Montgomery County Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Montgomery County is a serious felony under Maryland law, often involving multiple alleged incidents over time. A conviction can result in decades in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding the Charge: Maryland Law on Continuing Course of Conduct
In Maryland, a “continuing course of conduct with a child” is not a single act but a pattern of behavior defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-315. The statute criminalizes engaging in a continuing course of conduct, which includes three or more acts over a period of 90 days or more, that would constitute sexual abuse of a minor. This charge is an aggravated form of child sexual abuse, reflecting the sustained nature of the alleged harm.
Last verified: April 2026 | Montgomery County Circuit Court | Maryland General Assembly
The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling complex criminal cases. Understanding the nuances of this statute is the first step in building a defense.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the Maryland Criminal Law Code § 3-315. Court procedures and filing information can be found on the Montgomery County Circuit Court website.
The Montgomery County Legal Process for This Charge
Facing a continuing course of conduct charge in Montgomery County initiates a high-stakes legal process. These cases are typically prosecuted in the Circuit Court. The prosecution must prove not just one incident, but a pattern of at least three acts over 90 days, which raises complex issues of evidence, witness credibility, and timeline analysis. An affordable continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Montgomery County can be critical in managing these details.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Your first court appearance where the charges are formally read. A lawyer can argue for reasonable bond conditions.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, interview transcripts, and forensic evidence from the State and conduct an independent investigation.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Key motions may be filed to challenge the admissibility of evidence, the child’s testimony, or the sufficiency of the charging document.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will advise on whether a plea offer is in your best interest or if proceeding to a jury trial is the better strategy.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible. If errors occurred at trial, an appeal may be filed.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Montgomery County, a conviction for continuing course of conduct with a child is a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison for each count, with the possibility of sentences running consecutively.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child | Felony | Up to 30 years per count | Court Discretion | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; probation; no contact orders. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Montgomery County Sex Crime Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our team understands the severe personal and legal consequences of a continuing course of conduct charge. We approach each case with a detailed, evidence-based defense strategy, scrutinizing the timeline of allegations, the methods of investigation, and the credibility of all parties involved.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive criminal cases. While every case is unique, our strategies are designed to protect our clients’ rights at every stage. For instance, our team, including firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with decades of experience, has successfully challenged the admissibility of evidence and negotiated for reduced charges in cases involving serious allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Montgomery County Residents
If you are searching for a continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer near me Montgomery County, our firm is positioned to assist. Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County, including Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Rockville itself. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and MD-355.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1 Research Ct, Suite 450
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Continuing Course of Conduct Charges)
What exactly does “continuing course of conduct” mean in Maryland?
It depends. Under Md. Code § 3-315, it means three or more acts that constitute sexual abuse of a minor, occurring over a period of 90 days or more. The prosecution must prove this pattern, not just a single incident.
Is this charge a felony?
Yes. A continuing course of conduct with a child is a felony in Maryland. A conviction carries a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years for each count and requires lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Can these charges be filed based on the testimony of one child?
Yes. Maryland law does not require physical evidence or multiple witnesses to file charges. The uncorroborated testimony of a minor can be sufficient for an indictment. This makes the defense’s challenge to the credibility and consistency of the testimony a central part of the case.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone else about the allegations without an attorney present. Immediately contact a lawyer who handles these cases. An early defense can involve protecting your rights during interviews and influencing the direction of the investigation before formal charges are filed.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include challenging the timeline of events, demonstrating a lack of evidence for three distinct acts, showing bias or improper influence on the child’s testimony, filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and presenting alibis for specific alleged dates.
Related Legal Services in Montgomery County
If you are facing other related charges, our firm can help. You may also need a Montgomery County sex crimes lawyer for charges like sexual abuse of a minor or rape. For broader context, see our Maryland sex crimes lawyer hub page. We also defend clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for up-to-date guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Montgomery County, our page on continuing course of conduct with a child charges across Maryland sets out what to look for at each stage.