Maryland Continuing Course Of Conduct With A Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Maryland is a serious felony under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315, carrying up to 30 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate legal help for these complex cases.
Maryland Law on Continuing Course Of Conduct With A Child
In Maryland, the crime of “sexual abuse of a minor as part of a continuing course of conduct” is defined under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315. This statute makes it illegal to engage in a continuing course of conduct, over a period of 90 days or more, which includes three or more acts of sexual abuse with a victim who is under the age of 18. The law is designed to prosecute patterns of predatory behavior, not isolated incidents. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has extensive experience defending against these severe allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Maryland Courts | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Local Court Process & Defense Strategy
These cases are typically prosecuted in Circuit Court. Prosecutors aggressively pursue them due to the vulnerable nature of the alleged victim and the extended timeframe of the accusations. A strong defense requires challenging the evidence of a “continuing course,” which often relies on witness testimony and circumstantial evidence rather than physical proof.
- Initial Arrest & Charge: You will be formally charged via indictment or criminal information in Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You will appear in court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the state and conduct an independent investigation, including reviewing timelines and witness credibility.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if the state cannot prove a “continuing course.”
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case will proceed to a jury trial or may be resolved through negotiation, potentially to a lesser single offense.
- Sentencing: If convicted, you face a mandatory sentencing hearing with severe penalties.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Maryland, a conviction for a continuing course of conduct with a child is a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Course of Conduct With a Child (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315) | Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration; lifetime supervision possible. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we build defenses without limitation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm and provides strategic oversight on complex sex crime defenses. We understand that a charge of a continuing course of conduct with a child is life-altering, and we fight to protect your future and your rights from the moment you contact us.
Documented Case Results in Maryland
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in challenging Maryland sex crime cases. For example, we secured a disposition of 5 years of incarceration with all time suspended and 5 years of supervised probation in a Baltimore County child pornography possession case. In another case, also in Baltimore County, we achieved a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with promoting/distributing child pornography.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Maryland Sex Crimes Defense Team
If you are under investigation or have been charged, immediate action is vital. Our Rockville location serves clients across Maryland. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Continuing Course Of Conduct With A Child)
What does “continuing course of conduct” mean in Maryland law?
It means three or more acts of sexual abuse committed against the same minor victim over a period of 90 days or more. The state must prove this pattern of behavior, not just a single incident.
Is a continuing course of conduct charge a felony in Maryland?
Yes. It is a felony punishable by a maximum of 30 years in prison, a fine, and mandatory registration as a tier III sex offender upon conviction.
Can these charges be dropped or reduced?
It depends on the strength of the evidence. An attorney can challenge the state’s ability to prove the required pattern of acts. Through pre-trial motions and negotiation, charges may be reduced to a lesser single offense or dismissed if the evidence is weak.
What should I do if I am accused?
Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney. Immediately seek legal help from a lawyer experienced in Maryland sex crimes defense to protect your rights and begin building your defense strategy.
How can a former prosecutor help my case?
A former prosecutor, like attorney Kristen Fisher, understands how the state builds these complex pattern cases. This insight is invaluable for anticipating the prosecution’s strategy, finding weaknesses in their timeline, and negotiating effectively.
A continuing course of conduct with a child charge is one part of a wider defense practice, and our page on sex crimes lawyer Maryland covers how these cases are handled from start to finish.