Bethesda, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Supportive Lawyer for Sex Crime Allegations in Bethesda

Sex crime allegations can be extremely damaging to someone's personal and professional character. Even worse, a conviction can result in years of prison time and thousands of dollars in fines. Sex crimes are among the most serious criminal offenses, and they may include rape, sexual assault, online solicitation of a minor, and child pornography. If you are being charged with a sexual offense, contact a Maryland criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to defend your rights and protect your reputation.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we combine warmth and compassion with exhaustive preparation to defend people in Bethesda who are facing sex crime charges. With over 350 five-star reviews, we have years of proven experience in criminal defense. Our principal attorney, Robert Demirji, takes pride in his empathetic approach to serving clients and resolving complex legal issues. As a lifelong Montgomery County resident, he is fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic, and he can serve a wide range of people in need.

Rape Offenses in MD

State law defines rape as non-consensual intercourse with another person, and it may be charged in the first or second degree. Being convicted of first-degree rape can mean a lifelong prison sentence, while being convicted of second-degree rape may be punishable by years in prison.

Aggravating factors that could lead to first-degree rape charges include:

• Acting with multiple perpetrators
• Committing the act during a burglary
• Threatening or inflicting serious injury during the act

You may also be charged with rape for engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who cannot consent due to physical disability or mental incapacity.

Sexual Assault Charges

Sexual assault covers any unwanted sexual act. The terms sexual assault and sexual offense are often interchangeable, and these charges can lead to a wide variety of penalties. While a sexual offense in the fourth degree is a misdemeanor, a conviction in the first, second, or third degree constitutes a felony.

The use of a weapon, whether or not the victim was a child, the presence of multiple offenders, and a previous record of sexual convictions can all contribute to the outcome of sexual offense cases and convictions.

For many sex crimes in Maryland, convicted perpetrators are required to register as sex offenders. State law specifies three different tiers of sexual offenses that dictate how long an offender's registration will last. Tier I and Tier II sex crimes require registration for 15 and 25 years, respectively, while Tier III offenders must register for life.

If you are convicted of a sex crime, you will be required to provide personal information to law enforcement, such as employment history and changes in address. Failure to register as a sex offender and relay or accurately update this information can result in misdemeanor charges, and a conviction may be punishable by up to three years in prison.

Child Pornography and Soliciting a Minor

Possessing, accessing, or viewing child pornography is a crime charged as a misdemeanor in the state of Maryland and can be punished by up to five years in prison. Producing or distributing any visual representation of a child engaged in sexual conduct will be met with much harsher penalties. A first-time conviction for distributing child porn can lead to up to 10 years in prison and fines of $25,000. These consequences double for a second-time offender, with a maximum sentence of 20 years and fines up to $50,000.

Severe punishments will also apply for people who are convicted of soliciting or requesting a minor to engage in sexual activity. Along with mandatory sex offender registration and thousands of dollars in fines, the offender will be charged with a felony and sentenced to as much as 10 years in prison.

If you are convicted of online child solicitation, the court may also impose restrictions on internet use, mandatory counseling, and routine check-ins with a probation officer. A key element in the defense of this crime involves whether or not the prosecution can prove that you knew you were talking to a minor.

Contact a Bethesda Sex Crime Attorney

Sex crime allegations and convictions can be detrimental to your reputation, and they can completely upend your life. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we are available 24/7 to help and support you at every turn, free of judgment. Contact our Bethesda, MD sex crimes lawyer at 301-589-9500 to schedule a free consultation.