Kensington Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Skilled Defense Attorney for Sex Crime Allegations in Kensington, MD

Charges of sex crimes tend to carry strict legal penalties and a heavy stigma for the accused. The long-term effects of a conviction are often felt for years, if not a lifetime, which is why seeking legal representation is so important. A sex crime defense lawyer can help to protect your rights and explore possible avenues in your defense.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we are committed to providing zealous representation to people accused of sex crimes. We know how tense these cases can be, and we will work hard to uphold your rights in court as we seek an ideal outcome to your case, whether it means getting the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Allegations of Rape and Sexual Offenses in Maryland

Sexual offense charges in Maryland are taken extremely seriously and carry steep penalties. Rape and other sexual offenses are categorized by degrees, with the most severe cases being charged in the first-degree. A conviction for a first-degree offense can result in a life sentence, and if a weapon was used or the victim was a child, the penalties may be even more severe. Second-degree charges, which may not involve weapons but still include non-consensual acts, can also result in significant prison time.

Aggravating factors can dramatically affect the outcome of these cases. These may include the age of the victim (especially if the victim is under 13), the presence of physical violence, multiple offenders, or prior convictions for sexual crimes. A defense lawyer can argue for a charge of a lesser degree with less mandatory prison time, or even question the validity of the accusation altogether.

What Are the Penalties for Soliciting a Minor?

Under Maryland law, it is a crime to solicit a minor for sexual purposes. This includes communicating in person, online, or through messaging platforms with the intent of engaging in illegal sexual activity with someone under the age of 18. Even if no physical meeting takes place, the act of initiating or engaging in sexually explicit communication with a minor can result in serious criminal charges. By itself, the crime of sexual solicitation of a minor is punishable as a felony offense by up to 10 years in prison.

Solicitation charges can fall under various other statutes, including child pornography, electronic solicitation, and attempted sexual offense. Penalties vary depending on the specific statute charged and the age of the child involved, but a conviction can result in multiple years of incarceration, mandatory sex offender registration, and restrictions on employment and housing.

The Impact of Registering as a Sex Offender

Maryland maintains a three-tiered sex offender registry system. Each tier is based on the severity of the offense and dictates how long a person must remain on the registry.

• Tier I includes less severe offenses and requires registration for 15 years.
• Tier II involves more serious offenses or those involving minors and requires 25 years of registration.
• Tier III includes the most serious crimes, such as rape or repeated offenses, and mandates lifetime registration.

Being on the registry can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or maintain personal relationships. It also means regular check-ins with law enforcement and may come with restrictions on where a person can live or travel. Failing to register as a sex offender can also come with criminal penalties. Even after a sentence is served, registration requirements continue to affect a person's daily life and long-term future.

Contact a Kensington, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Have you been accused of a sex crime? If so, turn to The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. for legal assistance. You can set up a free consultation today by calling 301-589-9500 or contacting our Kensington sex crimes defense attorney.