Howard County Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Howard County is a severe felony under Maryland law, often involving multiple alleged incidents over time. A conviction can result in decades of imprisonment and lifetime sex offender registration. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong, strategic defense for individuals facing these allegations in Howard County Circuit Court.
Understanding the Statute for a Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child
In Maryland, the crime of “sexual abuse of a minor” as a continuing course of conduct is defined under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-602. This statute makes it illegal for an adult to engage in a continuing course of conduct, which includes three or more acts over a period of 90 days or more, with a victim under the age of 18, with the intent to commit specific sexual offenses. This is distinct from a single incident and is prosecuted aggressively due to its repetitive nature.
Last verified: April 2026 | Howard County Circuit Court | Maryland General Assembly.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to the Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 3-602. For local court procedures, visit the Howard County Circuit Court website.
The Howard County Court Process for a Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Charge
Defending against a continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Howard County requires an understanding of the specific procedures in the Circuit Court. These cases are complex, often involving extensive discovery, pre-trial motions, and the potential for a jury trial. An experienced continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer near me Howard County will scrutinize the timeline of alleged events, the evidence collection process, and interview techniques.
- Initial Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty in Howard County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, interview records, and forensic evidence. A private investigator may be used to verify timelines and alibis.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Critical motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations are filed.
- Plea Negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate with the State’s Attorney’s Office, seeking a reduction or dismissal based on the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Trial Preparation: If no plea agreement is reached, a full trial strategy is developed, including jury selection and witness preparation.
- Trial: The case is presented before a judge or jury in Howard County Circuit Court, where the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Potential Penalties for a Continuing Course of Conduct Conviction
In Howard County, a conviction for sexual abuse of a minor as a continuing course of conduct is a felony that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years for a single count, with multiple counts skilled to consecutive sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Abuse of a Minor (Continuing Course) | Felony | Up to 30 years per count | Court Discretion | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, parole supervision for life, loss of professional licenses, and severe restrictions on where you can live and work. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Howard County Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands the tactics used by the state. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in complex sex crime cases across Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our approach is direct, strategic, and focused on protecting your future.
Our Approach to Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Cases
We have successfully defended clients against severe sex crime allegations. Our defense strategy begins with a meticulous review of every alleged incident, challenging the continuity and credibility of the state’s timeline. We work with forensic experts to evaluate interview techniques and physical evidence. An affordable continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Howard County from our firm will explore all avenues, from pre-trial motions to suppress evidence to negotiating for reduced charges, always with the goal of avoiding the catastrophic consequences of a conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Howard County Residents
Our Maryland location is strategically positioned to serve clients in Howard County. We are familiar with the procedures of the Howard County Circuit Court and the local State’s Attorney’s Office. If you are searching for a continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer near me Howard County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is a “continuing course of conduct” under Maryland law?
It depends. Under Md. Code § 3-602, it generally means three or more acts of sexual abuse committed against the same minor victim over a period of at least 90 days. The specific acts must be those defined as sexual offenses in the Maryland code. The prosecution must prove this pattern beyond a reasonable doubt.
Can these charges be filed based on the testimony of one child?
Yes. Maryland law does not require corroborating physical evidence for a charge of continuing course of conduct with a child. A case can proceed solely on the alleged victim’s testimony. This makes challenging the credibility and consistency of that testimony a central part of the defense strategy.
What is the first thing I should do if I am under investigation?
Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone else about the allegations. Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney who handles sex crimes. Anything you say can be misconstrued and used against you. An attorney can intervene early, often before formal charges are filed.
Is lifetime sex offender registration mandatory if convicted?
Yes. A conviction for sexual abuse of a minor as a continuing course of conduct under § 3-602 carries a mandatory requirement to register as a Tier III sex offender for life in Maryland. This has significant and permanent consequences on housing, employment, and community standing.
How can a lawyer challenge a “continuing course” allegation?
A defense lawyer will attack the state’s ability to prove the required pattern. This involves dissecting the timeline to show gaps longer than 90 days, challenging the victim’s ability to recall specific dates and details of multiple events, and presenting alibi or contradictory evidence for key dates. The goal is to break the “continuity” the prosecution must prove.
Related Practice Areas: Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Howard County Sex Crime Lawyer
Other Localities: Montgomery County Continuing Course of Conduct Lawyer | Baltimore County Continuing Course of Conduct Lawyer
State Hub: Maryland Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Howard County, and our page on continuing course of conduct with a child charges across Maryland walks through each stage.