Solicitation Lawyer Prince George’s County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Solicitation is a serious sex crime in Maryland, classified under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-324. In Prince George’s County, a conviction can mean up to 10 years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused.
Maryland Solicitation Law and Penalties
Solicitation in Maryland involves requesting, commanding, enticing, or encouraging another to engage in specific sexual acts. The law is detailed in Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-324. This statute covers soliciting a minor, which carries severe penalties to protect children from sexual exploitation. The classification and penalties depend heavily on the age of the alleged victim and the specific acts solicited.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We focus on the critical details of solicitation defense, from challenging the evidence of intent to negotiating for reduced charges.
External Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website
Prince George’s County Court Process for Solicitation Charges
Solicitation cases in Prince George’s County typically begin with an arrest and an initial appearance at the District Court in Upper Marlboro. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County aggressively prosecutes these charges. A key local procedural fact is that while initial hearings are in District Court, felony solicitation cases are bound over to the Circuit Court for trial. Defense strategy must start immediately, focusing on the alleged communication and the intent behind it.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: You will be brought before a District Court commissioner for bail determination, often within 24 hours of arrest.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony charges, a hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions, review all evidence (including digital forensics), and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Plea Agreement: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea that may avoid sex offender registration.
Potential Penalties for Solicitation in Maryland
In Prince George’s County, solicitation penalties range from a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail to a felony with up to 10 years in prison, plus mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of a Minor (Under 16) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | N/A | Mandatory Sex Offender Registration (Tier dependent) |
| Solicitation (General) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | N/A | Possible registration if minor involved |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Solicitation Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team has a combined 120+ years of legal experience and a documented track record of over 4,739 case results firm-wide. We understand that a solicitation charge threatens your reputation, freedom, and future. Our approach is direct: we analyze the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses, challenge improper police procedures, and work tirelessly to protect your rights. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every defense angle is explored.
Our Experience with Sex Crime Cases
Our solicitation lawyer Prince Georges County team has extensive experience defending against sex crime allegations. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. For example, our attorneys have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in child pornography promotion cases and negotiated suspended sentences with probation in possession cases. These results demonstrate our commitment to building strong defenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, brings invaluable insight into local prosecution tactics in Prince George’s County.
Local Defense for Prince George’s County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Our Maryland office represents clients at Prince George’s County courts. We serve communities throughout the county, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. If you need a solicitation lawyer near me Prince George’s County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Solicitation Defense FAQs for Prince George’s County
What is the penalty for solicitation of a minor in Maryland?
It is a felony. Solicitation of a minor under 16 can result in up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $25,000, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The tier of registration depends on the specific facts of the case.
Can solicitation charges be dropped in Prince George’s County?
Yes. Charges can be dropped if the defense successfully challenges the evidence. Common strategies include proving a lack of criminal intent, demonstrating entrapment, or filing a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence like texts or emails.
What is the difference between solicitation and prostitution in Maryland?
Solicitation involves requesting or enticing someone to engage in a sexual act. Prostitution involves engaging in or offering to engage in a sexual act for payment. They are separate charges under Maryland law, though they can be related. An affordable solicitation lawyer Prince George’s County can explain how the charges in your case interact.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of solicitation?
It depends. If the solicitation involved a minor, registration is mandatory. The duration (Tier I: 15 years, Tier II: 25 years, Tier III: lifetime) is determined by the offense. For solicitation not involving a minor, registration may not be required. A key goal of defense is often to avoid or minimize registration requirements.
How can a lawyer help with a solicitation charge?
A lawyer investigates the evidence, challenges the prosecution’s case, negotiates with the State’s Attorney, and protects your rights at trial. They work to get charges reduced or dismissed, and to avoid the severe long-term consequences of a conviction, like sex offender registration.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing a solicitation charge, you may also want to learn about criminal defense in Prince George’s County. For a broader view of our sex crime defense practice, visit our Maryland sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Page last verified and updated: 2026-04-15. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your solicitation case in Prince George’s County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. directly.
If you want to see how a Prince George’s County case fits into the wider process, our page on solicitation lawyer Maryland covers it from start to finish.