Olney Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Sexual Assault, Child Pornography, and Other Sex Crime Charges in Olney, Maryland

When police knock on the door with a search warrant or a detective calls asking for "your side of the story," you may suddenly find yourself at the center of a sex crime investigation. In a close-knit community like Olney, word of a sex crime accusation can spread quickly. You may begin experiencing problems before ever being charged with a crime, such as losing your job or damage to your family relationships. However, the legal consequences of sex crime charges can be especially serious. A conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence, and you may be required to register as a sex offender.

To determine how to respond to sex crime charges and defend against these accusations, you can work with the attorneys at the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder. We have handled many serious criminal cases in Maryland's courts. We can evaluate complex forensic and digital evidence, and we can develop defense strategies with the goal of preventing a criminal conviction.

We approach these cases with discretion and without judgment, and we will work to protect our clients' rights and secure the best results available. We will be ready to help throughout an entire case, answering questions and responding to any issues that may arise. Our services include extensive preparation for hearings, trials, or other court appearances. In addition to making sure clients will be ready to answer any questions they may be asked, we will help them dress professionally and take the right steps to present a positive image to a judge.

Sexual Assault Accusations

In situations where people have been accused of sexual assault, prosecutors may file charges of first-degree or second-degree rape or third-degree or fourth-degree sexual offenses. The factors that may affect these cases include:

Lack of Consent

Most cases involving accusations of sexual assault center on whether the other person agreed to engage in sexual activity. A case may involve people who knew each other, such as people who were dating, former partners, or acquaintances who met at a party. Text messages and social media activity before and after the encounter can become key evidence when determining whether consent was given.

Inability to Consent

A person may also be charged with sexual assault based on claims that the other party could not legally consent because they were unconscious or incapacitated. A person may be considered to be mentally incapacitated due to heavy intoxication by alcohol or drugs. Disputes over how intoxicated someone was may play a role in the outcomes of these cases.

Age of the Other Person

Sexual activity with a minor can result in charges of sexual assault even if the younger person allegedly agreed to engage in sexual activity. The age difference between the two people can play a role in the charges that may apply in these cases and the defense strategies that may be available.

Defending Against Sexual Assault Charges

Our lawyers can review the evidence in a sexual assault case, and we may identify details that were overlooked, such as phone records, location data, and messages showing the relationship between the people involved in an encounter. We can review medical examinations and DNA results, and we will look for inconsistencies in statements given to police, friends, and investigators by alleged victims or other witnesses. When false accusations have been made, we will work to bring the full context of the situation to light. We may provide evidence showing that an encounter was consensual or that there was a mistaken identity.

Child Pornography Charges

Charges involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) can be especially serious. A person may face felony charges related to accusations of knowingly possessing or accessing CSAM. Harsher penalties may apply when a person is accused of producing, promoting, or distributing CSAM. Our lawyers can determine what options for defense may be available, including:

Showing a Lack of Knowledge

Finding a file on a device does not prove that the owner knew it was there. Computers, phones, and internet accounts may be shared by family members, roommates, or coworkers. Files may be downloaded automatically without a person's knowledge by malicious software. Our legal team works with forensic analysts to determine when files were created, whether they were ever opened, and who was using a device at the time.

Disputing Intentional Distribution

Some file-sharing programs may automatically make downloaded files available to other users without a person's awareness. Our attorneys can look at software settings and network logs to show when files may have been shared automatically without a person's knowledge or intent. This can serve as a defense against charges related to the distribution of CSAM.

Challenging Searches Performed by Law Enforcement

The evidence in a CSAM case may have been gathered when police officers obtained search warrants based on internet activity linked to an IP address. If there was no probable cause to provide a basis for a warrant, or if a search went beyond a search warrant's limits, our lawyers may ask the court to suppress evidence that was obtained through a violation of a person's constitutional rights.

Other Offenses Classified as Sex Crimes

Our team can address other sex-related offenses, including:

• Indecent Exposure: Exposing a person's private parts in public or in the presence of a minor.
• Sexual Solicitation of a Minor: Charges related to online communication with minors in which a person allegedly attempted to engage in illegal sexual activity.
• Revenge Porn: Distributing intimate images of another person without their consent.
• Prostitution and sex trafficking: Charges related to the commercial sex trade, including engaging in prostitution, soliciting prostitution. or online promotion of prostitution.

Contact Our Olney, MD Sex Crimes Attorneys

When an accusation leads to sex crime charges, a person will need to determine how to respond and how they can protect their rights. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help clients determine the best defense strategies in these cases while fighting to avoid convictions whenever possible. Speak with our Olney, Maryland sex crimes defense lawyers by calling 301-762-7500 and arranging a free consultation.