Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Howard County — What Are Your Defense Options?
In Howard 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 Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Howard County can explain your options. Contact us 24/7.
What Is Online Solicitation of a Minor Under Maryland Law?
Maryland law defines online solicitation of a minor as using a computer or electronic device to solicit, seduce, or entice a minor (under 18) for sexual activity. This offense is prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324. A conviction carries severe penalties including mandatory sex offender registration. An Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Howard County understands the specific elements the prosecution must prove.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Howard County (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: How Howard County Handles These Cases
Howard County District Court handles initial appearances for online solicitation cases. Felony charges proceed to Howard County Circuit Court for jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases aggressively.
- Step 1: Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Step 2: Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Step 3: Arraignment where charges are formally read.
- Step 4: Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Step 5: Pretrial motions and plea negotiations.
- Step 6: Trial or plea hearing in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Howard County
In Howard County, online solicitation of a minor carries up to 10 years in prison 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; probation; counseling |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. 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 in Howard County. We provide case-specific defense strategies for each client.
Case Results
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 team has 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 Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32.
We serve: Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Solicitation of a Minor in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Is online solicitation of a minor a felony in Maryland?
Yes. Online solicitation of a minor is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324. A conviction carries up to 10 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. An experienced attorney can help build a defense.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer Howard County
- Family Law Lawyer Howard County
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. 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.