Maryland Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer
Maryland Solicitation of a Minor Attorney
Solicitation of a minor is a serious offense that carries severe penalties. These cases are nuanced and complex because of the multiple factors involved in the legal process. A conviction may result in life-altering consequences that could impact access to opportunities, as well as impact societal perception. A Maryland solicitation of a minor lawyer can help address these challenges as they come.
At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we offer knowledge of Maryland law and familiarity with the criminal legal system. Our lawyers have experience navigating criminal defenses for crimes against persons, particularly sex crimes, and we work tirelessly to provide aggressive representation both in and out of the court. Hire a solicitation of a minor lawyer who can work with you every step of the way.
Solicitation of a Minor Laws in Maryland
Maryland’s Criminal Code §3–324 explains that solicitation of a minor occurs when an individual commands, advises, requests, urges, or entices a minor to commit a criminal act. These actions may occur in person, through the use of the internet or digital communications, through printed media, or through a third person.
Solicitation of a Minor Penalties in Maryland
Soliciting a minor to commit a criminal act is a felony under Maryland law. First-time offenders may face up to 10 years in prison or a fine not to exceed $25,000, or both. Repeat offenders may face up to 20 years in prison or a $50,000 fine, or both. Upon a sex crime conviction by a local Maryland District Court, the defendant will likely be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Failure to register as a sex offender may result in added felony charges with more severe sentences. Sex offender registration can occur in person at a local police department or via the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Additionally, federal charges may be added if the solicitation involved an interstate criminal act.
Sex Offender Registration in Maryland
Sex crimes have seen at least a 20% increase in police reports over the past few years, which means that more individuals are being convicted and sentenced for crimes such as soliciting a minor. The severity of the offense will dictate the length and frequency of the registration. Maryland has three tiers for its sex offender registry:
- Tier I. A sex offender must register every six months for 15 years.
- Tier II. A sex offender must register every six months for 25 years.
- Tier III. A sex offender must register every three months for life.
A sex offender registration may feel overwhelming and stigmatizing. However, not all solicitation of a minor cases lead to a lifetime sex offender registration. A skilled lawyer may assist with reviewing options moving forward while complying with state law.
Defense Arguments for Solicitation of a Minor in Maryland
Not every defense can be used in a solicitation of a minor case. Each defense argument relies upon the facts leading to the arrest as well as the accused’s individual circumstances. While the following is not meant to be an exhaustive list, some common defenses may include:
- Entrapment: The entrapment defense is common in these types of cases. Police entrapment occurs when an officer, posing as a minor, forcefully demands that the defendant behave in a way that they would not under normal circumstances.
- Strength of the evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly solicited a minor. The strength of the evidence linking the defendant to the crime can be reviewed and challenged.
- Violation of constitutional rights: Most solicitation of a minor charges may be the product of planned-out police stings or long-term investigations, all of which require the following of procedure while ensuring the defendant’s rights are not violated. If a search of personal data, for example, is conducted illegally, this can be used in court.
FAQs About Maryland, MD Solicitation of a Minor Law
Will a Conviction for Solicitation of a Minor Require Sex Offender Registration in Maryland?
Yes, a solicitation of a minor conviction will require sex offender registration. Maryland laws are punitive towards sex crimes against minors and solicitation offenses, regardless of whether the sexual act occurred or not, and can lead to sex offender registration upon conviction. Sex offender registration must happen within specific time periods as established by individual circumstances.
Can a Solicitation of a Minor Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed With the Help of an Attorney?
Yes, a solicitation of a minor charge can be reduced or dismissed with the help of an attorney in Maryland. The prosecution may recommend sentences based on their own evidence and the criminal code. However, a knowledgeable solicitation of a minor trial lawyer can negotiate these charges and advocate for a lesser sentence. A well-prepared criminal defense can assist in reducing, and perhaps dismissing, the charges.
What Factors Influence Sentencing in Maryland Solicitation of a Minor Cases?
Some factors that influence sentencing in Maryland solicitation of a minor cases include the severity of the offense, the frequency with which the communication with the minor occurred, the strength of the evidence against the defendant, and whether the defendant committed an offense for the first time. Maryland courts may review the viability of defenses like entrapment or mistaken identity during the sentencing stage.
Can Law Enforcement Use Undercover Officers Posing as Minors in Maryland Sting Operations?
Yes, law enforcement can use undercover officers posing as minors in their sting operations. Undercover work to catch potential offenders is part of police operations, so the defendant may still be charged with solicitation of a minor despite the absence of an actual minor. Nonetheless, these sting operations must follow legal procedure, and there are “gray” areas in their application and ethics that a criminal defense lawyer can challenge in court.
Hire a Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer in Maryland Today
At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, our clients and their legal needs come first. We offer compassion and aggressive representation in every stage of the legal process. Our attorneys approach each case with intent and willingness to listen to the defendant’s circumstances. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Anne Arundel County
Empire Towers
7310 Ritchie Highway, Suite 910
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Phone: 410-766-0113
Fax: 410-766-0270
Howard County On the grounds of Columbia Mall
30 Corporate Center
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Suite 900
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: 410-964-0050
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