Howard County Sexual Assault Lawyers
Put Our Team on Your Side
If you or someone you know has been accused of sexual assault, it's important to retain an experienced Howard County sexual assault attorney right away. We are ready to take on your case and defend you against these serious charges.
If you are facing charges for sexual assault, contact our Columbia sexual assault attorneys by calling (410) 927-5137 to learn more about your legal options.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a very serious criminal charge that can lead to prison time, hefty fines, and a tarnished reputation. As a result, it's important to have a skilled sexual assault lawyer on your side who can fight to get the charges dropped or reduced.
Sexual assault is defined as:
- sexual intercourse without consent
- sexual contact without consent
- forced sexual touching
- indecent exposure
Types of Sexual Assault Charges
Sexual assault charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the severity of the crime and the type of assault that occurred. If you have been charged with sexual assault, it is important to contact a Howard County sexual assault attorney immediately.
Our Columbia sexual assault lawyers may be able to help if you have been charged with:
- Rape
- Statutory rape
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual assault with a dangerous weapon
- Sexual assault and kidnapping
What Is the Penalty for Sexual Assault in Maryland?
Sexual assault is a felony in Maryland and can lead to prison time, hefty fines, and a tarnished reputation. As a result, it's important to have a skilled sexual assault lawyer on your side who can fight to get the charges dropped or reduced.
The penalties for sexual assault in Maryland include:
- First-degree sexual assault: a minimum sentence of 25 years and up to life in prison
- Second-degree sexual assault: up to 20 years in prison
- Third-degree sexual assault: up to 10 years in prison
The Importance of Legal Representation
When you're accused of sexual assault, it's crucial to have an experienced Howard County sexual assault defense lawyer by your side. The legal system is complex and unforgiving, and without proper representation, you may find yourself at a significant disadvantage. Here's how an attorney can help you:
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Protecting Your Rights: Your attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to a fair trial, are upheld throughout the legal process.
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Building a Strong Defense: A skilled lawyer will investigate the case, gather evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments. They may consult experts, interview witnesses, and explore potential defenses.
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Negotiating with Prosecutors: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charges or penalties. Your attorney will work to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.
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Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will provide a vigorous defense, presenting evidence and challenging the prosecution's case. They will advocate for your innocence and work to cast doubt on the allegations.
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Protecting Your Reputation: Being accused of sexual assault can have a devastating impact on your personal and professional life. Your attorney will work to minimize the damage to your reputation and privacy.
Don't Wait to Get Started on Your Defense
If you are facing sexual assault charges, we encourage you to contact our Howard County sexual assault attorneys as soon as possible. We can help you explore your options and aggressively pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
To learn more about how we can help, contact our Howard County sexual assault lawyers as soon as possible. Call (410) 927-5137 today!

Why Are We the Right Choice?
Reasons to Choose Our Firm-
We approach every case as a team.
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Every initial consultation is free and no-obligation.
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We are available for you 24/7.
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We are a team of former prosecutors and know how the other side thinks.
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We have in-house payment plan options on qualifying cases.
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We are highly recommended and awarded by various associations.


A High-Quality Reputation
Read Reviews from Real People-
“From my 8-month experience, Mr. Justin Lake is a great lawyer with ethics and morals. Even more a good man in a time there seems ...”
- L.W. -
“EXTREMELY helpful!”
- L.M. -
“I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders!”
- L.R.

At Shapiro, Zwanetz & Associates (SZA) we believe in thinking differently from most lawyers and law firms. We help our clients understand and accept their legal situation; we work with them to confront and improve that situation, while seeking the best outcome available at law. We recognize that each client is a unique individual, each deserving of the highest client/customer service; and we just happen to get our clients excellent results while we deliver that exceptional service.