Silver Spring, MD Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Charges of Sexual Assault, Prostitution, or Other Sex Crimes in Silver Spring, Maryland

There are few types of criminal cases that are as serious as those involving accusations of sex crimes. Even before a sex crime charge is filed against a suspect, an arrest or an investigation can cause serious damage to a person's reputation while affecting their personal and professional relationships. When charges are filed, the stakes become even higher, since a person who is convicted of a sex crime may be sentenced to years or decades in prison, be required to pay high fines, and face ongoing problems related to a criminal record and a status as a convicted sex offender.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorney can provide a strong defense for people in Silver Spring who are facing sex crime charges. He will focus on protecting clients' rights and helping them resolve cases successfully so that the future impact on their lives will be minimized. At our firm, we understand how much is at stake in these cases, and we are ready to stand by our clients to make sure they can resolve these matters successfully.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Sex Crime Cases

The consequences of a sex crime conviction can affect a person for the rest of their life. There are several reasons why it is crucial to secure legal representation as early as possible in these cases, including:

An Investigation May Begin Before an Arrest Is Made

Law enforcement agencies may conduct a lengthy investigation of a person's alleged sex crimes before making an arrest. A person may not know they are a target of an investigation until they are contacted by law enforcement, served with a search warrant, or asked to come in for questioning. When a person learns that they are being investigated, the ways they respond are likely to affect the charges they may face and the outcome of their case.

Statements Can Be Used Against a Person

One of the most important things for a person who is under investigation for a sex crime to remember is that anything said to law enforcement is likely to be used against them. People who are contacted by investigators may believe that they can explain themselves or provide information showing that they did not commit the crime in question. In reality, voluntary statements can serve as damaging evidence in a criminal case. Statements can be interpreted as admissions of guilt, and other information provided to officers could be used as evidence against a person.

Our attorney advises clients to politely decline to answer questions asked by police officers and to state that they want to speak to an attorney. Contact our firm immediately to get legal help and determine how to proceed during an investigation, when responding to questions from law enforcement, and during an entire criminal case.

The Evidence Landscape Is Complex

Sex crime cases often involve digital evidence, physical evidence, and testimony from witnesses or an alleged victim. This evidence can be complex, and it will need to be analyzed by an attorney to determine how it may be challenged. Our lawyer understands how to approach data saved on a computer or stored online, DNA evidence, and other factors that may play a role in a criminal case. He will take steps to identify any weaknesses, procedural errors, or constitutional violations that may affect the admissibility or reliability of evidence.

Sex Crime Charges in Maryland

Our attorney has the experience needed to provide representation for clients who are facing sex crime charges that may include:

Sexual Assault and Rape

A person may be charged with rape if they are accused of engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual conduct without receiving consent. The penalties for rape are serious, and first-degree rape charges involving the use of violence, force, or threats could result in a sentence of life in prison. If a case did not involve sexual intercourse or penetration, a person may be charged with a sexual offense. Sexual assault charges may also apply in situations involving accusations of statutory rape in which an adult is accused of engaging in sexual conduct or sexual contact with a minor.

Prostitution and Solicitation

People who are accused of engaging in sexual acts in exchange for payment may be charged with prostitution. Charges of solicitation may apply for those who are accused of offering payments in exchange for sexual acts or attempting to hire a prostitute. More serious penalties may apply when cases involve allegations of sex trafficking, which may apply if a person is accused of forcing someone to engage in prostitution against their will.

Indecent Exposure

A person who is accused of deliberately exposing their genitals in public could face criminal charges if these actions were observed by other people and were considered to be offensive or alarming. Even though indecent exposure is generally charged as a misdemeanor offense, it is still classified as a sex crime. The penalties may become more serious if an offense allegedly occurred in the presence of children.

Child Pornography

People who are accused of possessing, accessing, saving, distributing, or producing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) may face serious criminal penalties. These offenses may involve claims that a person downloaded child pornography from websites or file-sharing services, made CSAM available to others to be accessed or downloaded, or directly or indirectly participated in photographing or filming minors while they were engaging in sexual activities. In some cases, child pornography offenses may involve computer-generated materials or images or videos created using AI, as long as those materials depicted actual children who could be identified.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

Some sex crime charges may involve accusations that a person communicated with a minor using the internet or messaging apps with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity. Attempting to persuade or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity is a serious criminal offense. In some cases, law enforcement sting operations in which officers pose as minors may serve as the basis for criminal charges, and a person may be charged with online solicitation based on accusations that they believed they were communicating with someone who was under the age of 18.

Contact Our Silver Spring Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorney can provide legal representation in multiple types of sex crime cases. He approaches these matters with sensitivity and compassion, helping clients understand the best steps to take to respond to accusations, counter claims made by prosecutors, and defend against convictions. Contact our Silver Spring, MD sex crimes lawyer at 301-762-7500 to set up a free consultation today.