Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — What Are Your Legal Options?
Facing charges for online solicitation of a minor in Anne Arundel County? Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, this offense carries up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Anne Arundel County from our firm can build your defense. Contact us today.
Statutory Definition of Online Solicitation of a Minor in Maryland
Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, a person commits online solicitation of a minor if they use a computer or electronic device to solicit, seduce, or entice a minor (under 16) to engage in sexual activity. This is a felony offense in Maryland. The law targets predators who use the internet, social media, or messaging apps to contact minors for sexual purposes. The state must prove the defendant knowingly communicated with a minor or someone believed to be a minor with the intent to commit a sexual act. This statute is aggressively prosecuted in Anne Arundel County by the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
External Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 (Online Solicitation of a Minor) — Official Maryland General Assembly statute
- District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County — Official court website for Anne Arundel County
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, the State’s Attorney’s Office uses digital forensics experts to build cases. They often obtain search warrants for devices and social media accounts. Your defense must challenge the legality of these warrants and the chain of custody of digital evidence.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. This happens within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. Your attorney argues for release.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea. This occurs in District Court for misdemeanors or Circuit Court for felonies.
- Discovery: The prosecution must share evidence, including digital forensic reports. Your attorney reviews this for weaknesses.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, challenge search warrants, or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: If no resolution, the case proceeds to trial. Your attorney negotiates for a favorable plea or fights for acquittal.
Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, online solicitation of a minor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (1st offense) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Sex offender registration (lifetime); supervised probation; mandatory counseling |
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (subsequent) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $50,000 | None directly | Sex offender registration (lifetime); supervised probation; mandatory counseling |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. In Maryland sex crimes cases, our firm has achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and probation before judgment (PBJ) for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location and Service Area
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts. The court is 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.
If you are searching for an online solicitation of a minor lawyer near me Anne Arundel County, we are here to help. We also offer affordable online solicitation of a minor lawyer Anne Arundel County services with payment plans available.
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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Solicitation of a Minor in Anne Arundel County
What is the penalty for online solicitation of a minor in Anne Arundel County?
Yes. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, a first offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Subsequent offenses carry up to 20 years. Sex offender registration is also required.
Can I get probation before judgment (PBJ) for online solicitation in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. PBJ is available for many Maryland offenses, but online solicitation of a minor is a felony. PBJ is less common for felony sex offenses. Your attorney can negotiate for a favorable disposition.
Do I need a lawyer for an online solicitation charge in Anne Arundel County?
Yes. This is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. An attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a defense. Do not face this charge alone.
How long does an online solicitation case take in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. Misdemeanor cases in District Court take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Felony cases in Circuit Court take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule (180-day speedy trial) applies to felony jury trials.
Can online solicitation charges be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3-year waiting period). However, convictions for online solicitation of a minor are not eligible for expungement under current law.
What should I do if I am arrested for online solicitation in Anne Arundel County?
No. Do not speak to police without an attorney. Exercise your right to remain silent. Contact an Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Anne Arundel County immediately. Your attorney can protect your rights and begin building your defense.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — Hub page for Maryland criminal defense
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Anne Arundel County — Related practice area
- Family Law Lawyer in Anne Arundel County — Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
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.