Columbia, Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Supportive Attorney for Clients Accused of Sex Crimes in Columbia

Allegations of sex crimes can be incredibly damaging to your reputation, and they often come with serious felony charges. If you have been accused of a sex offense, seeking out legal representation is an absolute necessity. An experienced sex crimes attorney can defend you in court and keep you informed of your options during your case.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we stand ready to defend residents of Columbia against accusations of sex crimes. We know what these charges can mean for your personal and professional life, and we will provide you with zealous representation to help minimize the consequences that could affect your future. Attorney Robert Demirji has years of proven trial experience, and he will not back down against aggressive prosecution.

Sexual Assault and Rape

In Maryland, sexual assault and rape both cover unwanted or non-consensual sexual acts. Rape is the more serious of the two charges, as it involves forcible sexual intercourse, while sexual assault covers any other unwanted sex act.

Rape in the first degree is the most serious of all sex offenses. It involves the use or threat of force, especially acts involving deadly weapons or multiple perpetrators. A rape committed during a burglary will also qualify as rape in the first degree. This is a felony offense, and a conviction will result in lifetime registry on a sex offender list.

Rape in the second degree involves forceful intercourse, but without the aggravating factors of rape in the first degree. You might face second degree rape charges if you are accused of engaging in intercourse with someone who is helpless due to a physical or mental disability, including if they were incapacitated because of alcohol or a "date rape" drug. If the perpetrator was an adult, and the victim was under 13, then a strict mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years will be enforced.

Sexual assault in the third degree is a felony charge, and it may apply in cases where the perpetrator injured or threatened the victim before carrying out a nonconsensual sex act. Lastly, sexual assault in the fourth degree is a misdemeanor, and it is usually charged when an adult engages in a sex act with a minor.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

In Maryland, soliciting a minor for a sexual act online is a serious offense. If you engage in sexually explicit conversations with a minor, request nude photos or videos with a minor, or arrange to meet with a minor for a sex act, you could be charged with a felony. You could face up to 10 years in prison if you are convicted.

Whether or not there was an actual minor involved is irrelevant. You can be charged with solicitation if you believed you were talking to a child, even if it turned out to be an undercover officer. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we may be able to argue that you were entrapped by law enforcement and were essentially baited into committing a crime.

Sex Crime Defenses

We can work with you to figure out the best defense based on your circumstances. Strategies against allegations of sex offenses include:

• Arguing that a sex act or sexual contact was consensual
• Asserting that you have been falsely accused
• Suggesting that there is not enough evidence for a conviction

There is no catch-all defense that will work in every case. We will take the time to determine the most viable strategy for you.

Meet With a Columbia, MD Sex Crimes Attorney Today

If you have been accused of a sexual offense or any other crime that would put you on the sex offender registry, a Columbia sex crimes defense attorney at The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. can help. We handle all cases without judgment, putting up a strong, objective defense on behalf of our clients. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 301-589-9500 today or contact us online.