Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer in Montgomery County, MD — What Are Your Defense Options?
Online solicitation of a minor is a serious felony in Maryland, prosecuted aggressively in Montgomery County. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324, this charge can lead to decades in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. If you are under investigation or have been charged, you need an experienced online solicitation of a minor lawyer Montgomery County.
Maryland Law on Online Solicitation of a Minor
In Maryland, the crime of online solicitation of a minor is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-324. The statute makes it illegal for an adult to use a computer, smartphone, or other electronic means to solicit, lure, or entice a minor (or someone the adult believes to be a minor) to engage in sexual conduct. This includes explicit conversations, sending sexually explicit material, or arranging a meeting for a sexual purpose.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team understands how these cases are built by law enforcement and how to challenge them effectively in court.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website for § 3-324. Court procedures and filings for Montgomery County cases are handled through the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Montgomery County Court Process for Online Solicitation Charges
Online solicitation cases in Montgomery County typically begin with an investigation by the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force or local police. Charges are filed in the District Court for initial appearances, but because it is a felony, the case will be bound over to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for trial. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases vigorously.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: Law enforcement, often acting undercover online, gathers evidence. An arrest warrant is issued.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Review: You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felony): In District Court, the state must show probable cause that a felony was committed. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: The case moves to Montgomery County Circuit Court for a formal arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and challenges the state’s case. All evidence is exchanged.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or may be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement, potentially to a lesser charge.
Potential Penalties for Online Solicitation in Maryland
In Montgomery County, a conviction for online solicitation of a minor under § 3-324 carries a severe penalty range of up to 10 years in prison for a first offense and up to 20 years for a subsequent offense, along with mandatory registration as a Tier II sex offender.
| 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 | Mandatory sex offender registration (Tier II), possible probation, no contact orders. |
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (Subsequent Offense) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration (Tier II), lifetime supervision possible. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who brings direct insight into how the state builds these cases. We have a documented record of handling complex criminal defense matters. We approach each case with a focus on the specific details of the evidence and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Case Results & Client Outcomes
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. For instance, our team has successfully secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in child pornography distribution cases and negotiated favorable resolutions in other serious charges. Mr. Sris, our founder, provides strategic oversight on complex matters, ensuring every defense is thorough.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Montgomery County Sex Crimes Defense Team
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We represent individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
Frequently Asked Questions: Online Solicitation Defense in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes, PBJ is available for some offenses. It is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction on your record. It is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends on the disposition of your case. 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for an online solicitation charge in Montgomery County?
Yes. This is a felony with severe, life-altering penalties including prison and sex offender registration. An experienced online solicitation of a minor lawyer near me Montgomery County can investigate the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work toward the best possible outcome, which may include dismissal or reduction of charges.
What are common defenses to online solicitation charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent, entrapment by law enforcement, mistaken identity, challenging the authenticity of digital evidence, and proving the defendant had a reasonable belief the person was an adult. Each defense depends heavily on the specific facts and evidence of the case.
Is an affordable online solicitation of a minor lawyer Montgomery County available?
Yes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers flexible fee structures and payment plans to make strong legal defense accessible. We provide a clear explanation of costs during your initial consultation, ensuring you understand your options without surprise fees.
What happens after an arrest for online solicitation in Montgomery County?
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if detained. The case will then proceed through preliminary hearings (for felonies) and be transferred to Montgomery County Circuit Court for trial proceedings.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our defense lawyers in Prince George’s County. For related legal issues in Montgomery County, see our DUI/DWI defense page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding an online solicitation of a minor lawyer Montgomery County.