In Montgomery County, online solicitation of a minor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 carries up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Rockville. An Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Rockville from our firm builds a defense strategy around intent and entrapment issues.
Maryland law defines online solicitation of a minor as using a computer or electronic device to solicit a minor for sexual activity. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, the state must prove you knowingly solicited someone you believed to be under 16. The statute covers chat rooms, social media, and messaging apps. A conviction requires specific intent — accidental contact or mistaken age may form a defense. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850 handles initial appearances. Felony charges proceed to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Review the official statute at Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Maryland Courts website for filing rules and hearing schedules.
Montgomery County State’s Attorney files online solicitation charges aggressively, often using decoy accounts. The court at 191 East Jefferson Street requires a mandatory sex offender evaluation before sentencing. Your Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Rockville must challenge the digital evidence chain of custody early.
- Preserve all digital evidence — do not delete messages or apps.
- File a motion to suppress improperly obtained electronic evidence.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Negotiate for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a conviction.
- Prepare for a mandatory sex offender evaluation if convicted.
- File for expungement after PBJ completion (3-year waiting period).
In Montgomery County, online solicitation of a minor carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Solicitation of a Minor | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None specific | Mandatory sex offender registration; GPS monitoring; computer restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. Our Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Rockville team includes former Maryland prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds digital evidence cases.
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location is near the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, accessible via I-270 and I-495. If you need an online solicitation of a minor lawyer near me Rockville, we serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Montgomery County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney can negotiate PBJ or dismissal.
Can online solicitation charges be reduced in Montgomery County?
It depends. The State’s Attorney may reduce charges if the evidence shows no actual minor was involved or if entrapment is proven. A skilled Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Rockville can negotiate for lesser charges or PBJ.
Is sex offender registration mandatory for online solicitation in Maryland?
Yes. A conviction under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 requires mandatory sex offender registration for life. Registration triggers community notification and restricts where you can live or work.
How long does an online solicitation case take in Montgomery County?
District Court misdemeanor cases take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Felony cases in Circuit Court take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of first appearance.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Maryland Sex Crimes Lawyer | Prince George’s County Online Solicitation Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer