
In Prince George’s 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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact an Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Prince Georges County today.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines online solicitation of a minor as using a computer or electronic device to solicit, seduce, or entice a minor under 18 for sexual activity. This offense applies regardless of whether the minor is actually underage or an undercover law enforcement officer. The statute covers communications through social media, messaging apps, chat rooms, and dating platforms. A conviction requires proof that you knowingly communicated with someone you believed to be a minor for a sexual purpose. The law treats each separate communication as a potential separate offense, which can lead to multiple charges from a single conversation.
For the full statutory language, see Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website.
In Prince George’s County District Court, prosecutors often use undercover operations where officers pose as minors online. The State’s Attorney’s office aggressively pursues these cases, frequently seeking maximum penalties. Your first court appearance typically occurs within 24-48 hours of arrest for bail review.
- Step 1: Do Not Speak to Police — Invoke your right to remain silent immediately. Anything you say can be used as evidence. Request an attorney before answering any questions.
- Step 2: Preserve Digital Evidence — Do not delete messages, apps, or browser history. The prosecution may already have preserved this data through a warrant. Tampering can lead to additional obstruction charges.
- Step 3: Hire an Experienced Sex Crimes Lawyer — Contact an Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Prince Georges County who understands local court procedures and prosecutorial strategies.
- Step 4: Attend All Court Hearings — Missing a court date results in a bench warrant. Your attorney can handle most procedural matters, but your presence is required at arraignment and trial.
- Step 5: Explore Pretrial Diversion Options — Maryland offers programs like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for eligible first-time offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Step 6: Prepare for Trial or Negotiate a Plea — Your attorney will evaluate the strength of the evidence, including whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation.
In Prince George’s County, online solicitation of a minor carries severe penalties including mandatory sex offender registration and significant prison time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (first offense) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of professional licenses; immigration consequences |
| Online Solicitation of a Minor (subsequent offense) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $50,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration for life; GPS monitoring; supervised probation |
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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our sex crimes team includes Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in Prince George’s County. She brings firsthand knowledge of how the State’s Attorney’s office builds online solicitation cases. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Kristen Fisher is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. She has extensive experience handling sex crimes cases in Prince George’s County District and Circuit Courts. Her prosecutorial background provides unique insight into how the State’s Attorney builds online solicitation cases.
SRIS actively practices in Prince George’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. In Maryland sex crimes cases, our team has secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and probationary dispositions for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Prince George’s County courts. The location is accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, Route 4, Route 5, and Route 202. We serve Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Looking for an online solicitation of a minor lawyer near me Prince George’s County? Our office is within driving distance of the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for online solicitation of a minor in Prince George’s County?
Yes, PBJ is available for some online solicitation cases in Prince George’s County District Court. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, you may be eligible for expungement after a 3-year waiting period. Eligibility depends on your criminal history and the specific facts of your case.
What happens after my arrest for online solicitation of a minor in Prince George’s County?
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. Felonies go to Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for an online solicitation charge in Prince George’s County?
Yes, you need a lawyer. Online solicitation of a minor is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. An experienced attorney can negotiate PBJ, dismissal, or reduced charges. Contact an Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Prince Georges County immediately.
Can I get my record expunged after an online solicitation charge in Prince George’s County?
Yes, Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ after a 3-year waiting period. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Cases are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for online solicitation cases in Prince George’s County?
District Court handles initial appearances, bail hearings, and misdemeanor trials. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Online solicitation of a minor is a felony, so your case will likely be heard in Prince George’s County Circuit Court for trial. District Court handles the initial stages.
