Burtonsville Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

Trusted Attorney Defending People Accused of Sex Crimes in Burtonsville, Maryland

If you have been arrested for accusations of a sex crime, you might feel as though the world is coming down around you. The important thing to keep in mind in cases such as these is that a charge is not a conviction. A Burtonsville, MD sex crime defense lawyer can help you prepare your legal strategy to address the accusations in court.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we understand how distressing it can be to face accusations of rape, sexual assault, and similar criminal offenses. When you work with our firm, we will explore your options to get the charges reduced or potentially dismissed, as we have over a decade of legal experience.

What to Expect From a Rape Charge in Maryland

A rape charge in Maryland is extremely serious. In broad terms, the law treats rape as non-consensual intercourse committed under various circumstances, such as sex accomplished by force or sex with someone who is physically helpless or mentally incapacitated. A conviction for second-degree rape can bring up to 20 years in prison. In certain cases involving a victim under 13 and an adult defendant, the sentence can range from 15 years to life.

First-degree rape involves the same core accusation, but with added aggravating factors. These can include the alleged use of a weapon, grievous physical injury, death threats, acting with another person, or committing the offense during a burglary. A first-degree rape conviction can lead to a life sentence, one of the strictest penalties under state law. In some circumstances, Maryland law can sentence offenders to life without the possibility of parole for a conviction of this offense.

In a case this serious, early legal representation matters. Our firm can look into various defenses, such as asserting that the conduct was consensual, or disputing false accusations by exposing inconsistencies in the accuser's account.

What Are the Penalties for Possessing Child Pornography in Burtonsville?

Under Maryland law, knowingly possessing and intentionally retaining certain child sexual abuse material is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. A second conviction can be charged as a felony with up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The statute also covers knowingly accessing and intentionally viewing prohibited material.

These charges are often heavily tied to digital evidence. A defense may focus on whether the accused knowingly possessed the material, whether someone else used the device, whether law enforcement handled the search properly, or if the files actually meet the legal definition of child pornography.

Maryland law also provides an affirmative defense in limited situations where a person promptly and in good faith took reasonable steps to destroy the material or reported it to law enforcement.

What Happens if You Fail to Register as a Sex Offender?

Failing to register as a sex offender in Maryland is a separate criminal offense. The law covers knowingly failing to register, failing to give required notice, failing to provide required information, or knowingly giving false material information. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. A second or later offense is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Contact a Burtonsville, MD Sex Crime Defense Attorney

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we understand what is at stake for people accused of serious sex crimes. Our firm can discuss your case with you in private to help you better understand your options. Call 301-589-9500 or contact our Burtonsville, Maryland sex crime defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation.