What do the different degrees of sex offenses stand for in Maryland?

I am reading about a man accused of multiple counts of sex offenses and abuse of a child. The newspaper gave samples of what he is charged with. I know this man, he has been near my kids, I want to understand what he has been charged with. ThanksWhat do the different degrees of sex offenses stand for in Maryland?Maryland's sex offense laws are somewhat complex. Each "degree" can actually be several different crimes. I'll provide links to the State's government website for your own verification of the laws, but I will try to sum up as best I can. There are six core crimes: Rape in the 1st and 2nd, and Sex Offense in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degree.



I apologize if this gets a bit graphic, but it's how the law describes it.



Rape 1: Vaginal intercourse (exactly what you'd think) using violence, force or threats.

Rape 2: Vaginal intercourse with one who is incapacitated (drugged, disable or injured) or otherwise unable to consent. Includes sex with someone 13 and under by a perp who is 4 years older or more, regardless if that child "consented" (which obviously they can't when their that young)

Sex Offense 1: Sex act (oral sex, anal etc.) by violence, force or threats.

Sex Offense 2: Sex act with one who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to consent. Includes sex act with someone 13 and under by a perp who is 4 years older or more

Sex Offense 3: This can be 4 different crimes-

a) "sexual contact" (inappropriate touching) by force or violence

b) "sexual contact" with someone who is incapacitated (drugged, disable or injured)

c) "sexual contact" with someone 13 and under by a perp who is 4 years older or more

d) sex act (see above) with someone who is 14 or 15, and perp is 21 or older.

Sex Offense 4: This can be 4 different crimes-

a) sexual contact without another's consent (less serious that using force; example is running up and grabbing someone lewdly in public)

b) sex act with someone who is 14 or 15, and perp is 4 years older or more (note difference from above).

c) Vaginal intercourse with someone who is 14 or 15, and perp is 4 years older or more (note difference from above)

d) Vaginal intercourse, sex act or sexual contact of a student at a school who is under 18 and the perp is 21+ and holds any position of authority at that same school (teacher, principal, etc.).



I hope this was helpful to you. Note two quirks: The age of consent is 16, not 18 like most states, with the exception of relations between students and employees of the school.What do the different degrees of sex offenses stand for in Maryland?The list is very long and has many specific descriptions and is used by most states to define the laws against. The link is below.PROTECT any and ALL children.