In St. Mary’s County, online solicitation of a minor is a serious 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+ documented case results firm-wide. An Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer St Marys County can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines online solicitation of a minor as using a computer or electronic device to solicit a minor (under 18) for sexual activity. This offense is classified as a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324. The statute covers communications made through social media, messaging apps, or any online platform. A conviction carries severe penalties including prison time, sex offender registration, and fines. An Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer St Marys County understands the specific elements the prosecution must prove.
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 in online solicitation cases. The court at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 handles initial appearances and bail hearings. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is rarely offered for sex offenses. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases aggressively.
- Contact an attorney immediately after arrest or investigation.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Preserve all electronic evidence — do not delete messages or accounts.
- Attend all court hearings at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
- Follow all conditions of release, including no contact with minors.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies.
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 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Sex offender registration; supervised probation; counseling |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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, the firm has achieved dismissals and favorable dispositions including Nolle Prosequi and probation before judgment.
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.
Looking for an 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.
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for online solicitation of a minor in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes, it is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 carrying up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $25,000, and mandatory sex offender registration.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for online solicitation in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. PBJ is rarely offered for sex offenses in St. Mary’s County. The State’s Attorney typically opposes PBJ for online solicitation cases due to the nature of the offense.
Do I need a lawyer for an online solicitation charge in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Online solicitation of a minor is a felony with severe penalties including prison time and sex offender registration. An attorney can negotiate plea agreements or challenge evidence.
What happens after an arrest for online solicitation in St. Mary’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 my record be expunged after an online solicitation charge in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and Nolle Prosequi. Convictions for online solicitation are generally not eligible for expungement under Maryland law.
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.