Ellicott City, Maryland Sex Crime Defense Lawyers

Dedicated Attorneys Representing Clients Charged With Sex Crimes in Ellicott City

An accusation of a sexual crime can ruin your reputation overnight. Worse, if you are convicted of a sex crime, you could face strict sentencing, burdening you with a permanent criminal record and placement on the sex offender registry. When your liberties are at stake, having a skilled Ellicott City sex crimes lawyer at your side can make a real difference for your defense.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we understand just how damaging allegations of sex crimes can be in a court of law and the court of public opinion. When you work with our attorneys, we will put up an aggressive defense on your behalf, working to protect your future.

Rape and Sexual Assault

Rape and sexual assault (or "sex offense" in Maryland) are gravely serious accusations. Both refer to acts of non-consensual sexual contact, but rape refers specifically to penetration. If force was allegedly threatened or used during the commission of the offense, the charges will be escalated.

First-degree rape is the most serious of these charges, and it may apply in cases when the aggressor allegedly brandished a dangerous weapon, inflicted or threatened serious injury against the victim, committed the act with the aid of another perpetrator, or committed the act during a burglary. If you are convicted of first-degree rape, you could be sentenced to a maximum of life in prison, with or without the possibility of parole depending on the circumstances.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we will explore all possible defenses against a charge of sexual assault or rape. If there is not enough evidence to support the allegations, we can argue to have the case thrown out of court. In other cases, there may be enough proof to suggest that the act was consensual. Our lawyers will look for any mitigating circumstances as well as weaknesses in the prosecution's case, fighting to protect your rights and defend against a conviction.

Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

Certain sex crime convictions require the offender to be listed in the sex offender registry. Maryland has lighter restrictions than many other states when it comes to where a convicted sex offender can live, but offenders will still need to make sure they follow all of their legal requirements. If you fail to register as a sex offender when mandated by the court, you could face criminal penalties.

For a first offense, this crime is punishable as a misdemeanor, carrying up to six months in jail and a possible $1,000 fine. Any subsequent offense will be charged as a felony, carrying up to three years behind bars and a fine of up to $12,500. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we may be able to argue that you did not knowingly fail to register.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

If you are accused of engaging in lewd conversations with a child or arranging to meet with a minor for sex over the internet, you could face serious charges of online solicitation of a minor. This is a felony offense in Maryland, punishable by up to a decade behind bars and/or a $25,000 fine.

In many cases, there is no real minor involved, but the same charges will apply for attempting to solicit an officer posing as a minor. The crux of this charge is that you must have knowingly solicited a minor or someone you believed to be a minor. Our defense lawyers can argue that you were lured or pressured into committing a crime by law enforcement or that the communication did not qualify as solicitation.

Meet With an Ellicott City, MD Sex Crimes Attorney

Fighting an allegation of a sex crime can be incredibly stressful. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can defend you in court, standing up for your rights in front of a judge. We will work toward the best possible outcome to your case, prioritizing your long-term interests. Call us at 301-589-9500 to schedule a free consultation today.