Blog: Sex Crimes

Can Alcohol Blur the Lines of Consent? What It Means for Rape Charges in Maryland

Jun 26, 2025

Summer in Maryland is often a time of celebration—beach parties, boardwalk nights, and weekend trips to If you or someone you know is being accused of sexual assault following a summer party, understanding the legal issues surrounding alcohol and consent is critical. At How Alcohol Impacts Consent Under Maryland Law In Maryland, consent for sexual activity must be given freely, clearly, and voluntarily Maryland’s Legal Standard: Impaired judgment alone is not enough to invalidate consent...

Legal Options for Teachers Accused of Sex Crimes in Maryland Schools

Jun 24, 2025

When a teacher is accused of a At Understanding the Charges: What Are Teachers Typically Accused Of? Teachers in Sex crimes against children Grooming allegations Possession or Solicitation of a minor Indecent exposure Statutory rape In many cases, these charges originate from student accusations, school investigations, or even social media messages taken out of context. Similar Post The Legal Landscape in Towson and Baltimore County Maryland law takes accusations of ...

Will You Have to Register as a Sex Offender If Convicted in Maryland?

Jun 13, 2025

A If you’ve been charged or are under investigation for a sex crime in Towson or anywhere in Maryland, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and the potential impact of sex offender registration. At Understanding Maryland Sex Offender Registration Requirements Maryland has a tiered sex offender registry system that classifies individuals based on the severity of their offenses. If convicted of certain sex crimes, you may be required to register for 15 years,...

What If You Didn’t Know the Other Person Was Underage?

Jun 10, 2025

Being accused of a This is where the stakes are high, and the law is often unforgiving. When the charge involves an underage individual, your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line. That’s why securing experienced Why Maryland Law Is Strict on Age of Consent Maryland law sets the age of consent at What Does This Mean for You? You can be charged even if the person said they were 18...

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...