, the time to act is now. Simply pick up the phone and give us a call today.
Contact our experienced Maryland firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Anne Arundel County and Howard County, Maryland who need legal assistance for criminal defense or personal injury matters. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
