In St. Mary’s County, online solicitation of a minor is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324, carrying up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Former MD prosecutor Kristen Fisher leads your defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Online solicitation of a minor under Maryland law occurs when a person knowingly contacts or communicates with a minor (or someone believed to be a minor) via electronic means to solicit, seduce, or entice them into sexual activity. The statute covers text messages, social media, chat rooms, and other digital platforms. This is a felony offense regardless of whether an in-person meeting occurs. The law targets the act of solicitation itself, not just completed sexual acts.
For the full statutory language, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, 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. Your first court date typically occurs within 24 hours of arrest.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Preserve all electronic evidence — do not delete messages, accounts, or device data.
- Contact an attorney immediately. Your first court appearance may be within 24 hours of arrest.
- Attend all court hearings. Failure to appear results in a bench warrant and additional charges.
- Work with your attorney to explore pretrial diversion or plea options before trial.
- Prepare for potential sex offender registration requirements if convicted.
In St. Mary’s County, online solicitation of a minor carries up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $25,000, and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (1st offense) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of professional licenses; immigration consequences |
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (subsequent offense) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $50,000 | None directly | Enhanced registration requirements; potential federal charges |
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 over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in St. Mary’s County.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also oversees your case strategy. He has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
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 sex crimes cases, our attorneys have achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and probation dispositions in Maryland courts.
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.
Online solicitation of a minor lawyer near me St. Mary’s County — we serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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Q: Is online solicitation of a minor a felony in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes. Online solicitation of a minor is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324, carrying up to 10 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
Q: Can I get probation instead of prison for online solicitation in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Maryland allows Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for some offenses, but online solicitation of a minor often carries mandatory minimum sentences. An experienced attorney can negotiate alternatives.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a first-time online solicitation charge in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. A first-time charge still carries up to 10 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. The State’s Attorney in St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases aggressively.
Q: What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for online solicitation in St. Mary’s County?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record, but availability depends on the specific charge.
Q: Can I get my record expunged after an online solicitation charge in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and Nolle Prosequi. PBJ cases may be expunged after a 3-year waiting period. Convictions for solicitation may not be eligible.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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