Salisbury, MD Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?

A continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Salisbury, Maryland, is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-315, carrying up to 30 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these complex cases.

Maryland Law on Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child

In Maryland, a “continuing course of conduct with a child” is defined as engaging in a pattern of sexual abuse with a child under the age of 14 over a period of 90 days or more. This is distinct from a single incident and is prosecuted as a severe felony. The statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-315, classifies this as a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 30 years. The law is designed to address prolonged predatory behavior, and convictions carry mandatory sex offender registration, often at the highest tier (Tier III), which is for life.

Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Wicomico County | Maryland General Assembly

Official Legal Resources

For the official text of the Maryland statute, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-315 (official Maryland General Assembly website). Court procedures for these cases in Salisbury are handled by the District Court of MD for Wicomico County.

Defending a Continuing Course of Conduct Charge in Salisbury

Defending against a continuing course of conduct charge requires a detailed, case-specific approach. The prosecution must prove a pattern of abuse over time, which often relies heavily on the child’s testimony and forensic interviews. In the Salisbury Circuit Court, these cases are prosecuted aggressively by the State’s Attorney’s Office. A key defense strategy involves challenging the timeline and consistency of the allegations, as the 90-day requirement is a specific element the state must prove. Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the admissibility of forensic interviews are common and critical.

1. Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Contact our firm immediately after an arrest or accusation. We will review all known details to understand the specific allegations and timeline.
2. Investigation & Evidence Review: We conduct a thorough investigation, which may include reviewing medical records, interviewing potential witnesses, and consulting with forensic experts to evaluate the state’s evidence.
3. Pre-Trial Motions & Strategy: We file necessary pre-trial motions, which may challenge the admissibility of statements, the reliability of forensic interviews, or seek to dismiss charges if the 90-day element cannot be proven.
4. Negotiation or Trial Preparation: Based on the evidence, we will either negotiate with prosecutors for a favorable resolution or prepare a vigorous defense for trial in the Salisbury Circuit Court.

Potential Penalties for a Continuing Course of Conduct Conviction

In Salisbury, a conviction for continuing course of conduct with a child is a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and significant fines.

Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Salisbury Defense

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe stakes of a continuing course of conduct charge and provide a dedicated, strategic defense. Our team includes attorneys like Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who brings insider knowledge of how these cases are built and prosecuted. We have a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.

Documented Case Results

Our firm has a proven track record in sex crime defense. While every case is unique, our documented results include favorable outcomes such as charges being dismissed (nolle prosequi) or reduced. For example, we have secured results where serious charges like possession or distribution of child pornography were dismissed entirely. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Local Representation for Salisbury Residents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Internal Resources

For more information, visit our Maryland Sex Crime Defense hub page. We also represent clients in nearby areas like Anne Arundel County. If you are facing other charges, learn about our Salisbury criminal defense services.

Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.