Maryland Date Rape Defense Attorneys
Mere accusations of rape can ruin lives – if not handled by an experienced rape defense attorney like the ones at The Law Office of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates, LLC. We’ve defended clients’ constitutional rights to a fair trial, so they are not judged guilty before stepping into the courtroom.
Everyone deserves to be heard, believed, and have their day in court – especially the accused. We intend to give that to you.
What Is Date Rape?
Date rape is a form of sexual assault involving unwanted sexual advances by force or threat of force with a man or woman who willingly went out on a date or other type of social occasion, but did not give consent for sex at any time.
The victim usually knows the perpetrator and may have even had sex in the past. However, they allege that they did not or were not able to give consent for that specific incident.
Date rape is a serious allegation with serious consequences. Many times, the victim alleges that some sort of drug was used in order to entice them into the sexual activity.
Does Maryland Consider Date Rape As A Sexual Offense Or Rape?
Maryland law does not distinguish between rape and date rape. What is important in these situations is the specific facts, including what can be proven and disproven. Very subtle and important issues may arise that create evidence depicting an entirely different view than the victim is trying to create.
Date rape cases typically involve:
- Date rape drugs: Many cases involve date rape drugs that can cause blackouts and amnesia, as well as well-known sleep aid drugs.
- Prior sexual relationship: Date rape cases involve people who know each other in some fashion. Even a prior sexual relationship is no defense in the case of date rape charges.
A case involving threats, physical force, and lack of consent is very likely to result in a charge of first-degree rape with potential years in prison.
What Are Possible Rape Sentences In Maryland?
Per Maryland state law, the sentences vary according to the circumstances surrounding the rape – even if a defendant is found guilty of the overall rape accusation.
First-degree rape sentences can include:
- Maximum sentence of life imprisonment with opportunity for parole for either committing or trying to commit first-degree rape
- A minimum 25-year sentence for the convicted rape of a child under 13 by an adult over 18, without the possibility of court suspension or parole
- Enrollment on the sex offender registry, resulting in employment struggles and security clearance disruptions
- Possible fines and legal costs
Second-degree rape sentences can include:
- Up to 20 years in prison for either committing or trying to commit second-degree rape
- A minimum of 15 years – with a max of life imprisonment – for the convicted rape of a child under 13 by an adult over 18
- Enrollment on the sex offender registry, resulting in employment struggles and security clearance disruptions
- Possible fines and legal costs
Even if second-degree rape is a “lesser” charge, it’s still a very serious charge with equally dire consequences attached.
Statutory rape sentences fall into various categories between sex offenses and true rape charges, depending on the age of the involved parties at the time of the sexual contact:
- If the victim is between the ages of 14 and 15 and the defendant is over the age of 21: Statutory rape is a third-degree sexual offense, which is a felony that carries up to 10 years in prison.
- If the victim is between the ages of 14 and 15 and the defendant is more than three years older but younger than 21: Statutory rape is a fourth-degree sexual offense, which is a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in prison
- If the victim is younger than 14 and the defendant is more than three years older: Statutory rape is considered second-degree rape, which is a felony that carries up to 20 years in prison.
“The accusations were outlandish, false, and slandered both my character and my name. I was in need to find strong legal representation that would see through the fabricated story. [My attorney Aaron] Goodwin’s priority was to understand who I am as a person before putting together any type of defense strategy. The result was a favorable decision on my behalf. I am confident that without the firm’s representation, the outcome would have been different.”
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