Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys in Frederick, MD, Pursuing Justice for Accused Individuals in Frederick County and Throughout Maryland
Being charged with sexual assault can feel like your world is falling apart. We know you're terrified, and our Frederick sexual assault lawyers are here to help.
Maybe you've been accused of something you didn't do, or there's been a serious misunderstanding. Now you're facing charges that could devastate your entire life:
- You could face years in prison.
- You might have to register as a sex offender for life.
At Maronick Law LLC, our Frederick criminal defense lawyers have helped hundreds of people in Frederick fight sexual assault charges while safeguarding their rights. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your sexual assault case with us.
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443-551-2747Types of Sexual Assault Cases Our Frederick Sexual Assault Lawyers Handle
We handle all kinds of sexual assault cases in Frederick. Understanding your specific charges is the first step toward building your defense.
Rape Charges
In Frederick, rape charges come in two types: first-degree rape and second-degree rape.
First-Degree Rape
You might face first-degree rape charges if you're accused of forcing someone into sexual intercourse:
- While using a weapon
- After breaking into their home
- While causing serious injury
- While threatening to kill them
Second-Degree Rape
Second-degree rape charges typically involve accusations that you had sexual intercourse with someone:
- Who couldn't physically resist or was passed out
- Who couldn't mentally understand what was happening
- Who was 14 years old when you were at least 4 years older
The main difference is that first-degree rape involves violence.
Third-Degree Sexual Offenses
Third-degree sexual offense covers many types of unwanted sexual contact that aren't intercourse.
You might face third-degree sexual offense charges if someone says you had touched their genitals for pleasure when they couldn't consent due to their mental state or because of drugs or alcohol. These charges also apply if they say you threatened or used force or weapons against them to have sexual contact.
Fourth-Degree Sexual Offenses
Fourth-degree sexual offense is the most common sexual assault charge in Frederick. This includes:
- Unwanted sexual touching without using force
- Sexual contact in certain relationships where one person has authority, like coaches with students
Penalties for Committing Sexual Assaults in Frederick
A sexual assault conviction can destroy your entire life.
- First-degree rape can mean life in prison.
- Second-degree rape can get you up to 20 years in prison.
- Third-degree sexual offenses can get you up to 10 years in prison.
- Fourth-degree sexual offenses can get you up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
After prison, you'll have to register as a sex offender.
Being on the sex offender registry means you can't live near schools or daycare centers. Many landlords won't rent to you, and many employers won't hire you. You'll need to check in with authorities whenever you move. Even traveling becomes difficult with all the rules you'll need to follow.
Talk to our Frederick sexual assault lawyers today to protect your rights.
How Sexual Assault Investigation Works in Frederick
When someone accuses you of sexual assault, police first interview the person making the claim. They collect evidence like clothing, bedding, phone records, and DNA samples.
What most people don't know is police don't have to tell you you're being investigated until they're ready to arrest you. By the time police contact you, they've already built much of their case.
Police may act friendly and say they just want to hear your side. Don't fall for it. Their job is to gather evidence to charge you, not to clear your name. Let our sexual assault defense attorneys in Frederick, MD, handle communications with police.
How Our Frederick Sexual Assault Lawyers Can Safeguard Your Rights in Sexual Assault Cases
When you're charged with sexual assault, many people jump to conclusions before hearing your side. This makes these cases challenging to defend. If you believe there was a misunderstanding or you're wrongfully accused, we can use several strategies to make the court see the full picture:
False Accusations
Unfortunately, some sexual assault claims aren't true. People sometimes make false accusations because:
- They're angry after a relationship ends.
- They feel guilty about consensual sex and want to explain it away.
- They're trying to gain leverage in custody battles or divorce proceedings.
We thoroughly investigate the accuser's background, possible motives for lying, and weaknesses in their case. We look for contradictions between their various statements. We examine texts, emails, or social media posts that might tell a different story.
Questioning the Evidence
Many people believe DNA evidence automatically leads to conviction, but that's not necessarily true. Our sexual assault defense attorneys in Frederick, MD, know how to challenge evidence by showing:
- The evidence chain of custody was broken.
- Testing procedures weren't followed correctly.
- Samples were contaminated or mishandled.
Our team works with forensic specialists to understand these technical issues and explain them clearly to judges and juries. We've helped clients win not-guilty verdicts in cases where evidence seemed solid initially but couldn't stand up to our scrutiny.
Establishing Consent
At the heart of every sexual assault case is the question of consent. We build cases that demonstrate:
- The accuser's behavior indicated a willingness to participate.
- The history between you suggests the interaction was consensual.
We also explore other defense strategies like mistaken identity, alibis that prove you were elsewhere, or procedural errors in how police collected evidence.
Contact our Frederick sexual assault lawyers today for a confidential consultation about your defense options.
Contact Our Frederick Sexual Assault Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Being accused of sexual assault means facing judgment from friends, family, and coworkers, often before any evidence is shown. We've guided hundreds of people through these exact struggles. The earlier you contact us, the more defense options you'll have.
For help from sexual assault lawyers in Frederick, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-551-2747 today.