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How to Handle a False Allegation of Sex Crimes

Sex crimes

How to Handle a False Allegation of Sex Crimes

Being wrongfully accused of sex crimes may be very upsetting and challenging. It’s crucial to approach it cautiously and obtain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Here are some actions to consider if faced with a sex crime allegation.

  • Don’t dismiss the allegations just because they are untrue.

It may be easy to dismiss the accusations since you are confident in your innocence, but this is never the wisest course of action. Sexual offenses can have serious, long-lasting repercussions. It would be best to defend yourself when you proactively become aware of the allegations.

  • Hire a defense attorney immediately

As soon as you learn you have been accused of a sex-related offense, contact a criminal defense lawyer focusing on sexual assault claims. You should retain a lawyer with experience taking on cases of this nature, just as you would if you were seeking medical advice from a professional. You should also choose a lawyer who thoroughly considers the case’s circumstances and does not promise a quick result. Be truthful with the attorney before disclosing what happened to anybody else, including the police.

  • Don’t try to defend yourself

It’s only reasonable to want to explain how you interpret the circumstances that may have given rise to the charge. You must refrain from calling the accuser to “get to the bottom” of the claim or offer an explanation for what transpired.

Everything you say can be used against you after you are charged. This covers any discussions you have with the accuser, interactions with friends, and posts you make on social media. Until the dispute is resolved, only communicate with the person who has accused you through your lawyer.

  • Inform your lawyer of all supporting evidence

These days, there are cameras almost everywhere. Tell your attorney if you are aware of a video system near the claimed assault. This is frequently helpful because it could support how you remember the events. Be sure to give your lawyer any images that were taken on the disputed night that can support your case.

Remember that you must only provide your attorney with the evidence you have or are aware of; it must not be revealed to friends or family or provided to the police. Once the police have confirmed the accuracy of the material, your attorney will notify the authorities.

In conclusion, you will understandably feel outraged when you are wrongly accused of sexual assault, but controlling your feelings is essential—anything you say or do in public must be watched since it could be used against you. To avoid a confrontation, stay as far away from the accuser and their friends, relatives, or coworkers as possible.

 

How are Sex Crimes Classified in Maryland?

Sex crimes

How are Sex Crimes Classified in Maryland?

Sex crimes in Maryland are inappropriate sexual contact with a person without consent. Some examples of sex offenses include abducting a child with the aim of prostitution, sexual assault, rape, incest, child pornography, and lewd and lascivious behavior.

Using force or the threat of force against another person to pressure them into sadomasochistic behavior or sexual activity is prohibited by law. Adults are not permitted to engage in sexual activity with minors in Maryland. A child in Maryland is a person under the age of 18. But a person must be at least 16 to consent to sexual conduct.

Classification of Sex Crimes in Maryland

Sex crimes in Maryland are categorized into second, third, and fourth-degree. The classification of a sex offense depends on the nature and type of the crime. The most serious sexual offenses are those of the second degree, while the least serious ones are those of the fourth.

What are second-degree Sex Crimes in Maryland?

Second-degree sex crimes in Maryland often consist of two things:

  1. A sexual act involving the accused and the victim must have taken place.
  2. At least one of the conditions below must be met when the conduct was committed.
  • The victim was under 14 years old, while the attacker was at least four years older.
  • The victim was either mentally ill, physically helpless, or both when the incident happened. And that the offender at the time should have known or could have inferred.
  • The victim was coerced into the sexual act using actual or threatened force.

Penalties for Second-Degree Sexual offenses in Maryland

Second-degree sex crimes in Maryland are felonies. A second-degree sexual offense conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A mandatory 15-year jail sentence might be imposed If the perpetrator was 18 years of age or older and committed a sex offense with a person who was younger than 13 years at the time the act happened. In such a case, the judge has the option of handing down a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for the offender.

Finally, people are frequently charged with second-degree sex offenses whether they commit the crime or not. A former romantic partner or spouse may be the target of some people’s desire for vengeance. You have the right to deny any allegations and defend yourself If a lawsuit is filed against you.