Sex Offenses
Sex offenses in Maryland
Sex Offense lawyer, Andrew Jezic, went undefeated in 15 Child Abuse jury trials from 2008 to 2023 in Montgomery County – an extraordinary accomplishment. Mr. Jezic was a sex offense prosecutor for years before he became a criminal defense attorney.
In Maryland, a large majority of the sexual crimes can result in a felony conviction and a prison sentence of up to life. A felony sex crime on your record can have a significant impact on your ability to find housing, employment, and obtain loans. Further, conviction of a sex crime in Maryland requires the offender to register as a sex offender in the state. An experienced Maryland sex offense attorney can help you to take a proactive approach to your case, protect your quality of life, and even beat the charges. Here is a rundown of the basic information you need when preparing a defense against a sexual offense charge in Maryland.
Our lawyers are in court everyday in Maryland defending the accused and fighting for the best possible result in every case.
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The so-called Rockville Rape case got national attention, and showed the rush to judgement by powerful and influential people. Our attorneys fought for our clients from the start – facing Tucker Carlson on national television, and persevering through the end, with all charges dropped. See for yourself.
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TYPES OF PERSONAL INJURY LAW WE PRACTICE
First Degree Rape
First degree rape is defined as engaging in vaginal intercourse with another by force or threat of force without the other’s consent, while also engaged in one of the following:
- using a dangerous weapon, or what the victim believes to be a dangerous weapon.
- inflicting serious physical injury to the victim or another during the crime.
- threatening to kidnap or inflict serious injury to the victim.
- committing the crime with the aid of another individual.
- committing the crime during a burglary.
If convicted, you face a felony conviction and a prison term of up to life. If the victim is under 16, the penalty is life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second Degree Rape
Second degree rape is defined as engaging in non-consensual vaginal intercourse by force or threat of force with another. It also includes vaginal intercourse with victims who are mentally or physically incapacitated where the offender is aware of the condition.
Further, it includes situations where the victim is younger than 14 and the offender is at least 4 years older than the victim.
If found guilty, you face a felony conviction and up to 20 years in prison. If the victim is under 13 and the offender is over the age of 18, the penalty is between a 15 year mandatory minimum, which cannot be suspended, and life in prison.
First Degree Sexual Offense
Sexual offense crimes are those involving sexual acts other than vaginal intercourse that are intended for sexual gratification, arousal or abuse of either party.
First degree sex offense is defined as non-consensual to anal intercourse, analingus, cunnilingus, or fellatio with another individual by force or threat of force, and while also engaged in the following:
- Using a dangerous weapon, or what the victim believes to be a dangerous weapon,
- Inflicting serious physical injury to the victim or another during the crime,
- Threatening to kidnap or inflict serious injury to the victim,
- Committing the crime with the aid of another individual,
- Committing the crime during a burglary.
If found guilty, you face a felony conviction and up to life in prison. If the victim is under 16, then the maximum penalty is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. If the victim is under 13 and the offender is over 18, then the penalty ranges from 25 years to life, without the possibility of parole.
Second Degree Sexual Offense
Second degree sex offense is defined as unconsented to anal intercourse, analingus, cunnilingus, or fellatio with another individual by force or threat of force. This also encompasses performing the same sexual acts with victims who are mentally or physically incapacitated where the offender is aware of the condition, or with victims younger than 14 where the offender is at least 4 years older than the victim.
If found guilty, you face a felony conviction and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
If the victim is younger than 13 and the offender is above 18, then the prison term ranges from 15 years to life.
Third and Fourth Degree Sexual Offense
Any non-consensual sexual contact can be charged as a third or fourth degree sexual offense, but these are generally used under circumstances involving minors, even if both parties consent to the sexual act or intercourse. If the victim is younger than 14 and the offender is at least 4 years older than the victim. If the victim is 14 or 15 and the offender is 21 or older. These offenses are more commonly known as statutory rape, although that term is not used by the legal system.
If convicted of third degree sex offense, you face a felony on your record and a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. If convicted of fourth degree sex offense you face a misdemeanor conviction, a fine of up to $1,000, and up to one year in jail. Repeat offenders face fines of up to $1,000 and a maximum of 3 years in prison.
4th Degree Sex Offense is an unconsented sexual contact with another person. It does not require penetration or under the clothes touching. Although only a misdemeanor, conviction carries a required 15 year registration on the Sex Offender Registry.
If you face one or more of these charges…
It is crucial that you contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible in order to protect your rights.
For a greater explanation of these laws you can read the Maryland Official Code.
See Andrew Jezic’s entire interview for the Masters of the Courtroom series on ReelLawyers.com.
Book a Free Consultation →Testimonials
DUI Acquittal
David Moyse did an outstanding job as my lawyer in a DUI case in Montgomery County. From the time of my first appointment in the offices of Jezic and Moyse, LLC through the date of my trial, I always felt comfortable and confident that Dave and his team were thoroughly prepared and working extremely hard on my behalf. Whenever I called with questions, they were answered immediately. On the day of the trial, Dave presented evidence that convinced the prosecutor and judge to dismiss all charges. I was completely exonerated. Dave is an outstanding attorney and I would ONLY recommend him without hesitation. David Moyse is one of the most highly experienced, knowledgeable, and intelligent lawyers I’m aware of today. I had a DUI case by which I needed a lawyer for and after doing extensive research to find the right one as well as going through many consultations, I found David Moyse to be the most worthy lawyer to review my case. He not only charges reasonably for his above-average expertise in the types of cases he deals with, but combined with his credentials and serious criminal cases he has had a history of winning, renders him an obvious choice to make in handling your case.
Highly Recommended
David Moyse displayed an outstanding professional demeanor in front of the jury at all times in my serious felony case. His opening statement to the jury was delivered in a very persuasive manner. I felt very safe and secure next to him at the trial table, as he made me feel confident that the jury would return a not guilty verdict, which it did, in a mere two and a half hours. I highly recommend him.
I will always go to them first
In 2017, what started as simple tension with a neighbor in my apartment building became a nightmare when the neighbor made wild and false accusations that landed me in jail for almost two months awaiting trial. It seemed hopeless until Rand Lucey was able to first get me released from jail, and ultimately exonerate me with a complete acquittal before a jury.
Mr. Lucey’s cross-examination of my neighbor exposed her lies and motive. And his forceful closing argument led the jury to return a Not Guilty verdict after less than 10 minutes of deliberation.
Such impressive representation from this firm was not surprising. I had previous matters handled by Mr. Lucey and Andrew Jezic, and they have always shown legal skill, great rapport with judges and prosecutors and genuine concern for their clients.
I highly recommend them and will always go to them first with all of my legal needs.
Murder Acquittal by Jury
It has been barely four months since the conclusion of my jury trial, which lasted from October 29th until November 20th, 2018, over three weeks of an incredible defense by Andrew Jezic and Lauren Kollecas against prosecutors and detectives, with every resource freely available to them to make me, an innocent woman, appear guilty of the murder of my husband. I owe so much for all the hard work my lawyers and their team did to get this case done on the first try. It goes to show the dedication and incredible talent that they possess. I want all of that plus more to be known. I want to highlight the lack of access they had to me and the added pressure of having to literally carry the case on their own without my being able to assist significantly in my own defense. I live again as a free woman due to all their time, commitment, and tenacity.
They are good people
A couple years ago Andy Jezic, David Moyse, and Rand Lucey defended my son against some serious charges, which he maintains today his innocence. He passed two polygraphs. I was extremely impressed with their dedication to his defense. They went far beyond what was expected of them. They involved us every step of the way (which is not done by all lawyers). They came in on weekends to meet with us which made it easier for us. I was so impressed, I’ve made it a point to keep in touch with them. Not only are they competent, they were respectful, and all around “good” people. You would be hard pressed to find a better law firm. I would recommend them to anyone facing legal charges. Thank you Andy, David, Rand and your entire firm.
I got my life and my family back
My serious felony case was extremely stressful for me and my family. I could have been separated from my wife and my two children for many years. I have never been accused of any wrongdoing in my life. Throughout many months of anxiety leading up to my jury trial, Andrew Jezic always made me and my family feel that I would have the best defense in court. He was always available to answer all questions whenever I called. He was always patient, respectful, and attentive to me and my family. My prayers were answered, and Mr. Jezic and his law partner convinced a jury to do the only right thing – to acquit me of all felony charges. I got my life and my family back.
Highly recommend Andy Jezic’s firm
I was charged with five very serious criminal offenses. Andy Jezic gave me hope about the case which was brought to a closure after a very brutal seven-month experience. I was found NOT GUILTY of all five counts by a jury, and Mr. Jezic definitely was very instrumental to the verdicts. He was extremely thorough and very professional. I am so glad that I realized he had reviewed and read my case properly. I highly recommend Andy Jezic’s firm any day because of their outstanding and tremendous job in and outside the courtroom regarding criminal cases.
My honor was cleared
Last year, I was falsely accused of a crime. I went to see Andrew Jezic and I immediately felt my case was in good hands. With the persistence of a court warrior, Jezic showed great skills to explain to the jury the injustice of the charge. His final statement was a masterpiece. The jury found me innocent, and my honor was cleared. Mr. Jezic is not only a great lawyer, but also a person who knows how to deal with the cultural issues that involve a Latino legal case.
Treated us with respect, and listened to our ideas
My dad had a jury trial of First Degree Assault. He was wrongly accused of stabbing another in the chest. If he had been found guilty by the jury, he would have gone to jail for 5-10 years, and then he would have been deported. Our lawyer, Andrew Jezic, represented him in front of the jury for three days with his associate, Jamie Alvarado-Taylor. I am grateful for how hard both Mr. Jezic and Ms. Alvarado-Taylor fought for my dad every step of the way, from the opening statement to the final day when the prosecutor decided to dismiss all of the charges before the case was decided by the jury! I am super happy that my dad is free to stay in this country without any problems for many more years with our family. We are grateful for Mr. Jezic for having guided my dad through this nightmare. He always treated us with respect, and listened to our ideas. After a 4-day jury trial, the jury found my father Not Guilty of all charges.
Read More “Treated us with respect, and listened to our ideas”
A good, experienced, aggressive lawyer.
Right when my family thought our world had ended, the law firm of Jezic & Moyse gave our life back just in time for the holidays. My husband was already sitting in jail for a month after being wrongfully accused of a felony crime. That if found guilty, he was going to do 30 + years. Unfortunately we started out with a non-aggressive lawyer who asked my husband to plead guilty to a charge so that he would only do five years. While my husband was waiting in jail for sentencing day; our family and friends acquired the Jezic & Moyse law firm.
They were successful in reversing the plea bargain and to start his case all over again. After nine months waiting for a new trial, that day finally came. My family and friends were very impressed in Mr. Jezic’s court demeanor and aggressiveness in defending my husband. After six days of hard work and determination of the entire law firm, my husband was acquitted of all charges by a jury. We thank the law firm for their dedication in returning my husband back to his family. If you are in need of a good, experienced, aggressive lawyer who is the best in town, my family fully recommends the Jezic & Moyse law firm.
Exceeded My Expectations
I was faced with 2 felonies and a citation in regards to vehicle manslaughter; facing serious time and life threatening outcomes. My family was devastated and so was I. I was set in front of a jury of 12 with Mr. Jezic as my counsel. He was fully knowledgeable of the law and how it operates, and gained the respect of the entire courtroom. Mr. Jezic captivated the jury of my trial by being extremely knowledgeable and devoted in my representation. His performance exceeded my expectations and I am blessed to be found not guilty of all felonies. Not only was his professional performance great, but his ability to be a counsel and an honest-trustworthy friend and not just a lawyer for hire was one of the greatest benefits of all that helped my case, and his entire staff shares the same ethic. Hands down I couldn’t ask for a better lawyer and now a good friend. If I have any legal issues he will be my first call.
Aggressive Legal Strategy
My husband was facing decades in prison on a very serious felony, and a parole retake. My husband gave a false confession to the crime. As a result, we thought we had little hope of winning. But with the help of Mr. Jezic, with all of his experience and his aggressive legal strategy, the prosecutor decided to drop the case a few days before our jury trial was to begin. The prosecutor apparently grew to believe, thanks to the arguments advanced by Mr. Jezic, that the confession would be thrown out by a judge, or not believed by the jury. Mr. Jezic and his law partner, Rand Lucey, kept us informed throughout the process, and both were very polite, professional, and caring.
Outstanding Attorney
I had a legal problem (I’d rather not go into the details) but David Moyse was amazing. From the moment I hired him, he talked me down off the ledge and gave me confidence that I would have a favorable outcome. The situation is now resolved and David was true to his word. He handled everything and we got the outcome he predicted. I can’t imagine hiring anyone else.
Outstanding and experienced Lawyer
Mr. Moyse is one of the best and most passionate, hard working attorneys you will ever meet. He is extremely professional, knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate. He treats his cases and the clients he is defending as if it were his own family member. In my case, of being accused of something I did not do and fighting for my innocence, David gave it his all in that courtroom. My case was dismissed of ALL CHARGES! He fights to the very end. He will not give up until he is satisfied and his clients get what they truly deserve. Mr. Moyse LOVES his job and it shows in the courtroom. Me and my family will forever be grateful to such an amazing honest person and attorney. Thank you so much Mr. Moyse! You are an unbelievably outstanding individual and attorney!
Great lawyer and wonderful individual
I have had the opportunity to be represented by David Moyse in three legal cases, and all were successfully disposed of. He is a great lawyer and has a good legal mind. professional and caring. Definitely the right choice.
Great lawyer!
David was a great lawyer! He was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. I was so impressed with him, and he’s amazing with communication. I never had to worry about trying to get in touch with him because he would always offer me great advice and answer my questions usually within a few hours. Definitely would recommend David Moyse to anyone.
Great lawyer, who you want representing you
After a DUI, I asked several non-defense lawyers for recommendations of who they’d want to represent them in their case. 3 of 3 recommended David Moyse very, very highly. David was available immediately to meet with me and my wife to discuss my case, was easy to talk to, very knowledgeable regarding the law, judges, and how to approach my case. After hiring David, he was very accessible and answered email and phone calls the same day responding to questions I had about my case. He did a great job representing me on the day of my court case, I felt that he took my case personally and gave me his fully energy and attention when I needed it most. We were very pleased with the outcome of the case and feel that David had a lot to do with the favorable outcome. Get David on your side, you won’t regret it.
Outstanding Lawyer
I would like to thank Mr. Moyse for representing me. Your professionalism and motivation is an asset to your Law firm and should be recognized. I will definitely use your legal services again, and refer someone else to your Law Firm; who may be seeking outstanding legal representation. Your representation was highly appreciated. Thanks again!
Extremely pleased with the handling of my son’s case.
I hired David Moyse to handle my 19 year old son’s criminal case – attempting to use a false ID. Although this was a very trying time for not only my son, but for me too, David was very assuring that he could get the case dismissed. And he did. He was professional, respectful, diligent, and approachable. Plus on top of all of this, a really nice guy. So glad he was recommended to me.
Read More “Extremely pleased with the handling of my son’s case.”
Fabulous Attorney
My son was facing criminal charges brought by overzealous police officers who acted illegally. David (Moyse) was able to bring their actions to light and the case was dismissed. Not only did David work hard on my son’s behalf, he was really able to keep us calm and focused. Besides being a great attorney, he is also a really great guy and easy to talk to.
Excellent Attorney – Great job in jury trial
Mr. Moyse represented me in a jury trial, when I was facing multiple counts of sexual assault. I am extremely satisfied with the hard work and attention that he put on my case. Me and my family were very impressed with how much time he spent on our case. Most impressive, was his performance in court in front of the jury. He did an amazing job for me, and I will never forget this. Thanks to his efforts, the jury found me not guilty of the sexual assault. There are no words in my dictionary to say enough thanks to Mr. Moyse, Mr. Jezic, and their entire law firm for their efforts to fight for me.
Works extremely hard for his clients
Andrew Jezic is a top notch lawyer who always is available and listens to not only his clients but their family as well. My brother was falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. He was with us every step of the way. Andrew responded to every call and text and made sure to keep us updated. He always believed in my brother’s innocence and demonstrated fully during the jury trial. I was there in the trial and watch his professionalism and his dedication to his client. His intricate knowledge of the law and his passion to defend his client makes him stand above and beyond all other lawyers. He is an outstanding honest lawyer who fights for what is right and works extremely hard for his client. You can trust him, he has all my respect and admiration for his excellent work. I gave him 5 stars because that is the maximum but if I could I would give him more.
NOT GUILTY
These two men delivered a NOT GUILTY as I expected, but we all know that it’s questionable in the courtroom. This was a successful 6-day jury trial and I learned much about the law and the preponderance of evidence rule.
Andy Jezic and David Moyse are an awesome team…with a strong team effort in their office.
These two men delivered a NOT GUILTY as I expected, but we all know that it’s questionable in the courtroom. This was a successful 6-day jury trial and I learned much about the law and the preponderance of evidence rule.
Magnificent Person Formidable Attorney
Andrew Jezic was retained based on the recommendation of a highly respected attorney who stated “as a prosecutor going into a jury trial the last defense attorney I would want to be looking at is Andrew Jezic”. Andy surrounded me with the finest group of people including Gary Smith and Matthias Meuwissen who with his leadership upheld their professionalism, knowledge, ethics and compassion for my wife and I through the worst time of our lives. Everyone wants to win but Andy and his team are willing to work tirelessly to prepare to win for you. Andy is an attorney who conducts himself as a gentleman at all times who will turn into a shark for you if it is appropriate. At the end of the jury trial and I was acquitted of all charges, I was asked if Andy was as good as I thought he would be. My response was I had no idea that good existed.
Amazing Jury Lawyer!!!
I was looking at 35 years in jail! My case was very bad and difficult. I was accused of child abuse and sex abuse of a minor. Due to the nature of my case, it went through jury trial for four days. My case was represented by one of the TOP CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS IN MARYLAND, Andrew Jezic. Andy is very experienced and also one of the top 10 best lawyers in Maryland. Andy took care of my case very professionally. He made sure I was informed and understood every step he was taking about my case. He was always available anytime I had a question. Either going to the office, phone calls, emails, or even texts. Throughout his communication, I had confidence that I was in good hands. Andy NEVER puts money as his first priority, BUT his clients. Through his hard work and experience, I was found NOT guilty on all counts by the jury. Not forgetting his professional staff as well, I would say my case was handled so well, and well informed with everything. I now can get enough sleep and enjoy my life like every one else.
Greatest Lawyer
One year ago I was accused of a very serious felony sex offense and from that moment my life changed forever. Thanks to God, and Andrew Jezic and Wilfred Michael Stark, and all their experience and knowledge about the law which led to a jury trial acquittal. They fought day and night for 6 days to give me my life back, and today, I can honestly say that I owe Andrew Jezic and Mike Stark more than anyone can imagine, not just for setting me free but also for believing in my innocence.
Our Personal Experience
Mr. Jezic’s strategy in the Courtroom is an approach unlike any we have ever seen, as he encourages the Jury to like both him, as well as the Defendant he is representing. Of course, he doesn’t have to work hard at it, being he is an individual already very likable by nature. His defense technique is very impressive, and he has more than fulfilled our expectations.
Mr. Jezic will give your case his undivided attention making it his main priority of focus. After Jury selection, a 6 day trial immediately followed. At the end of everyday Mr. Jezic gave our case more than One-Hundred Percent, and spent countless hours with his client in preparation for their testimony.
The severity of our case could be classified as a worse case scenario with a miraculous outcome as an end result. All due to Mr. Jezic’s persistence throughout the trial and impeccable defense. The entire Courtroom, as well as the News Media covering the trial all recognized the Jury’s Deliberations as the Miracle it truly was.
Mr. Jezic is a go getter, as he puts a great deal of time into his cases by working diligently and is NOT intimidated, nor is he defeated easily. To anyone who may be considering Mr. Jezic as their Defense Lawyer: no matter the severity of your case, he is definitely up for the challenge.
Mr. Jezic’s strategy in the Courtroom is an approach unlike any we have ever seen, as he encourages the Jury to like both him, as well as the Defendant he is representing. Of course, he doesn’t have to work hard at it, being he is an individual already very likable by nature. His defense technique is very impressive, and he has more than fulfilled our expectations. Mr. Jezic will give your case his undivided attention making it his main priority of focus. After Jury selection, a 6 day trial immediately followed. At the end of everyday Mr. Jezic gave our case more than One-Hundred Percent, and spent countless hours with his client in preparation for their testimony.
The severity of our case could be classified as a worse case scenario with a miraculous outcome as an end result. All due to Mr. Jezic’s persistence throughout the trial and impeccable defense. The entire Courtroom, as well as the News Media covering the trial all recognized the Jury’s Deliberations as the Miracle it truly was. Mr. Jezic is a go getter, as he puts a great deal of time into his cases by working diligently and is NOT intimidated, nor is he defeated easily. To anyone who may be considering Mr. Jezic as their Defense Lawyer: no matter the severity of your case, he is definitely up for the challenge.
Relentless in the pursuit of a fair outcome
After consulting several attorneys, I found the right one at Jezic & Moyse
Read More “After consulting several attorneys, I found the right one at Jezic & Moyse”
Cleared my record and opened doors
Protect my reputation, my livelihood, and my family’s welfare
Andy goes above and beyond to help you understand what is going on with your case from your first consultation to closure. His skill set to take “lawyer language” and translate it into layman’s terms is a natural ability that he owns. Communication with Andy was simple, he always responded and never left us guessing or wondering what the next strategic move will be.
Andy came out of his day-to-day jurisdiction to represent me for what the judicial system would consider a minor charge but for us it was major. Andy understood how much it meant to me and my family to protect my reputation, my livelihood and my family’s welfare.
Mr. Jezic will be our family and friends’ lawyer for all future litigious matters. I strongly recommend Andy Jezic as your attorney of choice; he gets it, he cares, he’s family oriented, an excellent communicator and most of all his actions will prove it!
Read More “Protect my reputation, my livelihood, and my family’s welfare”
This firm is trustworthy and cares about their clients
Read More “This firm is trustworthy and cares about their clients”
100% Recommend to trust this law firm with your freedom
Read More “100% Recommend to trust this law firm with your freedom”
This law firm has helped me and my family so many times
Read More “This law firm has helped me and my family so many times”
The fees are pretty well affordable and reasonable
Read More “The fees are pretty well affordable and reasonable”
Got my case dismissed in no time
Fought hard to get me the absolute best result
Magnificent Person Formidable Attorney – Not Guilty verdict!
Read More “Magnificent Person Formidable Attorney – Not Guilty verdict!”
JURY VERDICT: Innocent!
Jury Reaches Not Guilty Verdict
Well to make a long story short, Andrew was able to get 7 counts reduce to 3. A jury of 12 unanimously found me not guilty on all 3 counts. Outside of that, I never took the stand. His closing argument was the most eloquent and precise that I have ever witness.
Lastly, I would like to make sure that I acknowledge Andrew’s staff. He has surrounded himself with very professional and educated people.
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