Very few allegations can damage your reputation and future as much as a charge involving a sexual offense. Charges are very often made by someone without any type of physical evidence to support the charge. These charges are pursued very aggressively by prosecutors for many reasons, including the heightened attention by the news media in recent years. It is imperative that you hire an aggressive, competent attorney who is highly experienced in handling these cases. Your future, your job, your family and your reputation are at stake.

Some of the most common sex crimes include rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, statutory rape, indecent exposure, incest, date rape, sexual harassment, child pornography and pedophilia, and prostitution.

Maryland criminal defense attorneys at McKenzie & Tehrani are not afraid to aggressively defend against sexual charges. Mr. Joseph C. McKenzie and Mr. Payman Tehrani know from experience that many times, allegations of sexual abuse are made up. They know what to look for and they know the defenses.

Contact our office to schedule a free and confidential consultation at 301-309-3669.

Handling Alleged Victims

Our lawyers know how to handle the alleged victims. Many sex crime charges are based upon false accusations, stemming from anger, revenge or jealousy. It is the job of an experienced criminal defense to prove these accusations are false and therefore protect his clients’ rights and future.

Rape

No means NO in today’s society. Rape is the non-consensual sexual intercourse that is achieved by the use of physical force, threat of injury, or other duress. If the alleged victim of rape claims that there was a lack of consent due to the effects of drugs and/or alcohol, thereby preventing the alleged victim from saying no, a person can be charged with rape. Any time non-consensual intercourse occurs that is committed by the use of physical force, threat of injury or other duress, it is deemed to be rape. Thus, rape can occur between a boyfriend and a girlfriend who have an existing relationship. This is commonly referred to as “date rape”. A rape can occur even between a husband and wife. This is commonly referred to as “marital rape.”

Another form of rape is “statutory rape”. It is unlawful for an adult to engage in sexual intercourse with a person who is under age or under the age of consent. The age of consent is determined by law. Statutory rape is deemed to be a strict liability crime. Whether there was consent or not, is irrelevant.

  • Rape
    • First Degree – engaging in sexual intercourse with another without his or her consent by force, using weapons, strangling or inflicting serious physical injury, threatening with death, serious injury, or kidnapping, or committed with another’s help or during a burglary
    • Second Degree – engaging in vaginal intercourse with another 1) without his or her consent by force or threat, 2) with a mentally or physically incapacitated person (includes drunk, high, or unconscious) when the defendant knows of his or her condition, or 3) the victim is under 14 years old and the defendant is at least 4 years older than the victim
  • Sexual Offense
    • First Degree – engaging in a sexual act (oral or anal sex, or any object or part of one’s body penetrates the genitals or anus for sexual gratification, but not vaginal intercourse – that’s above in rape) by force, threat, or without consent while displaying a weapon, suffocating or physically injuring the victim, or threatening the victim with death, disfigurement, or serious physical injury, or committed with another’s help or during a burglary
    • Second Degree – engaging in a sexual act with another by 1) force or without his or her consent, 2) with a mentally or physically incapacitated person (includes drunk, high, or unconscious) when the defendant should know of his or her condition, or 3) the victim is under 14 and the defendant is at least 4 years older than the victim
    • Third Degree – includes any of the following:
      • engaging in sexual contact (intentionally touching the victim’s or defendant’s genital, anal, or other private parts for sexual gratification or abuse of either person) in any of the following situations:
        • Without consent while using a weapon, strangling or seriously injuring the victim, threatening the victim with death, serious injury, or kidnapping, or committed with another’s help OR
        • The victim is mentally or physically incapacitated (drunk or unconscious for example) and the defendant knows of his or her condition
        • The victim is under 14 years old and the defendant is at least 4 years older
        • Engaging in a sexual act (i.e. oral or anal sex) or vaginal sex with a 14 or 15 year old victim by a 21 year old or older defendant, AKA statutory rape
    • Fourth Degree – any of the following:
      • Engaging in sexual contact without the other’s consent
      • Engaging in a sexual act or vaginal sex with a 14 or 15 year old when the defendant is at least 4 years older
      • Engaging in a sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal sex with a child under 18 who at the time of the sexual activity was a student enrolled in a school where the person was in a position of authority (i.e. a principal, coach, teacher, or counselor who’s at least 21 years old, employed by the school, and was in a supervisory position over the student)

If you are here, chances are you need an attorney to defend you or someone you know against a sex offense charge. Being charged with this type of crime has the potential of ruining your or your loved one’s life.

If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may be required to register as a sex offender, which can have a life-long negative effect on your personal and professional reputation. Furthermore, if you are convicted of a sex crime you may face jail time, probation, monetary fines, community service and psychological evaluation, in addition to the already damaging toll being taken on your professional and personal life.

McKenzie & Tehrani are committed to representing each client to the utmost of their vast abilities. If you are concerned that reputation, liberty, or life is at stake, contact us for a free and confidential consultation at 301-309-3669.

LET’S GET STARTED

We’re here to help answer your questions. Judicial matters can be complicated, our experts are on hand to help inform you of every aspect regarding your topic. We take great pride in using our expertise for you and look forward to hearing from you.

ROCKVILLE OFFICE

20 Courthouse Square, Suite 213, Rockville, MD 20850

Phone: (301) 209-7024

Email: JMcKenzie@mtmd-law.com

GREENBELT OFFICE

6411 Ivy Ln Suite 540, Greenbelt, MD 20770

Phone: (301) 209-7024

Email: JMcKenzie@mtmd-law.com

Natasha Garcia
Natasha Garcia
November 14, 2023.
My boyfriend was in jail for almost 1 year and I paid other Attorney's to get him released on home detention at least but all have failed until I was referred to Mr. McKenzie. He requested a bond hearing, and my prayers were answered; my boyfriend was let out on house arrest and now is able to spend the holidays with his family. Thank you so much Mr. McKenzie, we are all so grateful.
Lastdamn Time
Lastdamn Time
September 5, 2023.
Hands down the most competent and comforting experience , made a major mistake and was liable to spend a good amount of time in jail alongside other consequences. Thanks to the knowledge and wit of Joe I was able to make it out of this predicament without any problems . Thank you again Joe!
Anthony Williams (BIGGHEADTJ)
Anthony Williams (BIGGHEADTJ)
January 5, 2023.
When you are in financial distress and physical pain it is difficult to think clearly and make good decisions. That, in addition to not understanding a legal process complicates matters even more. The Law Office of McKenzie & Tehrani explained the law, outlined in clear language the steps in the process that were needed to be done. I mostly worked with Natalie and she was amazing. She was reassuring, articulate, knowable and effective. Natalie defiantly made the process so much easier and gave me peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome. This law office was selected on recommendation from a family friend and was some of the "Best" advice I have ever received.
Jerry Berkstresser
Jerry Berkstresser
January 4, 2023.
Mr. Joe McKenzie represented me in a manner that was very caring and concerning of the outcome in my case. He did an excellent job on my court hearing in which provided me with which I feel was the best outcome I could have received. I highly recommend him for an attorney..Thank you very much.
Ben Hanson
Ben Hanson
October 21, 2022.
Absolutely solid, took care of business.
Juan Tolentino
Juan Tolentino
October 20, 2022.
Best firm in the DMV, I had a personal injury case (car accident) Natalie was super professional and my case was resolved in a timely manner. Every time I called the office Ana was super nice and helpful too. Definitely recommend them I referred a friend for a criminal case and her case got dropped on the first hearing date by the Attorneys at this firm! I’ll definitely come back if needed.
Donte Johnson
Donte Johnson
October 11, 2022.
The best lawyers in the state!.... got me off 6 different charges... including DUI and firearms... if you value a clean record and freedom look no further