Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Maryland — What Are Your Rights?
In Maryland, online solicitation of a minor is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, carrying up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. Former prosecutor Kristen Fisher builds your defense. Call (888) 437-7747.
What Is Online Solicitation of a Minor in Maryland?
Maryland law defines online solicitation of a minor as using a computer or electronic device to solicit, entice, or attempt to engage a minor in sexual activity. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, this offense applies when the defendant believes the person is under 16 years old. The statute covers communications through social media, messaging apps, and online forums. A conviction requires proof of intent to commit a sexual act, not just explicit conversation. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases aggressively. An online solicitation of a minor lawyer Maryland from SRIS, P.C. understands the specific elements the prosecution must prove.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Maryland Statutes and Court Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly) — the statute defining online solicitation of a minor.
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search — official court website for case information and court locations.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Montgomery County Handles These Cases
In Montgomery County District Court, prosecutors often file charges based on undercover operations. The court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850 handles initial appearances and bail hearings. Your first appearance occurs within 24 hours of arrest if detained.
- Step 1: Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Invoke your right to remain silent immediately.
- Step 2: At your initial appearance, the District Court commissioner sets bail. Your attorney can request a bail review hearing within 24 hours.
- Step 3: The State’s Attorney files formal charges. Your attorney reviews the evidence for procedural errors or entrapment defenses.
- Step 4: For felony charges, the case moves to Montgomery County Circuit Court for jury trial. A preliminary hearing occurs within 30 days if you are detained.
- Step 5: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a plea agreement or dismissal. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may be available for first-time offenders.
- Step 6: If no agreement, your case proceeds to trial. The Hicks rule requires trial within 180 days for felony cases.
Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Maryland
In Maryland, online solicitation of a minor carries up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-324) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None specified | Sex offender registration; supervised probation; mandatory counseling |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Defense?
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 firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Montgomery County, we have 21 documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases. We provide case-specific defense strategies for each client.
Your Defense Team
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees your case. He is a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience and is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Case Results in Maryland
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 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 Maryland Location
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Looking for an online solicitation of a minor lawyer near me Maryland? Our location is near the Montgomery County courthouse.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Solicitation of a Minor in Maryland
Do I need a lawyer for an online solicitation charge in Montgomery County?
Yes. Online solicitation of a minor is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. An attorney at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ or dismissal. SRIS has 21 documented case results here.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for online solicitation in Maryland?
It depends. PBJ is available for some first-time offenders, but online solicitation charges may be excluded depending on the specific facts. Your attorney can evaluate eligibility at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for this charge?
District Court handles initial appearances and bail hearings. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Your case will move to Montgomery County Circuit Court if the State’s Attorney indicts you on felony charges.
How long do I have to wait for a trial in Montgomery County?
For felony cases, the Hicks rule requires trial within 180 days from your first appearance. Misdemeanor cases in District Court typically resolve in 30-90 days. Your attorney can file a speedy trial motion if delays occur.
Can I get an affordable online solicitation of a minor lawyer Maryland?
Yes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and case-specific fee structures. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your financial situation and defense options.
Related Resources
- Maryland Sex Crimes Lawyer — our state-level hub page.
- Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Prince George’s County — a neighboring locality.
- DUI Lawyer Montgomery County — another practice area in the same locality.
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.