St. Mary’s County Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge of continuing course of conduct with a child in St. Mary’s County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315, carrying severe penalties. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these complex cases. Our team understands the local court procedures and works to protect your rights and future. Contact us for a case-specific approach.
Understanding the Statute for Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child
In Maryland, the crime of continuing course of conduct with a child 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 that would constitute sexual abuse of a minor. The law is designed to address patterns of predatory behavior rather than isolated incidents. A conviction is a felony with mandatory prison time and lifetime sex offender registration.
Last verified: April 2026 | St. Mary’s County Circuit Court | Maryland General Assembly.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315 (official Maryland General Assembly site). For local court procedures and information, visit the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court website.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy in St. Mary’s County
These cases are prosecuted aggressively in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The prosecution must prove a pattern of behavior over time, which often involves complex evidence review. An experienced continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer near me St. Mary’s County will scrutinize the timeline, witness credibility, and the specific acts alleged. The defense may challenge whether the alleged acts meet the legal definition, if the 90-day requirement is satisfied, or if there are constitutional violations in the investigation.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Discuss all details of the allegations with your attorney to identify the specific timeline and acts in question.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will review all police reports, interview records, and any digital or physical evidence for inconsistencies or procedural errors.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to challenge the admissibility of evidence, such as statements obtained without proper Miranda warnings or evidence from unlawful searches.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence, your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the State’s Attorney’s Office or prepare a vigorous defense for trial.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In St. Mary’s County, a conviction for continuing course of conduct with a child is a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison, with a maximum of 30 years, plus lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child | Felony | 5 to 30 years (mandatory min.) | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, probation, no contact orders. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings extensive experience to complex sex crime defenses. Our firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to a full representation for every client. We understand the high stakes and work to build a strong defense from the start.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has handled numerous serious sex offense cases. We approach each case with a focus on the specific facts and legal challenges involved. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every defense is thorough.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Defense Team
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout St. Mary’s County. We are accessible for meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
200A Monroe St, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “continuing course of conduct” mean in Maryland law?
It means three or more acts of sexual abuse against the same minor victim, occurring over a period of 90 days or more. The prosecution must prove this pattern, not just a single incident.
Is there an affordable continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Our firm discusses fees and payment structures during the initial consultation. We believe in providing access to a strong defense and will work with you to find a manageable solution given the serious nature of the charges.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Dismissals or reductions are possible if the defense successfully challenges the evidence, shows a violation of rights, or demonstrates flaws in the prosecution’s case. An early and detailed case review is critical.
What is the first step after being charged?
The first step is to secure a lawyer who handles these specific charges. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Your lawyer will immediately begin securing and reviewing all evidence against you.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A conviction under Md. Code § 3-315 carries a mandatory requirement for lifetime registration on the Maryland sex offender registry. This is one of the most severe long-term consequences.
Related Pages: For other legal issues in the area, see our pages on Maryland Sex Crimes Lawyer, St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer, and St. Mary’s County Family Law Lawyer.
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 St. Mary’s County, our page on continuing course of conduct with a child charges across Maryland sets out what to look for at each stage.