Wicomico County Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Wicomico County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315, carrying severe penalties. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for these complex cases. If you are facing investigation or charges, immediate legal guidance is critical to protect your rights and future.
Understanding the Statute: 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. It involves committing certain sexual offenses against a child under the age of 14 on three or more occasions over a period of at least 90 days. This statute is distinct from a single incident charge, as it alleges a pattern of abuse, which prosecutors in Wicomico County pursue aggressively. The law is designed to address prolonged victimization, and a conviction carries mandatory, severe consequences.
Last verified: April 2026 | Wicomico County Circuit Court | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute text, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website for Crim. Law § 3-315. For local court procedures, visit the Wicomico County Circuit Court official website.
Local Defense Strategy for a Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Charge
Defending against a continuing course of conduct with a child charge in Wicomico County requires a meticulous, evidence-based approach. Prosecutors must prove multiple incidents over the statutory timeframe, which creates specific vulnerabilities in their case that a skilled lawyer can challenge. An experienced continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer near me Wicomico County will scrutinize the timeline, witness credibility, and the lack of corroborating physical evidence that often exists in these cases.
- Immediate Case Review: Upon engagement, we secure all discovery from the State’s Attorney’s Office to analyze the specific allegations and timeline.
- Evidence Challenge: We file motions to challenge the admissibility of evidence, including statements or interviews that may not have followed proper protocol.
- experienced Consultation: We work with forensic and medical experts to evaluate the state’s evidence and provide alternative explanations if needed.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea agreement is not in your best interest, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial, focusing on reasonable doubt regarding the frequency and nature of the alleged acts.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Wicomico 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 mandatory minimum sentences often applying.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Sex Offender Registration | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-315) | Felony | Up to 30 years per count; mandatory minimums often apply | Court discretion | Mandatory lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender | Supervised probation, no contact orders, loss of professional licenses, and severe personal stigma |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Defending Serious Charges
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a continuing course of conduct with a child charge and approach each case with the detailed preparation it demands. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we use every available resource to defend our clients in Wicomico County.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our defense team has successfully defended clients against serious felony sex offenses across Maryland. Outcomes have included cases where charges were dismissed prior to trial, reduced to lesser offenses, or resulted in acquittals after challenging the prosecution’s evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
In every case, our goal is to protect our client’s liberty, reputation, and future through relentless advocacy.
Local Defense for Wicomico County Residents
If you need an affordable continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Wicomico County, our firm offers accessible legal support. Our primary Maryland location is strategically positioned to serve clients across the Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Wicomico County Circuit Court and local prosecution practices.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly does “continuing course of conduct” mean under Maryland law?
It means the state alleges you committed a specific sexual offense against the same child victim on three or more occasions over a period of at least 90 days. It is a separate, more serious charge than a single incident.
Can these charges be filed based solely on the word of a child?
Yes, they can be initiated based on an allegation. However, for a conviction, the state must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. A strong defense will challenge the reliability of the testimony and investigate the lack of corroborating physical or forensic evidence.
What is the first thing I should do if I am under investigation?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense lawyer. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used to build the prosecution’s case of a pattern of conduct.
Is there a possibility of probation instead of prison?
It depends. Given the felony severity and mandatory minimum sentences, incarceration is a likely outcome upon conviction. However, a skilled lawyer may negotiate a plea to a lesser charge or, in some cases, secure a favorable outcome at trial that avoids a conviction altogether.
Why is it crucial to have a lawyer familiar with Wicomico County?
A local lawyer understands the procedures of the Wicomico County Circuit Court, the tendencies of local prosecutors and judges, and can effectively manage your case from investigation through potential trial, building a defense informed by local practice.
Related Pages: For other serious charge defenses, see our pages on Maryland Sex Crimes Lawyer, Wicomico County Child Abuse Lawyer, and Worcester County Sex Crimes Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Wicomico County case fits into the wider process, our page on continuing course of conduct with a child lawyer Maryland covers it from start to finish.