Who Qualifies as a Household or Family Member?
The relationship between the perpetrator and the victim is what sets child sexual abuse offenses apart from related sex offenses under state law. To be charged with sexual abuse of a minor, the offender must be a qualifying household or family member. These terms are defined in Maryland Code § 3-601:
- Household member: Under § 3-601(a)(4), a household member is “a person who lives with or is a regular presence in a home of a minor at the time of the alleged abuse.”
- Family member: Under § 3-601(a)(3), a family member is “a relative of a minor by blood, adoption, or marriage.”
However, this offense isn’t limited to relatives. Under state law, any person who has “permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for the supervision of a minor can face child sexual abuse charges.”
Penalties for Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse of a minor is guilty of a felony offense that carries harsh penalties. If you're under investigation or facing allegations of child sexual abuse, securing a robust defense from a skilled child sexual abuse defense lawyer is critical to defending your freedom.
A conviction for sexual abuse of a minor is punishable by up to 25 years of imprisonment. Keep in mind that any sentence imposed may be “separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for other related crimes, including child abuse. This can lead to significant penalties, including mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Consequences of a Child Sexual Abuse Conviction
The repercussions of a criminal conviction for sexual abuse of a minor aren't limited to imprisonment and fines. The consequences can be lifelong and far-reaching, affecting every aspect of your life. As a convicted felon, you may forfeit your right to vote or own a firearm. Additionally, as a registered sex offender, you may face tremendous difficulties when it comes to securing affordable housing and reliable employment, potentially putting your economic security and reputation at risk.
Regardless of the type and severity of charges against you, consulting with an experienced defense attorney is essential to protect your future. As former prosecutors, our highly skilled defense attorneys have an invaluable skillset to defend your rights while fighting to restore your liberty. If you were charged with a sex crime in Salisbury or the surrounding area, time is of the essence. Reach out to our firm to secure the robust defense you deserve.
Defending Against Child Sexual Abuse Charges
In child sexual abuse cases, the prosecution must meet a high standard of proof in criminal cases to establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Securing a knowledgeable and aggressive defense is paramount to protecting your rights. Fortunately, our defense attorneys are well-versed in the legal intricacies of criminal law to establish a robust and well-fortified defense on your behalf.
When you partner with MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we can evaluate your case with a practiced legal eye to determine an effective defense strategy to employ on your behalf and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Common strategies to defend against child sexual abuse charges include:
- Alibi: If you were nowhere near the scene of the crime when the offense was committed, our lawyers can gather and present compelling evidence to prove your innocence.
- False allegations: In certain cases, false claims stemming from spite, vengeance, or other ulterior motives can lead to unlawful arrests for child sexual abuse. If you were charged due to false allegations, we can work tirelessly to restore your reputation and establish your innocence.
- Insufficient evidence: If the evidence against you is lacking or inadmissible due to constitutional violations, our attorneys can fight to get the charges against you dropped or reduced.
- Constitutional violations: If your constitutional rights were infringed upon when the charges were brought, such as illegally obtained evidence through an unlawful search or seizure, our firm can fight to get inadmissible evidence dismissed from your case.
Secure a Robust Defense with MacDonald Law Office, LLC
Since 2009, MacDonald Law Office, LLC has been committed to defending the rights of the accused in Salisbury and beyond. We understand how frightening and disorienting it can be to face criminal charges of any kind. That’s why our attorneys are dedicated to defending your rights in criminal court.
With over 15 years of experience, you can rest assured that your future and freedom are in excellent hands. Our criminal defense lawyers are former prosecutors, giving us an invaluable edge in the courtroom when it comes to negotiating plea deals or dismissing inadmissible evidence. No matter what charges you’re facing, you can rely on our experienced firm to deliver the unyielding defense you rightfully deserve.
A sex crime conviction can ruin your life. Don’t forgo your right to an experienced defense. Call (410) 348-7809 to schedule a free case evaluation.
