In Queen Anne’s County, 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 handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact an Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Queen Annes County today.
What Is Online Solicitation of a Minor Under Maryland Law?
Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, online solicitation of a minor occurs when an adult uses a computer or electronic device to solicit a minor (under 18) for sexual activity. The law covers communication through social media, messaging apps, chat rooms, and email. A conviction requires proof that the defendant knowingly solicited the minor and that the communication was sexual in nature. The statute applies regardless of whether the minor was actually a law enforcement officer posing as a minor. This offense is classified as a felony in Maryland, carrying severe penalties including mandatory sex offender registration.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Maryland Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 (Online Solicitation of a Minor) — Official Maryland General Assembly statute
- District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County — Official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Queen Anne’s County Court
Queen Anne’s County District Court handles initial appearances for online solicitation cases. The State’s Attorney for Queen Anne’s County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Cases typically begin with an arrest warrant or summons.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is generally not available for sex offenses involving minors. The court at 100 Court House Square, Centreville, MD 21617 handles all proceedings.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained
- Arraignment where charges are formally read
- Pretrial motions and discovery phase
- Trial in District Court or Circuit Court for felony charges
- Sentencing if convicted, including sex offender registration requirements
In Queen Anne’s County, online solicitation of a minor carries a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration and a $25,000 fine under Maryland law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration; supervised probation; no internet access conditions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Online Solicitation Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases. We provide case-specific strategies for each client’s unique situation. Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, leads our sex crimes defense practice in Queen Anne’s County. She brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your defense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on all complex matters.
Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. In sex crimes cases, we have achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and deferred probation dispositions for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Near Me Queen Anne’s County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Queen Anne’s County courts, accessible via Route 50/301, Route 213, and Route 18. We serve Centreville, Queenstown, Grasonville, Stevensville, Chester, and Church Hill.
Looking for an affordable online solicitation of a minor lawyer Queen Anne’s County? We offer 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Solicitation of a Minor in Queen Anne’s County
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for online solicitation of a minor in Queen Anne’s County?
No. PBJ is generally not available for sex offenses involving minors under Maryland law. The court typically requires a conviction or plea for these charges.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time online solicitation charge in Queen Anne’s County?
Yes. A first-time charge carries up to 10 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. An attorney can negotiate for dismissal or reduced charges.
What happens after an arrest for online solicitation of a minor in Queen Anne’s County?
After arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner for bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if detained. The case then proceeds to arraignment and trial.
Can online solicitation charges be expunged in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland?
It depends. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and Nolle Prosequi. Convictions for online solicitation of a minor generally cannot be expunged under Maryland law.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for these cases in Queen Anne’s County?
District Court handles initial appearances and misdemeanor trials. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials for online solicitation of a minor, which is a felony under Maryland law.