In Maryland, online enticement of a minor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 carries up to 30 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. An online enticement lawyer Maryland from our firm can build your defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 defines online enticement as using a computer or electronic device to seduce, solicit, or lure a minor (under 18) for sexual activity. The law covers attempts and conspiracies, even if no physical meeting occurs. A conviction requires proof the defendant knowingly communicated with a minor or someone believed to be a minor for a prohibited sexual purpose. This statute is a key tool for prosecutors in Maryland sex crimes cases.
See the official statute: Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly). Visit the District Court of MD for Montgomery County for local procedures.
Montgomery County District Court handles initial appearances for online enticement cases. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is not available for online enticement due to its felony classification. A Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor drops charges) is a possible outcome if the evidence is weak.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner within 24 hours of arrest for bail determination.
- Preliminary Hearing: Within 30 days if detained, the State must show probable cause to continue the case.
- Indictment or Information: Felony online enticement proceeds to Circuit Court via indictment by a grand jury.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea in Circuit Court. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule) starts from this appearance.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, challenge digital forensic methods, or dismiss for lack of probable cause.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to jury trial in Circuit Court, or your attorney negotiates a disposition such as a Stet (inactive docket) or dismissal.
In Montgomery County, online enticement of a minor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 is a felony carrying up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Enticement of a Minor (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-324) | Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $25,000 | None specific | Sex offender registration (lifetime); supervised release; computer restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate). Our attorneys include Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your defense.
In Montgomery County, SRIS has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide, SRIS 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 is near the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Online enticement lawyer near me Maryland: We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Do I need a lawyer for online enticement in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Online enticement is a felony carrying up to 30 years in prison. An attorney at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can challenge digital evidence and negotiate a Nolle Prosequi or dismissal. SRIS has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County (95% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Can online enticement charges be dropped in Maryland?
Yes. The State’s Attorney may enter a Nolle Prosequi (drop charges) if evidence is weak, or a Stet (inactive docket) with conditions. An experienced online enticement lawyer Maryland can file motions to suppress evidence or challenge probable cause to force dismissal.
What is the penalty for online enticement in Maryland?
It depends. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, online enticement of a minor is a felony carrying up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Additional consequences include lifetime sex offender registration and supervised release.
How long does an online enticement case take in Montgomery County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Felony cases in Circuit Court take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule) applies to felony jury trials from the first appearance.
Is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) available for online enticement in Maryland?
No. PBJ is not available for online enticement because it is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324. However, a Nolle Prosequi or Stet disposition may be negotiated by an experienced online enticement lawyer Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.