Sexual Performance Using A Minor Lawyer in Washington, D.C., DC
Sexual performance using a minor is a serious felony under D.C. Code § 22-3014, prosecuted aggressively by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. A conviction can result in decades of imprisonment and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Sexual Performance Using a Minor in DC?
The law in Washington, D.C., specifically criminalizes the use of a minor in a sexual performance. This is defined under D.C. Code § 22-3014, which is part of the District’s full statutes addressing sexual abuse and exploitation. The charge is separate from, but often related to, possession or distribution of child pornography. It focuses on the act of directing, producing, or promoting any performance that includes sexual conduct by a person under 18 years of age.
Last verified: April 2026 | DC Superior Court | D.C. Code Title 22, Chapter 30
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built its practice on handling complex, high-stakes criminal defense. The accusation alone can devastate your reputation, employment, and family life. A strong defense requires immediate action to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights from the outset.
Official Legal Resources
- D.C. Code § 22-3014 (official DC Council code)
- DC Superior Court website
The DC Court Process for Sexual Performance Charges
These cases are prosecuted federally by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for DC and heard in the DC Superior Court. The process is rigorous, often involving grand jury indictments for felony charges. A preliminary hearing may be available to challenge probable cause. Given the nature of the evidence—which frequently involves digital forensics—early intervention by a defense lawyer is critical to file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence or challenge the chain of custody.
- Initial Arrest & Arraignment: You will be processed and brought before a judge for an initial hearing, where charges are formally read, and bail conditions are set.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For felony charges, the prosecution will present evidence to a grand jury to secure a formal indictment.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your criminal court lawyer will file motions to challenge evidence and compel the prosecution to share all its discovery, including forensic reports.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence and motions, your attorney will advise on whether to negotiate a plea or proceed to a jury trial.
- Sentencing & Registration: If convicted, sentencing follows, which includes a mandatory determination of sex offender registration requirements.
Potential Penalties for Sexual Performance Using a Minor
In Washington, D.C., a conviction for sexual performance using a minor is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines, plus mandatory registration as a sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Performance Using a Minor (First Offense) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Court-determined | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration, possible supervised release |
| Sexual Performance Using a Minor (Aggravating Factors) | Felony | Up to life | Court-determined | N/A | Lifetime registration, no parole, strict post-release supervision |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Since 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been built on a foundation of aggressive and knowledgeable criminal defense. Our founder, a former prosecutor, understands the tactics used by the government. We approach every case with the understanding that your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. For charges involving sexual performance using a minor, we collaborate with seasoned digital forensic experts to dissect the prosecution’s technical evidence and build a compelling counter-narrative.
Our Approach to Your Case
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. For a sexual performance using a minor charge, our defense strategy begins with a meticulous review of all discovery. We examine how evidence was obtained, the credentials of the forensic analysts, and the metadata of any digital files. We frequently work with Matthew Greene, an attorney with over 30 years of experience, including a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing critical insight into cases involving minors. We file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence obtained without a proper warrant or in violation of your rights. Our goal is to create use for negotiation or to secure an acquittal at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Washington, D.C. Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 273-4104
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location is approximately 3 miles from DC Superior Court, accessible via I-395 and I-66. We provide a sexual performance using a minor lawyer near Washington, D.C. for clients in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, and surrounding neighborhoods. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sexual performance” mean under DC law?
It means any play, dance, film, photograph, or other visual representation that includes sexual conduct by a minor. The law focuses on the production or promotion of such material, not just possession.
Is this a federal or DC charge?
While the statute is part of the DC Code, these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, which is a federal prosecutor. The trials are held in DC Superior Court. This means you face a highly resourced prosecution team.
What are the possible defenses to this charge?
Common defenses challenge the authenticity or origin of the digital evidence, argue unlawful search and seizure, question the age verification of the individual depicted, or assert a lack of knowledge that a minor was involved. An experienced criminal charges defense attorney will identify the strongest angle for your specific case.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A conviction for sexual performance using a minor in DC carries a mandatory requirement to register as a sex offender. The duration and level of registration are determined at sentencing.
Why should I hire a lawyer instead of using a public defender?
The Public Defender Service (PDS) is skilled but often overwhelmed with caseloads. A private criminal attorney can dedicate significantly more time and resources to your case, including hiring independent forensic experts, conducting a deeper investigation, and pursuing a more aggressive pre-trial motion strategy.
Related Legal Information
- DC Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Hub
- Washington, D.C. DUI Lawyer
- Washington, D.C. Business Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding sexual performance using a minor charges.