In St. Mary’s County, online solicitation of a minor is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. An experienced Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer St Marys County can help protect your rights and future.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324
Under Maryland law, online solicitation of a minor involves using a computer or electronic device to solicit a minor for sexual activity. This offense is classified as a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324. The statute prohibits knowingly soliciting, enticing, or encouraging a minor under 18 to engage in sexual conduct through electronic communication. A conviction carries severe penalties including mandatory sex offender registration. The prosecution must prove intent and that the communication occurred across state lines or within Maryland jurisdiction. Understanding the specific elements of this charge is critical for building a defense strategy.
For the official Maryland statute governing online solicitation of a minor, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures in St. Mary’s County, visit the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
In St. Mary’s County District Court, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for online solicitation cases. The court at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 handles initial appearances and bail hearings. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is rarely offered for sex offenses. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are possible dispositions but require strong defense advocacy.
- Contact an Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer St Marys County immediately after arrest or investigation.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present — anything you say can be used against you.
- Preserve all electronic evidence including messages, call logs, and device records for your defense team.
- Attend all court hearings at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
- Work with your attorney to explore pretrial motions, suppression of evidence, or plea negotiations.
- If convicted, your attorney can argue for alternatives to incarceration such as supervised probation with treatment.
In St. Mary’s County, online solicitation of a minor carries up to 10 years incarceration and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Solicitation of a Minor | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration; supervised probation; 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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former Maryland prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in St. Mary’s County. We provide case-specific defense strategies for clients facing online solicitation charges.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, provides secondary oversight on all sex crimes cases in St. Mary’s County. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience handling complex criminal matters.
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 attorneys have achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and probation dispositions for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Looking for an online solicitation of a minor lawyer near me St. Mary’s County? Our firm provides affordable online solicitation of a minor lawyer St. Mary’s County services.
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What is the penalty for online solicitation of a minor in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes, it is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
Online solicitation of a minor is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324. Penalties include up to 10 years incarceration, fines up to $25,000, mandatory sex offender registration, and supervised probation. The court at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County handles these cases.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for online solicitation in St. Mary’s County?
No, PBJ is rarely available for sex offenses in Maryland.
Probation Before Judgment is typically not offered for online solicitation of a minor cases in St. Mary’s County. The State’s Attorney generally opposes PBJ for sex offenses. Your attorney may negotiate for a Stet (inactive docket) or Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) instead.
Do I need a lawyer for online solicitation charges in St. Mary’s County?
Yes, you need an experienced attorney immediately.
Online solicitation of a minor is a felony with severe consequences including prison time and sex offender registration. An Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer St Marys County can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
What is the difference between online solicitation and child pornography in Maryland?
Online solicitation involves communication, while child pornography involves images.
Online solicitation of a minor under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 involves soliciting sexual activity through electronic communication. Child pornography charges under § 11-207 involve possessing, distributing, or producing explicit images. Both are felonies with mandatory registration.
How long does an online solicitation case take in St. Mary’s County?
It depends on the complexity and court schedule.
Misdemeanor cases in District Court typically resolve in 30-90 days. Felony cases in Circuit Court can take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule (180-day speedy trial) applies to felony jury trials. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if you are detained without indictment.
Return to Maryland Sex Crimes Lawyer hub.
See also: Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Related services: DUI Lawyer St. Mary’s County | Family Law Lawyer St. Mary’s County
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.