Annapolis, Maryland Sex Offense Lawyers

Aggressive Defense Attorneys for Allegations of Sex Crimes in Annapolis

Accusations of sex crimes like sexual assault and rape can have a lasting impact on your life. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you face years in prison and mandatory placement on the sex offender registry, both of which can follow you for the rest of your life. To protect your future, reach out to an Annapolis, Maryland sex offense attorney who can advise you of how to respond to these serious charges.

At Salvado Law Offices, our attorneys have the skills and resources to help you challenge these kinds of allegations in court. We will seek the best possible outcome, pursuing a dismissal of charges or a reduced sentence to mitigate the damage.

The Difference Between a Sexual Offense and Rape in Annapolis

In Maryland, "sexual offense" serves as an umbrella term encompassing a range of unlawful sexual acts that fall short of the statutory definition of rape. These charges often involve allegations of unwanted contact, coercion, or exploitation without penetration. Penalties vary substantially based on the nature of the act, the ages of the parties involved, and any prior criminal history, up to and including life in prison.

Rape, by contrast, is defined under Maryland law as non-consensual intercourse accomplished by force, threat, or where the complainant is incapable of consent due to mental incapacity or intoxication. A conviction for rape in Maryland carries some of the harshest penalties available in the criminal code. Possible sentences range up to life imprisonment in the most serious cases, possibly without parole. Even where a life sentence is not imposed, offenders face significant minimum terms, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and severe collateral consequences affecting employment, housing, and civil rights.

Common Internet Sex Crimes in Maryland

The rise of digital communication has expanded the scope of sex-related offenses to include online conduct. Maryland prosecutors pursue charges for a variety of internet-based crimes that can dramatically affect both adults and minors. These frequently include allegations of:

• Distributing or possessing child pornography
• Creating, sharing, or soliciting revenge porn
• Using social media or dating apps to solicit underage individuals

Each of these offenses carries its own statutory framework and penalties. For instance, the creation or distribution of child pornography can result in federal prosecution, which can carry stricter sentencing.

Defenses Against Sex Crime Allegations

Defending against any sex crime allegation requires a strategic, evidence-based approach. Our firm will investigate every facet of the prosecution's case, from witness statements to the chain of custody for physical evidence. Common lines of defense include:

• Assessing consent and credibility: In some cases, the alleged victim's account may contain inconsistencies that undermine the prosecution's theory.
• Challenging identification: Misidentification can occur when witnesses view events under stressful or traumatic conditions. Expert testimony or strong alibis may create room for doubt in the accuser's version of events.
• Scrutinizing procedural compliance: Searches, seizures, and interviews must comply with constitutional safeguards. A defense attorney will examine whether police obtained evidence lawfully and whether any statements should be suppressed.
• Questioning digital forensics: Technology can be unreliable or misinterpreted. Reviewing how data was collected, stored, and analyzed can reveal gaps or errors in the prosecution's case.

Annapolis clients facing sex crime allegations need an advocate who understands both Maryland's complex statutes and the local courts. Our attorneys can help preserve your rights and build the framework for the strongest possible defense.

At Salvado Law Offices, we provide strong defense against sex offense charges, working to protect your future.