In Rockville, statutory rape under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-307 carries up to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville builds a defense focused on consent, age proximity, or evidentiary challenges.
Statutory Rape Definition Under Maryland Law
Maryland defines statutory rape as vaginal intercourse with a person under age 14 by someone at least 4 years older (Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-307). A second-degree rape charge applies when the victim is 14 or 15 and the defendant is at least 4 years older. Unlike forcible rape, the prosecution does not need to prove lack of consent — the victim’s age alone establishes the crime. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville examines the age difference, the specific statute charged, and any available affirmative defenses such as the Romeo and Juliet exception (which may reduce penalties when the age gap is under 4 years).
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-307 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Statutory rape under Maryland law is distinct from other sex offenses because it focuses solely on the victim’s age and the age difference between the parties. The prosecution must prove the defendant was at least 4 years older than the victim. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville uses this age-gap element as a central defense strategy when the age difference is borderline or disputed.
- Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-307 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- Montgomery County Circuit Court (official county website)
- Step 1: Contact a Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville immediately after arrest or investigation begins.
- Step 2: Your lawyer requests a bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Step 3: Your lawyer files a motion to examine the age difference and any Romeo and Juliet defense.
- Step 4: The court schedules a preliminary hearing within 30 days if you are detained without indictment.
- Step 5: Your lawyer negotiates with the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County for a reduction or PBJ.
- Step 6: If no resolution, your case proceeds to trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court.
In Rockville, statutory rape under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-307 carries up to 20 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory Rape (victim under 14) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $15,000 | None | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of professional licenses |
| Second-Degree Rape (victim 14-15) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $15,000 | None | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville near Montgomery County Government Center and Rockville Town Square.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. By appointment only.
Can a statutory rape charge be reduced in Rockville?
Yes. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville can negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge or a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition if the age gap is under 4 years or evidence is weak.
What is the Romeo and Juliet law in Maryland?
It depends. Maryland’s Romeo and Juliet exception applies when the age difference is under 4 years and the victim is 14 or older. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville can argue this defense to reduce penalties or avoid registration.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time statutory rape charge in Montgomery County?
Yes. A first-time statutory rape charge is a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville can negotiate a PBJ or dismissal to avoid a conviction on your record.
How long does a statutory rape case take in Rockville?
It depends. Misdemeanor cases in District Court take 30-90 days. Felony cases in Montgomery County Circuit Court take 3-12 months. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville works to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
Can a statutory rape charge be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. Acquittals, dismissals, and PBJ dispositions can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Rockville can guide you through the expungement process under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure § 6-220.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.
