Defending Against Sexual Offense Charges in Maryland

Sexual assault—or “sexual offense,” as it is called in Maryland—involves engaging in any type of sexual act with someone else without consent, by force, or with the threat of force. This is a serious charge, one that prosecutors seek to punish to the fullest extent of the law. If you or someone you care about has been accused of sexual assault in Annapolis, it is absolutely critical that you seek the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable attorney.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we defend against all types of sex crime charges, including sexual offense (or sexual assault). Our founding attorney, Christian Hartman, is a former prosecutor and Certified Criminal Law Attorney, making him an expert in handling these types of cases. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to protecting the rights of our clients, we are well-equipped to help you in the face of serious allegations.

Contact us online or call (410) 266-3232 for a free, confidential consultation. 

How Maryland Defines “Sexual Assault” 

State law defines “sexual offense” (also known as “sexual assault”) as engaging in any type of sexual conduct with another person when at least one of the following is true: 

  • The other person did not/could not consent 
  • The sexual act was carried out by force 
  • The sexual act was carried out with the threat of force

Furthermore, Maryland breaks down sexual offense charges by degree. 

First-Degree Sexual Offense

The most serious type of sexual assault charge in Maryland, first-degree sexual offense occurs when: 

  • A dangerous weapon, strangulation, or suffocation is used in the commission of the crime;
  • A threat is made that causes the victim to fear imminent death, serious injury, suffocation, or kidnapping;
  • The crime is connected to or related to a burglary, or;
  • Another person aided and abetted the crime. 

Additionally, someone can be charged with first-degree sexual offense when the alleged victim is under the age of 16 or 13 and may face additional penalties when these age factors are present. 

Second-Degree Sexual Offense 

Sexual assault may be charged as a second-degree sexual offense when the alleged victim is one of the following: 

  • Mentally incapacitated
  • Physically incapacitated
  • Under 14 years old and the defendant is at least four years older

Third-Degree Sexual Offense 

In Maryland, sexual assault is charged as a third-degree sexual offense when someone engages in nonconsensual sexual conduct with another person and: 

  • Uses a dangerous weapon in the commission of the crime
  • Inflicts serious physical injury on the alleged victim 
  • Threatens to inflict serious physical injury on the alleged victim
  • The alleged victim is mentally incapacitated

Age also plays a role in third-degree sexual offense charges. If the alleged victim is 13 or younger, and the defendant is at least four years older, or if the alleged victim is 14 or 15, and the defendant is at least 21, the defendant could face third-degree sexual offense charges and related penalties. 

Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense 

Under state law, anyone who is at least 21 years old and in a position of authority can be charged with fourth-degree sexual offense if they are accused of engaging in sexual activity or contact with a minor (someone under the age of 18). 

Examples of “positions of authority” include: 

  • Teachers 
  • Principals
  • School employees
  • Coaches 
  • Tutors 
  • After-school supervisors
  • Teachers’ aides 

If certain factors are present—for example, if the minor is under the age of 14, the defendant could face elevated sexual offense charges. 

What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Maryland? 

The penalties for sexual assault, or sexual offense, in Maryland depend on numerous factors, including how the offense is charged. 

In general, the potential penalties include: 

  • First-Degree Sexual Offense: Up to life imprisonment, with or without the possibility of parole, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years
  • Second-Degree Sexual Offense: Up to life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years
  • Third-Degree Sexual Offense: Up to and no more than 10 years in prison
  • Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense: Up to 1 year in jail, or up to three years in prison if the defendant has any past sexual offense conviction

In addition to imprisonment, those convicted of sexual offense in Maryland could be made to pay thousands of dollars in fines and are usually required to register as sex offenders. Being a registered sex offender not only has a significant impact on your reputation but also affects where you can work, live, and go. 

How Our Sexual Assault Lawyer in Annapolis Can Help 

Being accused of sexual assault is extremely serious. Your freedom and your very future are on the line. You need an aggressive attorney on your side who can examine the prosecution’s case for holes, investigate the evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we know what is at stake, and we are here to fight for you. Our Annapolis sexual offense lawyer is ready to stand up for you and seek the best possible outcome. 

For a no-cost consultation, call (410) 266-3232 now.

Sexual Assault

Defending Against Sexual Offense Charges in Maryland

Sexual assault—or “sexual offense,” as it is called in Maryland—involves engaging in any type of sexual act with someone else without consent, by force, or with the threat of force. This is a serious charge, one that prosecutors seek to punish to the fullest extent of the law. If you or someone you care about has been accused of sexual assault in Annapolis, it is absolutely critical that you seek the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable attorney.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we defend against all types of sex crime charges, including sexual offense (or sexual assault). Our founding attorney, Christian Hartman, is a former prosecutor and Certified Criminal Law Attorney, making him an expert in handling these types of cases. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to protecting the rights of our clients, we are well-equipped to help you in the face of serious allegations.

Contact us online or call (410) 266-3232 for a free, confidential consultation. 

How Maryland Defines “Sexual Assault” 

State law defines “sexual offense” (also known as “sexual assault”) as engaging in any type of sexual conduct with another person when at least one of the following is true: 

  • The other person did not/could not consent 
  • The sexual act was carried out by force 
  • The sexual act was carried out with the threat of force

Furthermore, Maryland breaks down sexual offense charges by degree. 

First-Degree Sexual Offense

The most serious type of sexual assault charge in Maryland, first-degree sexual offense occurs when: 

  • A dangerous weapon, strangulation, or suffocation is used in the commission of the crime;
  • A threat is made that causes the victim to fear imminent death, serious injury, suffocation, or kidnapping;
  • The crime is connected to or related to a burglary, or;
  • Another person aided and abetted the crime. 

Additionally, someone can be charged with first-degree sexual offense when the alleged victim is under the age of 16 or 13 and may face additional penalties when these age factors are present. 

Second-Degree Sexual Offense 

Sexual assault may be charged as a second-degree sexual offense when the alleged victim is one of the following: 

  • Mentally incapacitated
  • Physically incapacitated
  • Under 14 years old and the defendant is at least four years older

Third-Degree Sexual Offense 

In Maryland, sexual assault is charged as a third-degree sexual offense when someone engages in nonconsensual sexual conduct with another person and: 

  • Uses a dangerous weapon in the commission of the crime
  • Inflicts serious physical injury on the alleged victim 
  • Threatens to inflict serious physical injury on the alleged victim
  • The alleged victim is mentally incapacitated

Age also plays a role in third-degree sexual offense charges. If the alleged victim is 13 or younger, and the defendant is at least four years older, or if the alleged victim is 14 or 15, and the defendant is at least 21, the defendant could face third-degree sexual offense charges and related penalties. 

Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense 

Under state law, anyone who is at least 21 years old and in a position of authority can be charged with fourth-degree sexual offense if they are accused of engaging in sexual activity or contact with a minor (someone under the age of 18). 

Examples of “positions of authority” include: 

  • Teachers 
  • Principals
  • School employees
  • Coaches 
  • Tutors 
  • After-school supervisors
  • Teachers’ aides 

If certain factors are present—for example, if the minor is under the age of 14, the defendant could face elevated sexual offense charges. 

What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Maryland? 

The penalties for sexual assault, or sexual offense, in Maryland depend on numerous factors, including how the offense is charged. 

In general, the potential penalties include: 

  • First-Degree Sexual Offense: Up to life imprisonment, with or without the possibility of parole, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years
  • Second-Degree Sexual Offense: Up to life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years
  • Third-Degree Sexual Offense: Up to and no more than 10 years in prison
  • Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense: Up to 1 year in jail, or up to three years in prison if the defendant has any past sexual offense conviction

In addition to imprisonment, those convicted of sexual offense in Maryland could be made to pay thousands of dollars in fines and are usually required to register as sex offenders. Being a registered sex offender not only has a significant impact on your reputation but also affects where you can work, live, and go. 

How Our Sexual Assault Lawyer in Annapolis Can Help 

Being accused of sexual assault is extremely serious. Your freedom and your very future are on the line. You need an aggressive attorney on your side who can examine the prosecution’s case for holes, investigate the evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we know what is at stake, and we are here to fight for you. Our Annapolis sexual offense lawyer is ready to stand up for you and seek the best possible outcome. 

For a no-cost consultation, call (410) 266-3232 now.