Blog: Sex Crimes

Maryland Sex Crime Laws 2024 Updates and Changes

Jan 2, 2025

In 2024, Maryland lawmakers made significant changes to the punishments for Redefining Consent in Sexual Assault Cases Maryland lawmakers have This statutory change clarifies that sexual acts must involve a clear and voluntary agreement from all parties. It also accounts for situations where victims may have been unable to resist due to fear or trauma responses, such as freezing. Maryland’s new standard shifts the focus to the victim’s lack of consent and does...

Maryland Law Expands Penalties for Indecent Exposure Involving Minors

Nov 17, 2024

Maryland has strengthened penalties for Penalties may increase if the person has been convicted of indecent exposure multiple times. The judge could also add more jail time and fines if the suspect has been convicted of other The previous penalties for indecent exposure included a maximum of three years in prison and fines up to $1,000. Lawmakers sought stricter consequences to address cases involving young victims. New Standards for Proving Indecent Exposure with...

Maryland Lawmakers Redefine Consent in Sexual Assault Cases

Oct 30, 2024

In a significant change in The state will no longer require that prosecutors demonstrate that the accused used "force or threat of force" in cases of second-degree rape. Critics said the previous standard set a high bar that put survivors in the difficult position of having to prove they resisted. It required proof that the victim tried to stop the rape, they said. Instead, a statutory definition of consent is now in place that...

Statutes of Limitations for Maryland Sex Crimes Has Increased

Oct 22, 2024

The legal deadline for sexual extortion is now set at five years, while stalking now has a 10-year limitation. By contrast, there is no time bar for revenge porn, allowing prosecutions to move forward at any time. The previous statute of limitations for revenge porn was two years. These moves reflect a growing recognition of the long-lasting harm caused by these types of offenses, particularly revenge porn. The enhanced statute of limitations allows victims more...

What is the Penalty of Sexual offense in the Third Degree?

Jun 28, 2024

Sexual offense in the third degree is a felony sexual offense charge codified under Md.Code, Crim. Law § 3-307. Sexual offense in the third degree criminalizes five types of actions. First, sexual offense in the third degree criminalizes engaging in sexual contact with another without the consent of the other; and employ[ing] or display[displaying] a dangerous weapon, or a physical object that the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon; suffocate[ing], strangle[ing],...

What are the consequences of Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree?

Jun 13, 2024

Sexual offense in the fourth degree (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-308) is a misdemeanor sexual offense charge in Maryland. The fact it is labeled a misdemeanor may make the charge sound less serious, but, this is not the case. There are serious consequences to being charged and convicted of sexual offense in the fourth degree. What is Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree? Sexual offense in the fourth degree criminalizes four main...

Can I be sued for revenge porn in Maryland?

Dec 26, 2023

Yes. While revenge porn is a crime in Maryland, victims of revenge porn in Maryland also have legal avenues for compensation in the civil court system. Revenge porn is the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos without the other person’s consent. Victims of revenge porn in Maryland have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator. The most common civil claim for revenge porn is intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED). A...

Maryland sexual assault laws

Oct 31, 2023

Defendants accused of sexual offenses in Maryland can potentially face several different types of charges. State law divides rape into two categories, while other sexual crimes, sometimes called sexual assault, have four classes. Rape categories and penalties State law for Sexual assault can involve oral sex or forced penetration anywhere except the vagina combined with threats for first-degree offenses. Second-degree has the same definition as the second-degree rape charge. Third- and...

What are the penalties for inappropriate student/teacher contact?

Jul 18, 2023

A The trial is scheduled to begin August 16. Maryland has several laws that criminalize sexual behavior with children. There are also specific laws in Maryland regarding sex crimes by teachers and other school employees. Although the age of consent in Maryland is 16, it is a criminal offense under Maryland law for teachers and school employees over the age of 21 to engage in sexual activity with school students under the...

Marital rape is more than a violation of trust

Jul 10, 2023

Married couples take vows to love, honor and cherish. Unfortunately, there are many ways that the bonds of trust can be broken. One way that can occur is when a person falsely accuses their Maryland spouse of marital rape; this is what to know if you’ve been accused. Understanding marital rape There are many different Like other forms of rape, marital rape involves forced sex onto a victim. In this case,...