Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer Baltimore — What Are Your Defense Options?
A continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Baltimore County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-315, carrying up to 30 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides aggressive defense for these charges, with firm-wide experience in over 4,739 documented case results.
Maryland Law on Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child
The crime of continuing course of conduct with a child is defined under Maryland law as engaging in a continuing course of conduct, over a period of 90 days or more, which includes three or more acts that would constitute sexual abuse of a minor. This statute is designed to prosecute patterns of abuse rather than isolated incidents. The law requires the state to prove a sustained pattern of prohibited behavior, making the timeline and specific allegations critical to the defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of the severe implications of these charges, which include mandatory sex offender registration and lengthy incarceration.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-315 (official Maryland General Assembly). Proceedings for these felonies are held in the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson for initial appearances and the Circuit Court for trial.
Baltimore County Court Process for Sex Crime Charges
In Baltimore County, a continuing course of conduct with a child case begins with an arrest or indictment. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes these cases aggressively. The Circuit Court at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue in Towson handles all felony sex crime trials. A key local procedural fact is that Maryland’s sex offender registry has three tiers—Tier I (15 years), Tier II (25 years), and Tier III (lifetime)—making the specific charges and potential reductions a central part of defense strategy.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a court commissioner for a bail review, typically within 24 hours of arrest.
- Preliminary Hearing/Indictment: The state must establish probable cause, either via a preliminary hearing in District Court or through a grand jury indictment in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to challenge evidence, suppress statements, and compel the state to share all its evidence, including forensic reports.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence and motions, the case may be resolved through negotiation or proceed to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing & Registration: If convicted, sentencing follows, which includes mandatory registration under Maryland’s sex offender registry laws.
Potential Penalties for Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child in Maryland
In Baltimore County, a conviction for continuing course of conduct with a child carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration as a Tier III offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child | Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration (Tier III); GPS monitoring possible; no contact orders; loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our approach is grounded in a detailed understanding of Maryland’s sex crime statutes and the local court procedures in Baltimore County. We focus on building a strong, evidence-based defense from the outset.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results in sensitive cases. For example, we have secured nolle prosequi (dismissals) in Baltimore County for charges including Child Pornography Promote/Distribute. In another case involving Possession of Child Pornography, we negotiated a result of 5 years of incarceration with all time suspended and probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex sex crime defenses.
Local Defense for Baltimore County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Maryland office represents clients facing charges at Baltimore County courts. We serve clients from Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. If you are searching for an affordable continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Baltimore or a continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer near me Baltimore, we offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only at our Rockville location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Maryland?
It is a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. A conviction also requires lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender.
What does the prosecution have to prove for this charge?
The state must prove you engaged in three or more acts that constitute sexual abuse of a minor, and that this pattern of conduct occurred over a period of 90 days or more.
Can these charges be reduced?
It depends. Through pre-trial investigation and motions, an experienced attorney may challenge the state’s evidence or timeline, potentially skilled to a reduction to a lesser offense with lower penalties and a lower sex offender tier.
What are the sex offender registry tiers in Maryland?
Maryland has three tiers: Tier I (15 years registration), Tier II (25 years), and Tier III (lifetime). A continuing course of conduct conviction typically results in Tier III registration.
Why do I need a lawyer who knows Baltimore County courts?
Local knowledge is critical. An attorney familiar with the prosecutors and judges in the Baltimore County Circuit Court can better anticipate strategies, file effective motions, and handle the local procedures for sex crime cases.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, explore our pages on Criminal Defense Lawyer Baltimore and DUI/DWI Lawyer Baltimore. For more information on Maryland sex crimes defense, visit our state hub: Sex Crime Defense Lawyer MD. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Baltimore, our page on continuing course of conduct with a child charges across Maryland sets out what to look for at each stage.