Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Howard County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Online solicitation of a minor is a serious felony in Maryland, prosecuted aggressively in Howard County. An online solicitation of a minor lawyer Howard County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the evidence, intent, and police methods used in your case. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us for a case review.
Maryland Law on Online Solicitation of a Minor
In Maryland, online solicitation of a minor is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324. This statute makes it a crime to use a computer or the internet to solicit, lure, or entice a minor, or someone the person believes to be a minor, to engage in sexual conduct. The law is designed to protect children from online predators and covers a wide range of communications, including text messages, social media, and chat rooms.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures for Howard County are handled at the District Court of MD for Howard County.
Howard County Court Process for Solicitation Charges
In Howard County, online solicitation cases are typically initiated by undercover police operations. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases vigorously. The District Court handles initial appearances and bail hearings, while felony trials proceed in Howard County Circuit Court. A key local procedural fact is that Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which avoids a formal conviction, is generally not available for sex offenses involving a minor.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be brought before a District Court commissioner for a bail determination.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing is held in District Court within 24 hours.
- Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury for a felony indictment.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through negotiation.
Potential Penalties for Online Solicitation in Maryland
In Howard County, online solicitation of a minor carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine for a first offense, with higher penalties for subsequent convictions.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (First Offense) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | N/A | Sex Offender Registration |
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (Subsequent) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | N/A | Sex Offender Registration |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Howard County Sex Crime Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases. We provide a strong, case-specific defense for clients facing serious allegations. Our combined legal experience exceeds 120 years.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In one firm case, a child pornography distribution charge in Baltimore County resulted in a Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped). In another, a possession charge resulted in a suspended sentence with probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice and a background in accounting and information systems that aids in dissecting digital evidence.
Contact Our Howard County Sex Crimes Defense Team
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. We represent individuals in communities like Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
If you need an affordable online solicitation of a minor lawyer Howard County, our team is ready to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
It depends. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). However, PBJ is generally NOT available for sex offenses involving a minor, like online solicitation.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. Convictions for online solicitation of a minor are typically not eligible for expungement.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County. Felonies like online solicitation go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a sex crime charge in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland sex crimes carry severe penalties including lengthy prison terms and mandatory sex offender registration. An online solicitation of a minor lawyer Howard County can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights at every stage in District or Circuit Court.
What are common defenses to online solicitation charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to commit a crime, entrapment by law enforcement, mistaken identity or age, and constitutional violations during the investigation such as illegal search and seizure of digital evidence.
Related Legal Information
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Howard County DUI lawyer services.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.