Facing a statutory rape charge in Anne Arundel County carries severe penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Anne Arundel County from our firm can build your defense.
Understanding Statutory Rape Charges in Anne Arundel County
Maryland law defines statutory rape as sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent (16 years old). Unlike forcible rape, this charge does not require proof of force or lack of consent — the victim’s age alone establishes the offense. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-307, a person who is at least 4 years older than the minor can face prosecution. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Anne Arundel County must understand these specific age-gap provisions to build a defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-307 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
Review the official statute at Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-307 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Defending Statutory Rape Cases in Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County District Court handles initial appearances for statutory rape cases, but felony jury trials proceed in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is generally not available for sex offenses, making early defense strategy critical.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions, often including no contact with the alleged victim.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony charges, a preliminary hearing determines probable cause within 30 days if you are detained.
- Indictment or Information: The State’s Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury for indictment, or files a criminal information.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You enter a plea in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. This is where pretrial motions are filed.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to jury trial or resolution through negotiated disposition, such as a plea to a lesser charge.
Penalties for Statutory Rape in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, statutory rape under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-307 carries severe penalties including mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory Rape (4+ years age gap) | Felony (Second-Degree Rape) | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of professional licenses |
| Statutory Rape (under 14 years old) | Felony (First-Degree Rape) | Up to life in prison | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration for life; supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Statutory Rape Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Kristen Fisher, our Of Counsel and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, leads our sex crimes defense practice in Anne Arundel County. Her firsthand prosecutorial experience provides significant insight into how the State’s Attorney builds cases, allowing us to identify weaknesses others might miss.
Case Results in Statutory Rape Defense
While specific Anne Arundel County statutory rape case results are not publicly available, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our capability. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland sex crimes cases, we have achieved outcomes including Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and probation before judgment for related charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Statutory Rape Defense Near Anne Arundel County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301. We serve Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Statutory Rape Charges in Anne Arundel County
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a statutory rape charge in Anne Arundel County?
No. Maryland law generally prohibits PBJ for sex offenses, including statutory rape. PBJ is not available for violations of Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-307.
What is the age of consent in Maryland?
Yes. The age of consent in Maryland is 16 years old. Sexual intercourse with someone under 16 can result in statutory rape charges, depending on the age difference between the parties.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time statutory rape charge in Anne Arundel County?
Yes. A first-time statutory rape charge is a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. An attorney at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County can negotiate alternatives or challenge evidence. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a statutory rape case take in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. Felony statutory rape cases in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court typically take 3-12 months from arraignment to trial. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials.
Can a statutory rape charge be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and Nolle Prosequi. Convictions for statutory rape generally cannot be expunged. Cases in Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
Maryland Sex Crimes Lawyer — Montgomery County Statutory Rape Lawyer — Prince George’s County Statutory Rape Lawyer — Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.