Howard County Attempted Sexual Offense in the Second Degree Defense Lawyer
An attempted sexual offense in the second degree charge in Howard County is a serious felony allegation under Maryland law. This incomplete offense requires proof of a substantial step toward committing the crime. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges, focusing on the specific intent and act requirements.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Law on Attempted Sexual Offense in the Second Degree
In Maryland, an attempted crime is governed by the common law of attempt, which requires the prosecution to prove a specific intent to commit the underlying crime and a substantial step toward its commission that goes beyond mere preparation. For an attempted sexual offense in the second degree, the underlying crime is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-306. This statute makes it illegal to engage in a sexual act with another by force or threat of force, without consent, or with a victim who is mentally incapacitated, physically helpless, or under 14 years of age. An attempted crime defense lawyer in Howard County must challenge both the intent and the sufficiency of the alleged act.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s sexual offense statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For information on Howard County court procedures, visit the District Court of Maryland for Howard County website.
Howard County Court Process for Attempt Charges
Attempted sexual offense in the second degree cases in Howard County begin with an arrest and initial appearance at the District Court. Because it is a felony, the case will be bound over to the Howard County Circuit Court for trial. The State’s Attorney for Howard County must prove you took a substantial step toward committing the sexual act with the required criminal intent. An incomplete offense defense lawyer in Howard County will scrutinize the evidence to show the acts alleged do not meet this high legal standard, potentially moving for dismissal before trial.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested and have a bail review hearing at the District Court in Ellicott City within 24 hours.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held in District Court to determine if there is probable cause to believe a felony was attempted.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged and enter a plea at the Howard County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case and review all prosecution evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your lawyer will engage in negotiations with the State’s Attorney or prepare for a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, sentencing will occur before a Circuit Court judge, with penalties up to 20 years in prison.
Potential Penalties for Attempted Sexual Offense in the Second Degree
In Howard County, a conviction for attempted sexual offense in the second degree carries severe penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, as the attempt is punishable to the same extent as the completed offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attempted Sexual Offense 2nd Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Court Discretion | Sex Offender Registration (Tier II – 25 years), GPS monitoring, no-contact orders, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Howard County Sex Crime Cases
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of an attempted sexual offense charge in Howard County and the lifelong consequences of a conviction. Our defense is built on a detailed analysis of the evidence and a thorough challenge of the prosecution’s ability to prove every element of the attempt.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our team has achieved favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. In Baltimore County, we secured a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with promoting/distributing child pornography. In another Maryland case, we negotiated a suspended sentence with probation for a possession of child pornography charge. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every defense angle is explored.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Howard County Defense Representation
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Our Maryland office represents clients facing attempted sexual offense in the second degree charges in Howard County. We serve clients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel. The office is accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Attempted Sexual Offense Charges in Howard County
What is the penalty for an attempted sexual offense in the second degree in Howard County?
Up to 20 years in prison. An attempt is punishable to the same extent as the completed crime under Maryland common law, making it a serious felony with long-term consequences including sex offender registration.
What must the prosecution prove for an attempted crime in Maryland?
They must prove two elements: (1) a specific intent to commit the sexual offense in the second degree, and (2) a substantial step toward committing it that goes beyond mere preparation. An attempted crime defense lawyer in Howard County attacks both elements.
What is a “substantial step” in an attempt case?
It is conduct that strongly corroborates the defendant’s criminal intent and moves them beyond planning toward the actual commission of the crime. Examples could include traveling to a location, possessing specific tools, or making unambiguous statements. The line between preparation and attempt is a key defense battleground.
Can an attempted charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. An incomplete offense defense lawyer in Howard County can file motions to dismiss if the evidence is legally insufficient. Charges may also be reduced through negotiation, especially if the evidence of intent or the substantial step is weak.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of an attempt?
Yes. A conviction for attempted sexual offense in the second degree triggers Tier II sex offender registration in Maryland, requiring registration for 25 years.
Where are these cases heard in Howard County?
All felony attempted sexual offense cases are tried in the Howard County Circuit Court located at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City, following an initial appearance and preliminary hearing at the District Court.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with an attempted sexual offense in the second degree in Howard County, contact an experienced attempted sexual offense in the second degree lawyer Howard County immediately. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations. Call (888) 437-7747.
More Legal Help: For general defense information, see our Howard County criminal defense lawyer page. For related charges, visit our Montgomery County sex crime defense lawyer page. Learn about our firm on our Maryland sex crime defense hub.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal advice.