Fighting a Charge for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Maryland

 Posted on September 08, 2025 in Sex Crimes

In Maryland, accusations of the online solicitation of a minor are serious. Police often conduct sting operations, collecting evidence against you. However, a charge is not the same as a conviction. With the right defense strategy, you may be able to reduce or even avoid the life-altering consequences of a conviction. A Bel Air, MD sex crimes defense lawyer can help you understand the law and fight back.

Understanding Maryland Law for Online Solicitation of a Minor

Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, it is illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to knowingly use a computer, phone, or other electronic device to solicit, request, or seduce a minor into unlawful sexual activity. Solicitation means asking, encouraging, or attempting to persuade a minor to take part in sexual conduct. Even if no physical contact ever occurs, the attempt alone is enough to trigger criminal charges.

Maryland also applies § 3-307, which makes it a felony to engage in sexual contact with someone under the age of 14 if the defendant is at least four years older. When solicitation is involved, prosecutors often link these statutes together to build a stronger case, even when no meeting took place.

Convictions carry steep penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The registration requirement comes from § 11-701, which places those convicted of certain sexual offenses on a statewide registry. Once listed, your personal information can be accessed by employers, neighbors, and the public, negatively impacting nearly every area of life.

Is Entrapment a Defense for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Maryland?

Law enforcement officers often set up undercover operations where an officer poses as a minor online. If the officer goes beyond simply providing an opportunity and actively pressures or persuades someone to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed, an entrapment defense may apply. It is a difficult defense to prove. However, it can lead to a reduction in charges or even a dismissal if it is successful. The court would require you to show that you were not predisposed to commit the crime. 

Other Possible Defenses for Online Solicitation of a Minor

Not every accusation holds up in court. A skilled defense lawyer can examine all angles of your case to challenge the prosecution’s claims. Possible defenses include:

• Mistaken identity: Online accounts and IP addresses can be hacked, shared, or misused, raising doubts about who actually sent the messages.

• Lack of intent: If the messages do not clearly show an intent to commit a sexual act, prosecutors may struggle to meet their burden of proof.

• Constitutional violations: If police conducted searches or seized devices without proper warrants, the evidence may be thrown out, weakening the prosecution’s case.

• Insufficient evidence: Sometimes prosecutors rely heavily on chat logs or text messages taken out of context. A defense attorney can argue that the evidence does not meet the legal standard for conviction.

Contact a Towson, MD Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

If you are facing charges for online solicitation of a minor, you need a lawyer who will fight to protect your rights in court. Attorney Chelsey Seger was recognized as a SuperLawyer Rising Star in 2024 and takes pride in being aggressive in the courtroom. She is experienced in handling complex cases and supportive of clients through every step of the process. Her work speaks for itself, having secured recent verdicts in sex offense cases resulting in complete dismissals and charge reductions with no jail time and no requirement to register as a sex offender.

If you have been charged with online solicitation of a minor, do not hesitate to call 443-208-4692 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Bel Air, MD sex crimes defense lawyer at Seger Law, LLC.