Prince George’s County Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge of continuing course of conduct with a child in Prince George’s County is a severe felony under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315, alleging a pattern of sexual abuse. A conviction can result in decades in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding the Statute: Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315
In Maryland, the crime of “continuing course of conduct with a child” is defined under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315. This statute is distinct from a single act of abuse; it criminalizes a pattern of behavior. Specifically, the law prohibits engaging in a continuing course of conduct, over a period of 90 days or more, which includes three or more acts that would constitute violations of certain sexual offense laws involving a victim under the age of 18. The acts can include rape, sexual offense, or child sexual abuse.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George’s County Circuit Court | Maryland General Assembly
The firm was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds these complex cases. This charge is an “umbrella” offense, meaning the prosecution does not need to prove the exact dates or details of every alleged act, but must show a pattern of abuse occurred within the specified timeframe. This makes the defense strategy critically different from defending a single alleged incident.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website for § 3-315. Court procedures and filing information can be found on the Maryland Courts website.
Local Court Procedures and Defense Strategy in Prince George’s County
These cases are prosecuted in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The prosecution’s strategy often relies heavily on the testimony of the child, experienced witnesses, and evidence of a pattern. A common local procedural fact is that the State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County has specialized units that handle child abuse cases, making their approach highly coordinated.
- Initial Arrest & Charging: The case typically begins with a report to Child Protective Services or police. An arrest warrant is issued, and you will be charged via a criminal information or indictment.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You will be formally read the charges and enter a plea of not guilty. Bail conditions, often including no contact with the alleged victim, are set.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will file for extensive discovery, including police reports, CPS records, forensic interview videos, and medical records. An independent investigation into the allegations and the accuser’s background is essential.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Key motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to sever counts, and motions in limine to exclude prejudicial “other acts” evidence the state may try to introduce.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Given the severe penalties, the state may offer a plea to a lesser charge. If no acceptable offer is made, the case proceeds to a jury trial where the state must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing & Registration: If convicted, a separate sentencing hearing is held. A conviction mandates registration as a Tier III sex offender in Maryland for life.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Prince George’s County, a conviction for continuing course of conduct with a child carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison for each count, with sentences often run consecutively.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child | Felony | Up to 30 years per count | Court discretion | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration (Tier III), no contact orders, loss of professional licenses, housing restrictions. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for This Serious Charge
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to a relentless defense. We understand that a charge of this magnitude threatens your freedom, reputation, and future. Our approach is to immediately challenge the state’s evidence, scrutinize the investigation for procedural errors, and protect your constitutional rights at every stage. We have a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex sex crime cases.
Documented Case Results
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In sex crime defenses, our strategies have led to charges being dropped, reduced, or acquittals at trial. For instance, our team has successfully argued motions to suppress critical evidence, negotiated for reduced charges that avoid mandatory sex offender registration, and won not-guilty verdicts by challenging the credibility of the state’s witnesses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Prince George’s County. We are accessible for meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
123 Main St, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
Available for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
We provide an affordable continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Prince George’s County defense, offering flexible payment plans because we believe everyone deserves a strong defense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly does “continuing course of conduct” mean in Maryland law?
It means the state alleges you committed three or more acts of sexual abuse against the same child victim over a period of at least 90 days. It is a specific felony charge (Md. Code § 3-315) for a pattern of abuse, not just one incident.
Can I be charged if the alleged acts happened years ago?
Yes. Maryland has no statute of limitations for felony sexual offenses involving a minor victim. This means you can be charged for alleged conduct that occurred many years in the past, which often makes witness memory and evidence preservation critical issues in the defense.
What is the main difference between this charge and a single count of child sexual abuse?
The main difference is the burden of proof for the prosecution. For a single act, they must prove one specific incident beyond a reasonable doubt. For a continuing course of conduct, they must prove a pattern occurred, but they have more flexibility and do not need to provide specific details for every single alleged act, which can make the defense more challenging.
Is lifetime sex offender registration mandatory if I am convicted?
Yes. A conviction under Md. Code § 3-315 classifies you as a Tier III sex offender in Maryland, which requires lifetime registration. This is one of the most severe long-term consequences, affecting where you can live, work, and travel.
What are common defense strategies against these charges?
Common defenses include challenging the credibility of the accuser, showing a motive to fabricate (such as in a contentious custody battle), attacking the lack of physical evidence, proving alibis for specific alleged times, and filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or statements. Each case requires a unique, evidence-driven strategy.
Internal Resources
For more information on related charges, see our pages on Maryland Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer and Maryland Sex Offender Registration Lawyer. To understand our full range of services, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding a continuing course of conduct with a child charge.
Prince George’s County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Maryland covers the process from start to finish.