In Howard County, child sexual abuse cases are prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying severe penalties including mandatory registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Howard County can help you understand your rights and options.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland law defines child sexual abuse under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-602. This statute prohibits sexual abuse of a minor by a family member, household member, or person in a position of authority. The law covers a range of acts from sexual contact to intercourse with a minor under 18. A Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Howard County understands these complex statutes and how they apply to your specific situation. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings decades of experience to these sensitive cases.
For the official Maryland statute on child sexual abuse, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-602 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures in Howard County, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Howard County District Court handles initial appearances for child sexual abuse cases. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is generally not available for child sexual abuse offenses. Cases proceed to Howard County Circuit Court for felony jury trials.
- Contact a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Howard County immediately upon learning of an investigation or charges.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve any evidence or communications that may be relevant to your defense.
- Attend all court appearances at the District Court of MD for Howard County, 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
- Work with your attorney to develop a defense strategy case-specific to the specific allegations.
- Consider the long-term consequences of any plea agreement, including sex offender registration requirements.
In Howard County, child sexual abuse carries severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences and lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Abuse of a Minor (Family/Household Member) | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration; supervised release |
| Sexual Abuse of a Minor (Position of Authority) | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration; supervised release |
| Second-Degree Rape (Minor under 18) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $15,000 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration; supervised release |
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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring a former prosecutor’s perspective to every case, understanding how the State builds its case and where weaknesses may exist.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also oversees all child sexual abuse cases in Howard County. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving digital evidence.
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In related sex crimes cases in Maryland, SRIS has achieved outcomes including Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and probation with all incarceration suspended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. The location is accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. If you are searching for a child sexual abuse lawyer near me Howard County, we serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
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.
Q: What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Q: Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
Q: What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Q: What is the difference between an affordable child sexual abuse lawyer Howard County and other attorneys?
An affordable child sexual abuse lawyer Howard County provides quality representation at reasonable rates. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and flexible scheduling. Our former prosecutors bring unique insight to your case without the premium price tag of large firms.
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.