Maryland Sexual Performance Using A Minor Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge for sexual performance using a minor under Maryland law is a severe felony with mandatory prison time and lifetime sex offender registration. As a Maryland sexual performance using a minor lawyer, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the immediate threat to your future.
Maryland Law on Sexual Performance Using a Minor
The crime of sexual performance using a minor is defined under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-207. The statute makes it illegal for a person to employ, authorize, or induce a minor to engage in a sexual performance, or to produce, direct, or promote any performance that includes such conduct. A “sexual performance” is defined as any play, dance, or other exhibition performed before an audience which includes sexual conduct by a minor. The law applies regardless of whether the minor consented.
Last verified: April 2026 | Maryland Courts | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-207 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- Maryland Judiciary Website
Building a Defense in Maryland Courts
Prosecutors in Maryland Circuit Courts pursue these charges aggressively. A successful defense requires immediate action to secure and analyze all digital evidence, including devices and internet records. The prosecution must prove you knowingly used the minor in a performance. A key defense may involve challenging whether the performance meets the legal definition of “sexual conduct” or whether there was knowledge of the minor’s age.
- Secure immediate legal representation before speaking to investigators.
- Your attorney will file motions to preserve and review all digital evidence.
- A defense strategy is built, potentially challenging the definition of “performance” or the element of knowledge.
- Your criminal court lawyer will negotiate with prosecutors, seeking reduced charges or alternative resolutions when possible.
- If the case proceeds to trial, a vigorous defense is presented, focusing on the weaknesses in the state’s evidence.
Potential Penalties for Sexual Performance Using a Minor in Maryland
In Maryland, a conviction for sexual performance using a minor is a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison and mandatory registration as a Tier III sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Performance Using a Minor | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $25,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration (Tier III), possible supervised probation, internet restrictions, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Maryland Sex Crime Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the state builds these cases. We approach each case with a focus on the specific facts and evidence. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Case Results in Maryland Sex Crimes
Our defense lawyers have achieved positive results in challenging sex crime cases. In Baltimore County, we secured a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Promotion of Child Pornography under Md. Law § 11-207(a)(4). In another case, also in Baltimore County, we negotiated a resolution for a Possession of Child Pornography charge resulting in a suspended sentence and probation. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex digital evidence cases. His multi-state practice brings a broad perspective to building an effective defense.
Contact a Maryland Sexual Performance Using A Minor Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville location serves clients across Maryland. We offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only at our office.
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
What does “sexual performance” mean under Maryland law?
It depends. The law defines it as a play, dance, or other exhibition before an audience where a minor engages in sexual conduct. The definition is specific and a defense lawyer can argue whether the alleged act meets this legal threshold.
Is this charge a felony in Maryland?
Yes. Sexual performance using a minor is a felony. A conviction carries a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years and requires lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Do not speak to law enforcement without a criminal attorney present. Contact a defense lawyer immediately. An attorney can advise you on your rights, potentially interact with investigators on your behalf, and begin securing evidence for your defense.
Can the charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends on the evidence. A skilled criminal charges defense lawyer can file motions to challenge the legality of evidence, argue legal definitions, and negotiate with prosecutors. Outcomes depend on the specific facts, but alternatives to the full felony charge are sometimes possible.
Why is a former prosecutor valuable for my defense?
A former prosecutor, like those at our firm, knows how the state builds these cases. They understand the tactics used, the evidence prosecutors rely on, and potential weaknesses in the state’s argument. This insight is used to build a more effective defense strategy.
Related Practice Areas: Maryland Child Pornography Lawyer | Maryland Sexual Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer
Other Locations: Baltimore Sexual Performance Using A Minor Lawyer | Prince George’s County Sexual Performance Using A Minor Lawyer
Hub Page: Maryland Sex Crimes Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (301) 363-4040 for current legal guidance.
A sexual performance using a minor 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.