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MARYLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

DEFENDING CLIENTS CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL CHARGES IN MARYLAND

A criminal charge can place a tremendous amount of stress on a person. The person charged begins to feel the entire weight of the criminal justice system bearing down on them. To make things worse, once a person is charged, they may loose their job or have their friends and family view them differently. The worst part of all of this is that this occurs even before the person accused has been convicted of a crime. Regardless of the criminal charge you are facing in Maryland, know one thing for certain. When you hire the Maryland criminal attorneys of SRIS, P.C., you know you have your strongest supporter at your side. How do you know this? Once the Maryland criminal attorneys of SRIS, P.C. are hired, our  attorneys will do their best to return your call within eight (8) hours of you calling them. Also to better serve you, the Maryland criminal attorneys of SRIS, P.C., have two offices to better serve you. Our Maryland offices are in Rockville and Baltimore. During your entire case, we will work diligently towards keeping you informed as to the status of your case. Our Maryland criminal defense attorneys will not hesitate to prepare for trial and vigorously defend you. However, if it is in your best interest to plea bargain, we will do our best to obtain you the best plea available. We defend adults & juveniles charged with criminal offenses in Maryland. If you wish to consult a SRIS, P.C. Maryland criminal lawyer, please simply contact us via email or call us at our toll free number (888-437-7747) or our fast on line form. A Maryland criminal attorney of SRIS, P.C. will gladly consult with you regarding your matter.

The following is a basic primer regarding Maryland criminal procedure:

• Maryland Criminal Law Process and Proceedings
• Being Stopped By The Police
• Search Warrants & Searches
• Warrantless Searches
• Being Arrested
• Booking or Being Booked
• Arraignment
• Bail/Bond
• Speedy Trial
• Going to Trial
• Jury Nullification
• Appealing Your Sentence

Maryland Criminal Law Process and Proceedings  (top)

If you’ve been charged in a criminal case in Maryland, there’s bound to be a lot of uncertainty about the exact process and proceedings. Criminal law is often complex and confusing, and knowing your legal rights is always in your best interest.

Your first action should be to contact an Maryland criminal defense attorney experienced in Maryland criminal law matters. Your attorney will be able to explain the law as it pertains to your particular case, the possible penalties involved, and how to best assist you in making informed decisions as your case moves through the Maryland criminal court process

Let’s take a look at the possible steps involved with the criminal process.

Being Stopped By The Police in Maryland  (top)

A police office may ’stop’ or detain you for questioning. This is not the same as being arrested. When under arrest, a person is usually moved to a different location. If stopped by the police in Maryland, the officer may ask you questions. However, you do have the right to remain silent.

Recent Supreme Court decisions have ruled that when investigating a possible crime or offense, police officers may ask your name, and you are obligated to reply. This does leave open several interesting possibilities, however. If by giving your name you are actually implicating yourself in a crime, that could run afoul of 5^th Amendment protections against self-incrimination. Plus, the court did not address giving the police a pseudonym.

The Justices did note the 5^th Amendment consideration mentioned above, but chose to leave that question for another day and another Court.

If the stop is routine, giving polite but short answers may be your best course of action. However, the moment you suspect your answers to any questions may implicate you in crime, the rule is: Remain Silent!

Search Warrants & Searches In Maryland (top)

A search warrant is a written order issued by judge or magistrate authorizing the police to conduct a search of your person, location or residence in order to find evidence of a criminal offense, and if finding such evidence, seizing it.

Under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, in order for most warrants to be issued, “probable cause” is necessary.

Any police entry of an individual’s home always requires a warrant (for either search or arrest), absent extenuating circumstances such as hot pursuit of a felon, imminent destruction of evidence, preventing a felon’s escape, or a real risk of harm to police or others.

Probable cause may be based upon direct information, for example an officer’s personal observation. It can also be based upon hearsay – so long as the source of the hearsay is reliable, as determined by a entirety of the circumstances.

In Maryland, for probable cause to exist, these conditions must be met:

•· It is more likely than not that the specific items to be searched for are connected with criminal activities

•· Those items will be found in the place to be searched

Warrantless Searches In Maryland  (top)

In Maryland, search warrants are not required for the following:

• Searches during an arrest: Police officers are permitted to search your body and/or clothing for weapons or other contraband when making a valid arrest.
• Automobile searches: If you’re arrested in a vehicle, the police may search the inside of the vehicle. To perform a complete search of the vehicle (such as in locked glove compartments, for example), probable cause is necessary.
• Exigent circumstances: Searches may be conducted if there are “exigent circumstances” which demand immediate action, such as the factors mentioned above: Hot pursuit of a felon, imminent destruction of evidence, preventing a felon’s escape, or a real risk of harm to police or others.
• Plain view: A search warrant is not required if the officer sees a suspect object that is in plain view. For example, if a police officer stops you for a traffic violation and sees bags of white powder lying on your car seat, a search warrant isn’t necessary to investigate the nature of that powder more closely. The deciding factors here are that the officer is legitimately on the premises, his observation is from a legitimate vantage point, and it is immediately apparent that the evidence is contraband
• Consent: If you consent to a search of your body, your vehicle, or your home, police are not required to have a warrant. You aren’t required to consent to any police searches. As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to deny consent. You may have items on you that are illegal without you even knowing it. (Mace, pepper spray, knives all come to mind.)

It should be noted that police officers have tried to circumvent this “consent” limitation. One case in point involved searching luggage on a Greyhound bus for illegal drugs without the requisite probable cause. The police officers “asked” each rider to open up their luggage – without informing them of their right of refusal. The Supreme Court ultimately sided with the police, ruling that the officers had no obligation to inform the bus riders they could refuse the search.

This holds true when being stopped for a minor traffic violation. The officer may “ask” you to open up your trunk, without stipulating you can refuse. The intimidation factor alone causes many innocent people to comply.

Being Arrested In Maryland  (top)

In Maryland, as in other states, in order for a police officer to arrest you, he or she must again have “probable cause.” This means there must be a reasonable belief a crime was committed – and you either committed it or were involved in that crime. A police officer may arrest you with or without an arrest warrant.

After being placed under arrest, it is important to remember your constitutional rights. At this point, the two most important rights for you to be aware of are your rights to remain silent and the rights to have an attorney.

After your arrest, you can’t be compelled to say anything to police or investigators until you have an attorney present. You must also be given the opportunity to contact an attorney.

IN EVERY CASE, it is advisable to remain silent after being arrested. Don’t try and “talk your way out” of the situation. Anything you say can and will be used against you. When placed under arrest, you may not be aware of all the consequences of your alleged crime under Maryland law. By remaining silent, you can’t be held answerable for things not said.

It’s also advisable not to resist arrest. You’ll have your chance in court if you believe the arresting officer was acting out of malice or without proper cause. Resisting arrest only make you appear guilty – and it can also result in physical force being used against you as well.

Booking or Being Booked In Maryland (top)

After being arrested in Maryland, you’ll be brought by the police to the police station for the booking process. You’ll be fingerprinted and asked a series of questions, such as your name and date of birth. You’ll also be searched and photographed. Your personal property such as jewelry will be cataloged and stored.

Arraignment In Maryland  (top)

After criminal charges are filed against you in Maryland, you’ll make a court appearance known as an “arraignment.” If you’ve been incarcerated, this will usually occur within 72 hours of your arrest.

During your arraignment, you’ll be asked to enter a “plea” to the crime you’ve been charged with. There four pleas you can make in Maryland are:

• Guilty plea: If you plead “guilty,” you’re admitting to the facts of the crime and that you were the one who committed that crime.
• Not guilty plea: A “not guilty” plea asserts that you did not commit the crime with which you were accused. After your plea, a pre-trial or trial date will be set.
• No contest plea: A “no contest” plea (nola contendere: I will not contest it) indicates that, while you are not admitting guilt, you do not dispute the charge. This is preferable to a guilty plea because guilty pleas can be used against you in later civil lawsuits.
• “Mute” plea: In Maryland, you may “stand mute” instead of making a plea. The court will then enter a plea of not guilty. By standing mute, you avoid silently admitting to the correctness of the proceedings against you until that point. You are then free to attack all previous proceedings that may have been irregular.

During this arraignment process, the court will also:

• Set bail
• Refuse to set bail; or
• Release you on your own personal recognizance, which means the court takes your word that you will appear when necessary for later court obligations.

You may be charged in Maryland with a felony or a misdemeanor. Felony is a more serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. A misdemeanor, on the other hand, is a lesser offense usually punishable by a fine or a year or less of incarceration.

Bail/Bond In Maryland  (top)

“Bail” is money or property given as security to ensure that you’ll show up for further criminal proceedings.

In Maryland, bail can be paid:

• In cash
• A pledge of property
• Intangible Assets (bankbooks, certificates of deposit, letters of credit, and certificates for stocks)
• Credit and Debit Cards
• A bail bond via a bail bondsman

A professional bail bondsman is an individual whose business is to pledge his or her own property or security to guarantee the bail bond to the court. In return, they usually charge the defendant 10% of the bail fee as compensation for their services.

If you don’t show up for these further proceedings, the bail is forfeited – plus in Maryland you’ll also be guilty of the crime of failure to appear. In most cases bail money is returned at the end of the trial, no matter whether you are found guilty or not guilty of the crime.

If you hire the services of a bail bondsman, be aware the law usually allows them to use the services of bounty hunters should you choose to flee from justice – commonly called jumping bail or skipping bail.

The bounty hunter is paid a portion of the bail the “bail jumper” originally paid through the bondsman. If the fugitive eludes capture, the bondsman, not the bounty hunter, is responsible for the remainder of the bail.

Bounty hunters are also sometimes known as “bail enforcement agents” or “fugitive recovery agents.” Unlike police officers, they have no legal protections against injuries to non-fugitives and few legal protections against injuries to their targets.

Speedy Trial In Maryland (top)

Under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, you have a right to a speedy trial. In Maryland, this requires the trial date be held no later than 180 days from the date of your appearance before the court. This right can be waived if good cause is shown.

Going to Trial In Maryland  (top)

In Maryland, many prosecutors will consider “plea agreements,” although it’s not legally required.

A plea agreement or plea bargain, plea deal or copping a plea is an agreement in a criminal case where the prosecutor and defendant arrange to settle the case against the defendant. The defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for some agreement from the prosecutor as to what punishment they’ll receive.

If you are charged In Maryland with a crime punishable by six or more months of imprisonment, you have the right to a jury trial. This right may be waived by:

• Pleading guilty; or
• Choosing a bench trial (a trial in front of a judge only)

At a bench trial, you are waiving your right to trial by jury and agree to have the facts of your case weighed and decided upon solely by the judge

At a trial by jury, you can either be found innocent (acquitted) of the charges brought against you, be acquitted of some charges and found guilty of others (if charged with multiple counts), or have a “hung jury: A “hung jury” means guilt or innocence could not be determined. This usually results in a mistrial and new legal proceedings.

Jury Nullification In Maryland  (top)

There is also the little known and less used acquittal by Jury Nullification. In common law, the jury not only has the obligation to convict or acquit on the basis of the facts and beyond a reasonable doubt – they also have the right to judge the law itself. In effect saying: “Yes, the law does prohibit this action, but we the jury nullify that law in this particular case.”

Judges have traditionally refused to allow any mention of jury nullification in their courtrooms, and potential jurors are usually screened out if it appears they lean towards applying it to the case at hand. Even sitting jurors have been removed for merely mentioning nullification during their deliberations. Yet jury nullification does exist, evidenced and reaffirmed in 1969 by the United States Court of Appeals:

“We recognize…the undisputed power of the jury to acquit, even if its verdict is contrary to the law as given by the judge, and contrary to the evidence. This is a power that must exist as long as we adhere to the general verdict in criminal cases, for the courts cannot search the minds of the jurors to find the basis upon which they judge. If the jury feels that the law under which the defendant is accused, is unjust, or that exigent circumstances justified the actions of the accused, or for any reason which appeals to their logic of passion, the jury has the power to acquit, and the courts must abide by that decision.”

United States Court of Appeals for the District of Maryland: (US vs Moylan, 417 F 2d 1002, 1006 (1969)).”

In fact, the only Supreme Court ever impeached was Justice Samuel Chase – for denying a jury’s right to judge the law.

Appealing Your Sentence In Maryland  (top)

In Maryland, after being convicted and sentenced, you have the chance to file an appeal of your sentence. This opportunity is not absolute – if you pleaded guilty, you may need to ask for “leave” or permission to appeal your conviction.

However, if you were convicted in Maryland at a trial by a jury, you do have an absolute right to appeal. An appeal does not retry the case. It’s a review and examination of the trial record – ensuring the proceedings were conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Depending upon the crime, this process varies, but be aware that in Maryland there are time deadlines and limitations by which you must file an appeal or lose that right.

There are many reasons why you may want to appeal a guilty verdict in a criminal case, including what’s called “legal error.”

Legal error may include:

• Evidence was allowed during the criminal process that should have been inadmissible, including evidence that was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights
• Lack of sufficient evidence to support a verdict of guilty
• Mistakes in the judge’s instructions to the jury regarding your case

You may also appeal due to a juror or jurors misconduct, or if newly discovered evidence proves your innocence.

Our Maryland criminal defense attorneys and staff speak various languages, including English, Tamil, Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Telugu.

For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS, P.C., please call, send an email or complete the on-line form

The Maryland criminal attorneys of SRIS, P.C. handle Federal cases in the following Maryland Federal courthouses:

• The Maryland Federal Courthouses

We Are a Designated Debt Relief Agency under Federal Law. We Provide Legal Assistance to Consumers Seeking Relief Under the Bankruptcy Code.

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MARYLAND SEX CRIMES DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

DEFENDING CLIENTS CHARGED WITH SEX OFFENSES IN MARYLAND

The Maryland sex offense attorneys of SRIS, P.C., have extensive experience in sex offense cases and all other aspects of Maryland sex crimes defense.

Accused of a sex crime in Maryland? The mere accusation of a sex offense may cause your life to go into a tail spin. All of sudden, people you thought were your friends don’t really want to talk to you. Your job lets you go. They don’t tell you why. The most they are willing to tell you is that you are no longer a good fit for the employer. Now more than ever, you need to try and avoid the mere accusation of a sex crime. The first step is to not talk to the police if they want to talk to you WITHOUT A MARYLAND SEX DEFENSE ATTORNEY PRESENT. The very next step is to hire an attorney who truly does not hesitate to represent clients accused of a sex crime. That is where a SRIS, P.C. Maryland sex offense attorney comes in. We do not just pay lip service to the concept that we defend clients charged with a sex offense. We will truly work towards defending you. If your case is at the point where the police want to talk with you and you have not been charged, we will act as your shield and tell them we are your attorney AND they cannot talk to you without us being present. This will force them to talk with us and not bother you. In the event, you are charged, then the real heavy duty work begins and we will do our very best to defend you. The Maryland sex crimes lawyers of SRIS, P.C. have offices in Rockville & Baltimore to better serve you. If you wish to consult a SRIS, P.C. sex crimes lawyer, please simply contact us via email or phone. A sex crimes attorney of SRIS, P.C. will consult with you regarding your sex crime defense. For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS, P.C., please call, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form.

To obtain a general overview of sex offense crimes, please click here.

To learn more about the laws pertaining to sex offense crimes in Virginia or Massachusetts, please click on the state.

If you wish to have a better understanding of some of the sex offense laws in Maryland, please feel free to read following.

The following are some of the different types of sex offense laws you may be faced with in the state of Maryland:

Click on any one of the following terms to see how the State of Maryland defines them:

MARYLAND- SEX OFFENDERS REGISTRATION

The purpose of Subtitle 7, Title 11 of Maryland Code of Criminal Procedure is to establish the framework for the sex offender registration process and to specify the duties and responsibilities of a registrant and State and local agencies as established under Criminal Procedure, Code of Maryland.

The persons required to register with the supervising authority are, child sexual offender, an offender, a sexually violent offender, a sexually violent predator.

The section also requires the registration of non-resident offender who is

• a child sexual offender who, before moving into this State, was required to register in another state or by a federal, military, or Native American tribal court for a crime that occurred before October 1, 1995;
• an offender, sexually violent offender, or sexually violent predator who, before moving into this State, was required to register in another state or by a federal, military, or Native American tribal court for a crime that occurred before July 1, 1997; or
• a child sexual offender, offender, sexually violent offender, or sexually violent predator who is required to register in another state, who is not a resident of this State, and who enters this State:
  (i) to carry on employment;
  (ii) to attend a public or private educational institution, including a secondary school, trade or professional institution, or institution of higher education, as a full-time or part-time student; or
  (iii) as a transient.

MD Code, Criminal Procedure, § 11-701. Definitions (top)

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(a-1) “Board ” means the Sexual Offender Advisory Board.
(b) “Child sexual offender ” means a person who:
(1) has been convicted of violating § 3-602 of the Criminal Law Article;
(2) has been convicted of violating any of the provisions of the rape or sexual offense statutes under §§ 3-303 through 3-307 of the Criminal Law Article for a crime involving a child under the age of 15 years;
(3) has been convicted of violating the fourth degree sexual offense statute under § 3-308 of the Criminal Law Article for a crime involving a child under the age of 15 years and has been ordered by the court to register under this subtitle; or
(4) has been convicted in another state or in a federal, military, or Native American tribal court of a crime that, if committed in this State, would constitute one of the crimes listed in items (1) and (2) of this subsection.
(d) “Offender ” means a person who is ordered by a court to register under this subtitle and who:
(1) has been convicted of violating § 3-503 of the Criminal Law Article;
(2) has been convicted of violating § 3-502 of the Criminal Law Article or the fourth degree sexual offense statute under § 3-308 of the Criminal Law Article, if the victim is under the age of 18 years;
(3) has been convicted of the common law crime of false imprisonment, if the victim is under the age of 18 years and the person is not the victim’s parent;
(4) has been convicted of a crime that involves soliciting a person under the age of 18 years to engage in sexual conduct;
(5) has been convicted of violating the child pornography statute under § 11-207 of the Criminal Law Article;
(6) has been convicted of violating any of the prostitution and related crimes statutes under Title 11, Subtitle 3 of the Criminal Law Article if the intended prostitute or victim is under the age of 18 years;
(7) has been convicted of a crime that involves conduct that by its nature is a sexual offense against a person under the age of 18 years;
(8) has been convicted of an attempt to commit a crime listed in items (1) through (7) of this subsection; or
(9) has been convicted in another state or in a federal, military, or Native American tribal court of a crime that, if committed in this State, would constitute one of the crimes listed in items (1) through (8) of this subsection.
(f) “Sexually violent offender ” means a person who:
(1) has been convicted of a sexually violent offense; or
(2) has been convicted of an attempt to commit a sexually violent offense.
(g) “Sexually violent offense ” means:
(1) a violation of §§ 3-303 through 3-307 or §§ 3-309 through 3-312 of the Criminal Law Article;
(2) assault with intent to commit rape in the first or second degree or a sexual offense in the first or second degree as prohibited on or before September 30, 1996, under former Article 27, § 12 of the Code; or
(3) a crime committed in another state or in a federal, military, or Native American tribal jurisdiction that, if committed in this State, would constitute one of the crimes listed in item (1) or (2) of this subsection.
(h) “Sexually violent predator ” means:
(1) a person who:
(i) is convicted of a sexually violent offense; and
(ii) has been determined in accordance with this subtitle to be at risk of committing another sexually violent offense; or
(2) a person who is or was required to register every 90 days for life under the laws of another state or a federal, military, or Native American tribal jurisdiction.
(j) “Transient ” means a nonresident registrant who enters a county of this State with the intent to be in the State or is in the State for a period exceeding 14 days or for an aggregate period exceeding 30 days during a calendar year for a purpose other than employment or to attend an educational institution.

MD Code, Criminal Procedure, § 11-704- Registration required (top)

(a) A person shall register with the person’s supervising authority if the person is:
(1) a child sexual offender;
(2) an offender;
(3) a sexually violent offender;
(4) a sexually violent predator;
(5) a child sexual offender who, before moving into this State, was required to register in another state or by a federal, military, or Native American tribal court for a crime that occurred before October 1, 1995;
(6) an offender, sexually violent offender, or sexually violent predator who, before moving into this State, was required to register in another state or by a federal, military, or Native American tribal court for a crime that occurred before July 1, 1997; or
(7) a child sexual offender, offender, sexually violent offender, or sexually violent predator who is required to register in another state, who is not a resident of this State, and who enters this State:
(i) to carry on employment;
(ii) to attend a public or private educational institution, including a secondary school, trade or professional institution, or institution of higher education, as a full-time or part-time student; or
(iii) as a transient.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person is no longer subject to registration under this subtitle if:
(1) the underlying conviction requiring registration is reversed, vacated, or set aside; or
(2) the registrant is pardoned for the underlying conviction.

MD Code, Criminal Procedure, § 11-702.1. Retroactive application of subtitle (top)

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle shall be applied retroactively to include a registrant convicted of an offense committed before July 1, 1997, and who is under the custody or supervision of a supervising authority on October 1, 2001.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, this subtitle shall be applied retroactively to a child sexual offender who committed the sexual offense on or before October 1, 1995, and who is under the custody or supervision of a supervising authority on October 1, 2001.

MD Code § 11-721. Prohibited act; penalty (top)

(a) A registrant may not knowingly fail to register, knowingly fail to provide the written notice required under § 11-705(d), (e), or (f) of this subtitle, or knowingly provide false information of a material fact as required by this subtitle.
(b) A person who violates this section:
(1) for a first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both; and
(2) for a second or subsequent offense, is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
(c) A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.

MD Code § 11-717. Registration statements to be made available to public; posting on Internet (top)

(a)(1) The Department shall make available to the public registration statements or information about registration statements.
(2) Information about registration statements shall include, in plain language that can be understood without special knowledge of the criminal laws of the State, a description of the crime of the offender that is the basis for the registration, excluding details that would identify the victim.
(b) The Department may post on the Internet a current listing of each registrant’s name, crime, and other identifying information.
(c) The Department, through an Internet posting of current registrants, shall allow the public to electronically transmit information the public may have about a registrant to the Department, a parole agent of a registrant, and the local law enforcement unit where a registrant resides or where a registrant who is not a resident of the State will work or attend school.
(d) The Department shall allow members of the public who live in the county in which the registrant is to reside or where the registrant, if not a resident of the State, will work or attend school, by request, to receive electronic mail notification of the release from incarceration of a registered offender and the registration information of the offender.
(e) The Department shall establish regulations to carry out this section.

MD Code § 11-718. Notice to protect public (top)

(a)(1) If the Department or a local law enforcement unit finds that, to protect the public from a specific registrant, it is necessary to give notice of a registration statement or a change of address of the registrant to a particular person not otherwise identified under § 11-709 of this subtitle, then the Department or a local law enforcement unit shall give notice of the registration statement to that person.
(2) This notice is in addition to the notice required under § 11-709(b) (1) of this subtitle.
(b)(1) The Department and local law enforcement units shall establish procedures to carry out the notification requirements of this section, including the circumstances under and manner in which notification shall be provided.
(2) Appropriate notification procedures include those identified in § 11-709 of this subtitle.
(c) A local law enforcement unit and the Department may not release the identity of a victim of a crime that requires registration under this subtitle.
(d) A disclosure under this section does not limit or prohibit any other disclosure allowed or required under law.

Indecency and Obscenity

Subtitle 1. Adult Sexual Displays and Related Crimes (top)

MD Code § 11-101. Definitions

In general

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) Advertising purposes (top)

(b) “Advertising purposes” means the purpose of propagandizing in connection with the commercial:
(1) sale of a product;
(2) offering of a service; or
(3) exhibition of entertainment.

Sadomasochistic abuse (top)

(c) “Sadomasochistic abuse” means:
(1) flagellation or torture committed by or inflicted on an individual who is:
(i) nude;
(ii) wearing only undergarments; or
(iii) wearing a revealing or bizarre costume; or
(2) binding, fettering, or otherwise physically restraining an individual who is:
(i) nude;
(ii) wearing only undergarments; or
(iii) wearing a revealing or bizarre costume.

Sexual conduct (top)

(d) “Sexual conduct” means:
(1) human masturbation;
(2) sexual intercourse; or
(3) whether alone or with another individual or animal, any touching of or contact with:
(i) the genitals, buttocks, or pubic areas of an individual; or
(ii) breasts of a female individual.

Sexual excitement (top)

(e) “Sexual excitement” means:
(1) the condition of the human genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation;
(2) the condition of the human female breasts when in a state of sexual stimulation; or
(3) the sensual experiences of individuals engaging in or witnessing sexual conduct or nudity.
§ 11-102. Adult sexual displays–Selling or offering to sell to minor

Prohibited

(a) A person may not knowingly sell or offer to sell to a minor:
(1) a picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture, film, or other visual representation or image of an individual or portion of the human body that depicts sadomasochistic abuse, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement;
(2) a book, magazine, paperback, pamphlet, or other written or printed matter however reproduced, that contains:
(i) any matter enumerated in item (1) of this section;
(ii) obscene material; or
(iii) explicit verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sadomasochistic abuse, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement; or
(3) a sound recording that contains:
(i) obscene material; or
(ii) explicit verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sadomasochistic abuse, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-103. Adult sexual displays–Exhibition to minors (top)

Scope of section

(a) This section applies to a motion picture show or other presentation, whether animated or live, that wholly or partly:
(1) depicts or reveals:
(i) sadomasochistic abuse;
(ii) sexual conduct; or
(iii) sexual excitement; or
(2) includes obscene material or explicit verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual conduct.

Prohibited

(b) For monetary consideration or other valuable commodity or service, a person may not knowingly:
(1) exhibit to a minor without the presence of the minor’s parent or guardian a motion picture show or other presentation described in subsection (a) of this section;
(2) sell to a minor an admission ticket or other means to gain entrance to a motion picture show or other presentation described in subsection (a) of this section; or
(3) admit a minor without the presence of the minor’s parent or guardian to premises where a motion picture show or other presentation described in subsection (a) of this section is exhibited.

Penalty

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-104. Adult sexual displays–Allowing minors to enter or remain on premises (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person who operates or is employed in a sales, cashier, or managerial capacity in a retail establishment may not knowingly allow a minor without the presence of the minor’s parent or guardian to enter or remain on any premises where an item or activity detailed in § 11-102(a) of this subtitle is shown, displayed, or depicted.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-104.1. Adult sexual displays–Allowing minors to enter or remain on premises; Harford and Cecil counties (top)

Prohibited

(a) In Harford County and Cecil County, a person who operates a bookstore or entertainment venue in which an item or activity described in § 11-102 or § 11-103 of this subtitle is shown, displayed, or depicted and constitutes a majority of the items or activities offered for sale or rental by the bookstore or entertainment venue:
(1) shall require each individual upon entering the premises to display a driver’s license or an identification card that substantiates the individual’s age; and
(2) may not knowingly allow a minor to remain on the premises.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-105. Adult sexual displays–Displaying or allowing display for advertising purposes (top)

Prohibited–Display

(a) A person may not knowingly display for advertising purposes a picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, or other visual representation or image of an individual or portion of a human body that:
(1) depicts sadomasochistic abuse;
(2) depicts sexual conduct;
(3) depicts sexual excitement; or
(4) contains a verbal description or narrative account of sadomasochistic abuse, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement.

Prohibited–Allowing display

(b) A person may not knowingly allow a display described in subsection (a) of this section on premises that the person owns, rents, or manages.

Penalty

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-106. Adult sexual displays–Presumptions (top)

For purposes of §§ 11-101 through 11-105 of this subtitle, an employee of a person who operates premises where a public display violates this subtitle is presumed to have been the operator of the premises when the violation occurred if the employee was on the premises at the time of the violation.

§ 11-107. Indecent exposure (top)

A person convicted of indecent exposure is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Subtitle 2. Obscene Matter (top)

MD Code § 11-201. Definitions

In general

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

Distribute (top)

(b) “Distribute” means to transfer possession.

Knowingly (top)

(c) “Knowingly” means having knowledge of the character and content of the matter.

Matter (top)

(d) “Matter” means:
(1) a book, magazine, newspaper, or other printed or written material;
(2) a picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture, or other pictorial representation;
(3) a statue or other figure;
(4) a recording, transcription, or mechanical, chemical, or electrical reproduction; or
(5) any other article, equipment, machine, or material.

Sadomasochistic abuse (top)

(e) “Sadomasochistic abuse” has the meaning stated in § 11-101 of this title.

Sexual conduct (top)

(f) “Sexual conduct” has the meaning stated in § 11-101 of this title.

Sexual excitement (top)

(g) “Sexual excitement” has the meaning stated in § 11-101 of this title.

MD Code § 11-202. Obscene matter–Distribution, exhibition, importation, and publication (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not:
(1) knowingly send or cause to be sent any obscene matter into the State for sale or distribution;
(2) knowingly bring or cause to be brought any obscene matter into the State for sale or distribution;
(3) in the State prepare, publish, print, exhibit, distribute, or offer to distribute any obscene matter; or
(4) possess any obscene matter in the State with the intent to distribute, offer to distribute, or exhibit.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(2) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Injunction

(c)(1) The State’s Attorney may maintain an action for an injunction in the circuit court against a person to prevent the sale, further sale, distribution, further distribution, acquisition, publication, or possession within the State of any book, magazine, pamphlet, newspaper, story paper, writing paper, picture, card, drawing, photograph, motion picture film or showing, or any article, item, or instrument the use of which is obscene.
(2) The circuit court may enjoin the sale or distribution of a book, magazine, motion picture film or showing, or other publication or item that is prohibited under this section from sale or distribution.
(3) After being served a summons and complaint in an action by the State’s Attorney under this section, a person who sells, distributes, or acquires the enjoined material is chargeable with knowledge of the contents of the materials described in this section.
(4) The defendant is entitled to a trial of the issues within 1 day after joinder of issue.
(5) The court shall render a decision within 2 days after the conclusion of the trial.
(6) If an order or judgment is entered in favor of the State’s Attorney, the final order or judgment shall contain provisions:
(i) directing the person to surrender the obscene matter to the peace officer designated by the court or the county sheriff; and
(ii) directing the peace officer or county sheriff to seize and destroy the obscene matter.
(7) In an action brought under this section, the State’s Attorney is not:
(i) required to file a bond before an injunction order is issued;
(ii) liable for costs; or
(iii) liable for damages sustained because of the injunction order if judgment is rendered in favor of the defendant.

MD Code § 11-203. Sale or display of obscene item to minor (top)

Definitions

(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Distribute ” includes to rent.
(3) “Illicit sex ” means:
(i) human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;
(ii) acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy; or
(iii) fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals.
(4) “Item ” means a:
(i) still picture or photograph;
(ii) book, pocket book, pamphlet, or magazine;
(iii) videodisc, videotape, video game, film, or computer disc; or
(iv) recorded telephone message.
(5) “Obscene ” means:
(i) that the average adult applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;
(ii) that the work depicts sexual conduct specified in subsection (b) of this section in a way that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material; and
(iii) that the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious artistic, educational, literary, political, or scientific value.
(6) “Partially nude figure ” means a figure with:
(i) less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or
(ii) human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.

Prohibited

(b)(1) A person may not willfully or knowingly display or exhibit to a minor an item:
(i) the cover or content of which is principally made up of an obscene description or depiction of illicit sex; or
(ii) that consists of an obscene picture of a nude or partially nude figure.
(2) A person may not willfully or knowingly engage in the business of displaying, exhibiting, selling, showing, advertising for sale, or distributing to a minor an item:
(i) the cover or content of which is principally made up of an obscene description or depiction of illicit sex; or
(ii) that consists of an obscene picture of a nude or partially nude figure.
(3) If a newsstand or other place of business is frequented by minors, the owner, operator, franchisee, manager, or an employee with managerial responsibility may not openly and knowingly display at the place of business an item whose sale, display, exhibition, showing, or advertising is prohibited by paragraph (2) of this subsection.

Exception

(c) The provision of services or facilities by a telephone company under a tariff approved by the Public Service Commission is not a violation of subsection (b) of this section relating to recorded telephone messages.

Penalty

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(2) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
§ 11-204. Obscene performance in certain counties

Scope of section

(a) This section applies only in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Charles, Howard, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

Prohibited

(b)(1) A person may not prepare, give, direct, present, perform or participate in an obscene performance, exhibition, drama, play, show, dancing exhibition, tableau, or other entertainment in which individuals perform or participate live in an obscene manner in the presence of individuals who have paid any kind of consideration to observe the exhibition or performance.
(2) An owner, lessee, or manager of a building, garden, place, room, structure, or theater may not knowingly allow or assent to the use of the premises for the types of exhibitions prohibited by paragraph (1) of this subsection.

Penalty

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(2) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-205. Obscene matter–Advertising (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not knowingly:
(1) write or create advertising or otherwise promote the sale or distribution of matter the person represents or holds out to be obscene; or
(2) solicit the publication of advertising that promotes the sale or distribution of matter the person represents or holds out to be obscene.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(2) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-206. Obscene matter–Requiring acceptance (top)

Prohibited

(a)(1) A person may not knowingly require a purchaser or consignee to receive obscene matter as a condition to a sale, allocation, consignment, or delivery for resale of a paper, magazine, book, periodical, publication, or other merchandise.
(2) In response to a person’s return of or failure to accept obscene matter, a person may not knowingly:
(i) deny or revoke a franchise;
(ii) threaten to deny or revoke a franchise; or
(iii) impose a financial or other penalty.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(2) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-207. Child pornography (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not:
(1) cause, induce, solicit, or knowingly allow a minor to engage as a subject in the production of obscene matter or a visual representation or performance that depicts a minor engaged as a subject in sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct;
(2) photograph or film a minor engaging in an obscene act, sadomasochistic abuse, or sexual conduct;
(3) use a computer to depict or describe a minor engaging in an obscene act, sadomasochistic abuse, or sexual conduct;
(4) knowingly promote, distribute, or possess with the intent to distribute any matter, visual representation, or performance that depicts a minor engaged as a subject in sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct; or
(5) use a computer to knowingly compile, enter, transmit, make, print, publish, reproduce, cause, allow, buy, sell, receive, exchange, or disseminate any notice, statement, advertisement, or minor’s name, telephone number, place of residence, physical characteristics, or other descriptive or identifying information for the purpose of engaging in, facilitating, encouraging, offering, or soliciting unlawful sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct of or with a minor.

Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $25,000 or both; and
(2) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $50,000 or both.

Evidence

(c)(1)(i) This paragraph applies only if the minor’s identity is unknown or the minor is outside the jurisdiction of the State.
(ii) In an action brought under this section, the State is not required to identify or produce testimony from the minor who is depicted in the obscene matter or in any visual representation or performance that depicts the minor engaged as a subject in sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct.
(2) The trier of fact may determine whether an individual who is depicted in an obscene matter, or any visual representation or performance as the subject in sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct, was a minor by:
(i) observation of the matter depicting the individual;
(ii) oral testimony by a witness to the production of the matter, representation, or performance;
(iii) expert medical testimony; or
(iv) any other method authorized by an applicable provision of law or rule of evidence.

MD Code § 11-208. Possession of visual representation of child under 16 engaged in certain sexual acts (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not knowingly possess a film, videotape, photograph, or other visual representation depicting an individual under the age of 16 years:
(1) engaged as a subject of sadomasochistic abuse;
(2) engaged in sexual conduct; or
(3) in a state of sexual excitement.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and
(2) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Exemption

(c) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a parent from possessing visual representations of the parent’s own child in the nude unless the visual representations depict the child engaged:
(1) as a subject of sadomasochistic abuse; or
(2) in sexual conduct and in a state of sexual excitement.
§ 11-208.1. Interactive computer service providers; child pornography

Definitions (top)

(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Child pornography ” means any electronic image or visual depiction that is unlawful under § 11-207 or § 11-208 of this subtitle.
(3) “Controlled or owned “, with respect to a server or other storage device, means to be entirely owned by an interactive computer service provider or to be subject to exclusive management by an interactive computer service provider by agreement or otherwise.
(4) “Interactive computer service provider ” means an entity that provides a service that provides or enables computer access via the Internet by multiple users to a computer server or similar device used for the storage of graphics, video, or images.

Duties of law enforcement officers

(b) An investigative or law enforcement officer who receives information that an item of alleged child pornography resides on a server or other storage device controlled or owned by an interactive computer service provider shall:
(1) contact the interactive computer service provider that controls or owns the server or other storage device where the item of alleged child pornography is located;
(2) inform the interactive computer service provider of the provisions of this section; and
(3) request that the interactive computer service provider voluntarily comply with this section and remove the item of alleged child pornography from its server or other storage device, if practicable, within 5 business days.

Application for court order

(c)(1) If the interactive computer service provider does not voluntarily remove the item of alleged child pornography within the time period established in subsection (b) of this section, the investigative or law enforcement officer shall apply for a court order of authorization to remove the item of alleged child pornography in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 4 of the Courts Article.
(2) The application for a court order shall:
(i) identify the item of alleged child pornography discovered on the server or other storage device controlled or owned by an interactive computer service provider;
(ii) provide its location on the server or other storage device in the form of an Internet protocol (IP) address or uniform resource locator (URL);
(iii) state the grounds for the issuance of the order;
(iv) verify that the item of alleged child pornography resides on the server or other storage device controlled or owned by the interactive computer service provider;
(v) describe the steps taken to obtain voluntary compliance of the interactive computer service provider with this section;
(vi) inform the interactive computer service provider of its right to request a hearing on the application; and
(vii) state the name and title of the affiant.
(3) The investigative or law enforcement officer shall serve the application on the interactive computer service provider.
(4) The interactive computer service provider has the right to request a hearing before the court imposes any penalty under this section.

Court order

(d) The court shall review the application and testimony, if offered, and, upon a finding of probable cause, issue an order that:
(1) an item of child pornography resides on a server or other storage device controlled or owned by the interactive computer service provider or is accessible to persons located in the State;
(2) there is probable cause to believe that the item violates § 11-207 or § 11-208 of this subtitle;
(3) the interactive computer service provider shall remove the item residing on a server or other storage device controlled or owned by the interactive computer service provider within 5 business days after receiving the order, if practicable;
(4) failure of the interactive computer service provider to comply with the court’s order is a violation of this section;
(5) the removal of the item on the server or other storage device controlled or owned by the interactive computer service provider may not unreasonably interfere with a request by a law enforcement agency to preserve records or other evidence;
(6) the process of removal shall be conducted in a manner that prevents the removal of images, information, or data not otherwise subject to removal under this section; and
(7) provides the interactive computer service provider notice and opportunity for a hearing before the court imposes any penalty under this section.

Service of court order

(e)(1) The Office of the State’s Attorney shall serve the court’s order on the interactive computer service provider.
(2) The order shall be accompanied by:
(i) the application made under subsection (c) of this section;
(ii) notification requiring the interactive computer service provider to remove the item residing on a server or other storage device controlled or owned by the interactive computer service provider, if practicable, within 5 business days after receiving the order;
(iii) notification of the criminal penalties for failure to remove the item of child pornography;
(iv) notification of the right to appeal the court’s order; and
(v) contact information for the Office of the State’s Attorney.

Removal of child pornography

(f) An interactive computer service provider who is served with a court order under subsection (e) of this section shall remove the item of child pornography that is the subject of the order within 5 business days after receiving the court order, if practicable.

Petition for relief

(g)(1) An interactive computer service provider may petition the court for relief for cause from an order issued under subsection (d) of this section.
(2) The petition may be based on considerations of:
(i) the cost or technical feasibility of compliance with the order; or
(ii) the inability of the interactive computer service provider to comply with the order without also removing data, images, or information that are not subject to this section.

Report of child pornography

(h)(1)(i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, an interactive computer service provider shall report the location of an item of child pornography to the State Police if the item of child pornography:
1. resides on a server or other storage device that is:
A. controlled or owned by the interactive computer service provider; and
B. located in the State; or
2. based on information apparent to the provider at the time of the report or discovery of an item of child pornography, pertains to a subscriber or user of the interactive computer service who resides in the State.
(ii) Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not apply to an interactive computer service provider if:
1. federal law expressly provides for or permits the referral of a report of an item of child pornography to a state or local law enforcement agency; and
2. the interactive computer service provider complies with the federal law.
(2) An interactive computer service provider who knowingly and willfully fails to report the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(i) for a first violation, a fine not exceeding $5,000;
(ii) for a second violation, a fine not exceeding $20,000; and
(iii) for each subsequent violation, a fine not exceeding $30,000.

Failure to remove child pornography

(i) An interactive computer service provider who willfully violates subsection (f) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, a fine not exceeding $5,000;
(2) for a second violation, a fine not exceeding $20,000; and
(3) for each subsequent violation, a fine not exceeding $30,000.

Venue

(j) An interactive computer service provider who willfully violates subsection (f) or (h) of this section may be prosecuted, indicted, tried, and convicted in any county in or through which:
(1) the interactive computer service provider provides access to the Internet;
(2) any communication from the interactive computer service provider traveled; or
(3) the communication from the interactive computer service provider originated or terminated.

Application of section

(k)(1) This section does not impose a duty on an interactive computer service provider actively to monitor its service or affirmatively to seek evidence of an item of child pornography on its service.
(2) This section does not apply to the interactive computer service provider’s transmission or routing of, or intermediate temporary storage or caching of, an image, information, or data that otherwise is subject to this section.

Good faith actions

(l) An interactive computer service provider may not be held liable for any action taken in good faith to comply with this section.
MD Code § 11-209. Hiring minor for prohibited purpose (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not hire, employ, or use an individual, if the person knows, or possesses facts under which the person should reasonably know, that the individual is a minor, to do or assist in doing an act described in § 11-203 of this subtitle.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(2) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

MD Code § 11-210. Exemption from subtitle (top)

Bona fide justification

(a)(1) A person having a bona fide scientific, educational, governmental, artistic, news, or other similar justification for possessing or distributing prohibited matter is not subject to the prohibitions and penalties imposed by this subtitle.
(2) A distribution made in accordance with a bona fide scientific, educational, governmental, artistic, news, or other similar justification is not subject to the prohibitions and penalties imposed by this subtitle.

Exception to justification

(b) A justification is not bona fide under this section if a reasonable person would find that a dominant purpose of the depiction of an individual under the age of 16 years engaging in sexual conduct is to arouse or gratify sexual desire in either the violator, the individual under the age of 16 years, or the viewer.

MD Code § 11-211. Destruction of obscene matter under court order (top)

When the conviction of a person for a violation of this subtitle becomes final, the court may order the destruction of any matter or advertisement that was the basis of the person’s conviction and that remains in the possession or under the control of the court, the State, or a law enforcement unit.

Subtitle 3. Sexual Crimes (top)

MD Code § 3-301. Definitions

In general

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

Mentally defective individual (top)

(b) “Mentally defective individual ” means an individual who suffers from mental retardation or a mental disorder, either of which temporarily or permanently renders the individual substantially incapable of:
(1) appraising the nature of the individual’s conduct;
(2) resisting vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact; or
(3) communicating unwillingness to submit to vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.

Mentally incapacitated individual (top)

(c) “Mentally incapacitated individual ” means an individual who, because of the influence of a drug, narcotic, or intoxicating substance, or because of an act committed on the individual without the individual’s consent or awareness, is rendered substantially incapable of:
(1) appraising the nature of the individual’s conduct; or
(2) resisting vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.

Physically helpless individual (top)

(d) “Physically helpless individual ” means an individual who:
(1) is unconscious; or
(2)(i) does not consent to vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact; and
(ii) is physically unable to resist, or communicate unwillingness to submit to, vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.

Sexual act (top)

(e)(1) “Sexual act ” means any of the following acts, regardless of whether semen is emitted:
(i) analingus;
(ii) cunnilingus;
(iii) fellatio;
(iv) anal intercourse, including penetration, however slight, of the anus; or
(v) an act:
1. in which an object penetrates, however slightly, into another individual’s genital opening or anus; and
2. that can reasonably be construed to be for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the abuse of either party.
(2) “Sexual act” does not include:
(i) vaginal intercourse; or
(ii) an act in which an object penetrates an individual’s genital opening or anus for an accepted medical purpose.

Sexual contact (top)

(f)(1) “Sexual contact “, as used in §§ 3-307 and 3-308 of this subtitle, means an intentional touching of the victim’s or actor’s genital, anal, or other intimate area for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the abuse of either party.
(2) “Sexual contact” includes an act:
(i) in which a part of an individual’s body, except the penis, mouth, or tongue, penetrates, however slightly, into another individual’s genital opening or anus; and
(ii) that can reasonably be construed to be for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the abuse of either party.
(3) “Sexual contact” does not include:
(i) a common expression of familial or friendly affection; or
(ii) an act for an accepted medical purpose.

Vaginal intercourse (top)

(g)(1) “Vaginal intercourse ” means genital copulation, whether or not semen is emitted.
(2) “Vaginal intercourse” includes penetration, however slight, of the vagina.

MD Code § 3-302. Construction of subtitle (top)

In this subtitle an undefined word or phrase that describes an element of common-law rape retains its judicially determined meaning, except to the extent it is expressly or impliedly changed in this subtitle.

MD Code § 3-303. Rape in the first degree (top)

Prohibited–In general

(a) A person may not:
(1) engage in vaginal intercourse with another by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other; and
(2)(i) employ or display a dangerous weapon, or a physical object that the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon;
(ii) suffocate, strangle, disfigure, or inflict serious physical injury on the victim or another in the course of committing the crime;
(iii) threaten, or place the victim in fear, that the victim, or an individual known to the victim, imminently will be subject to death, suffocation, strangulation, disfigurement, serious physical injury, or kidnapping;
(iv) commit the crime while aided and abetted by another; or
(v) commit the crime in connection with a burglary in the first, second, or third degree.

Prohibited–Child kidnapping

(b) A person may not violate subsection (a) of this section while also violating § 3-503(a)(2) of this title involving a victim who is a child under the age of 16 years.

Prohibited–Children under age 13

(c) A person 18 years of age or older may not violate subsection (a) of this section involving a victim who is a child under the age of 13 years.

Penalty

(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.
(2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole if the defendant was previously convicted of violating this section or § 3-305 of this subtitle.
(4)(i) Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, a person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection (c) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 25 years and not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
(ii) A court may not suspend any part of the mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.
(iii) If the State fails to comply with subsection (e) of this section, the mandatory minimum sentence shall not apply.

Required notice

(e) If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole under subsection (d)(2), (3), or (4) of this section, or imprisonment for not less than 25 years under subsection (d)(4) of this section, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intention at least 30 days before trial.

MD Code § 3-304. Rape in the second degree (top)

Prohibited–In general

(a) A person may not engage in vaginal intercourse with another:
(1) by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other;
(2) if the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual, and the person performing the act knows or reasonably should know that the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual; or
(3) if the victim is under the age of 14 years, and the person performing the act is at least 4 years older than the victim.

Prohibited–Children under age 13

(b) A person 18 years of age or older may not violate subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section involving a child under the age of 13 years.

Penalty

(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
(2)(i) Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, a person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 5 years and not exceeding 20 years.
(ii) A court may not suspend any part of the mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.
(iii) If the State fails to comply with subsection (d) of this section, the mandatory minimum shall not apply.

Required notice

(d) If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for not less than 5 years under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intention at least 30 days before trial.

MD Code § 3-305. Sexual offense in the first degree (top)

Prohibited–In general

(a) A person may not:
(1) engage in a sexual act with another by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other; and
(2)(i) employ or display a dangerous weapon, or a physical object that the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon;
(ii) suffocate, strangle, disfigure, or inflict serious physical injury on the victim or another in the course of committing the crime;
(iii) threaten, or place the victim in fear, that the victim, or an individual known to the victim, imminently will be subject to death, suffocation, strangulation, disfigurement, serious physical injury, or kidnapping;
(iv) commit the crime while aided and abetted by another; or
(v) commit the crime in connection with a burglary in the first, second, or third degree.

Prohibited–Child kidnapping

(b) A person may not violate subsection (a) of this section while also violating § 3-503(a)(2) of this title involving a victim who is a child under the age of 16 years.

Prohibited–Children under age 13

(c) A person 18 years of age or older may not violate subsection (a) of this section involving a victim who is a child under the age of 13 years.

Penalty

(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.
(2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole if the defendant was previously convicted of violating this section or § 3-303 of this subtitle.
(4)(i) Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, a person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection (c) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 25 years and not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
(ii) A court may not suspend any part of the mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.
(iii) If the State fails to comply with subsection (e) of this section, the mandatory minimum sentence shall not apply.

Required notice

(e) If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole under subsection (d)(2), (3), or (4) of this section, or imprisonment for not less than 25 years under subsection (d)(4) of this section, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intention at least 30 days before trial.

MD Code § 3-306. Sexual offense in the second degree (top)

Prohibited–In general

(a) A person may not engage in a sexual act with another:
(1) by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other;
(2) if the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual, and the person performing the sexual act knows or reasonably should know that the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual; or
(3) if the victim is under the age of 14 years, and the person performing the sexual act is at least 4 years older than the victim.

Prohibited–Children under age 13

(b) A person 18 years of age or older may not violate subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section involving a child under the age of 13 years.

Penalty

(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
(2)(i) Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, a person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 5 years and not exceeding 20 years.
(ii) A court may not suspend any part of the mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.
(iii) If the State fails to comply with subsection (d) of this section, the mandatory minimum shall not apply.

Required notice

(d) If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for not less than 5 years under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intention at least 30 days before trial.

MD Code § 3-307. Sexual offense in the third degree (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not:
(1)(i) engage in sexual contact with another without the consent of the other; and
(ii) 1. employ or display a dangerous weapon, or a physical object that the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon;
2. suffocate, strangle, disfigure, or inflict serious physical injury on the victim or another in the course of committing the crime;
3. threaten, or place the victim in fear, that the victim, or an individual known to the victim, imminently will be subject to death, suffocation, strangulation, disfigurement, serious physical injury, or kidnapping; or
4. commit the crime while aided and abetted by another;
(2) engage in sexual contact with another if the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual, and the person performing the act knows or reasonably should know the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual;
(3) engage in sexual contact with another if the victim is under the age of 14 years, and the person performing the sexual contact is at least 4 years older than the victim;
(4) engage in a sexual act with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the sexual act is at least 21 years old; or
(5) engage in vaginal intercourse with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the act is at least 21 years old.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the third degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

MD Code § 3-308. Sexual offense in the fourth degree (top)

“Person in a position of authority” defined

(a) In this section, “person in a position of authority”:
(1) means a person who:
(i) is at least 21 years old;
(ii) is employed as a full-time permanent employee by a public or private preschool, elementary school, or secondary school; and
(iii) because of the person’s position or occupation, exercises supervision over a minor who attends the school; and
(2) includes a principal, vice principal, teacher, or school counselor at a public or private preschool, elementary school, or secondary school.

Prohibited–In general

(b) A person may not engage in:
(1) sexual contact with another without the consent of the other;
(2) except as provided in § 3-307(a)(4) of this subtitle, a sexual act with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the sexual act is at least 4 years older than the victim; or
(3) except as provided in § 3-307(a)(5) of this subtitle, vaginal intercourse with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the act is at least 4 years older than the victim.

Prohibited–Persons in a position of authority

(c)(1) Except as provided in § 3-307(a)(4) of this subtitle or subsection (b)(2) of this section, a person in a position of authority may not engage in a sexual act or sexual contact with a minor who, at the time of the sexual act or sexual contact, is a student enrolled at a school where the person in a position of authority is employed.
(2) Except as provided in § 3-307(a)(5) of this subtitle or subsection (b)(3) of this section, a person in a position of authority may not engage in vaginal intercourse with a minor who, at the time of the vaginal intercourse, is a student enrolled at a school where the person in a position of authority is employed.

Penalty

(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of sexual offense in the fourth degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(2)(i) On conviction of a violation of this section, a person who has been convicted on a prior occasion not arising from the same incident of a violation of §§ 3-303 through 3-312 or § 3-315 of this subtitle or § 3-602 of this title is subject to 6 imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(ii) If the State intends to proceed against a person under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, it shall comply with the procedures set forth in the Maryland Rules for the indictment and trial of a subsequent offender.

MD Code § 3-309. Attempted rape in the first degree (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not attempt to commit rape in the first degree.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.

MD Code § 3-310. Attempted rape in the second degree (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not attempt to commit rape in the second degree.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

MD Code § 3-311. Attempted sexual offense in the first degree (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not attempt to commit a sexual offense in the first degree.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.

MD Code § 3-312. Attempted sexual offense in the second degree (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not attempt to commit a sexual offense in the second degree.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

MD Code § 3-313. Subsequent sexual offenders (top)

In general

(a) On conviction of a violation of § 3-304, § 3-306, § 3-307, § 3- 310, or § 3-312 of this subtitle, a person who has been convicted on a prior occasion not arising from the same incident of any violation of §§ 3-303 through 3-306 of this subtitle is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.

Compliance with Maryland Rules

(b) If the State intends to proceed against a person under this section, it shall comply with the procedures set forth in the Maryland Rules for the indictment and trial of a subsequent offender.

MD Code § 3-314. Sexual conduct between correctional or juvenile justice employee and inmate or confined child (top)

Definitions

(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)(i) “Correctional employee ” means a:
1. correctional officer, as defined in § 8-201 of the Correctional Services Article; or
2. managing official or deputy managing official of a correctional facility.
(ii) “Correctional employee” includes a sheriff, warden, or other official who is appointed or employed to supervise a correctional facility.
(3)(i) “Inmate ” has the meaning stated in § 1-101 of this article.
(ii) “Inmate” includes an individual confined in a community adult rehabilitation center.

Prohibited–Correctional employee with inmate

(b) A correctional employee may not engage in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with an inmate.

Prohibited–Juvenile Services employee with confined child

(c) An employee or licensee of the Department of Juvenile Services may not engage in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with an individual confined in a child care institution licensed by the Department, a detention center for juveniles, or a facility for juveniles listed in Article 83C, § 2-117(a)(2) of the Code.

Penalty

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $3,000 or both.

Sentencing

(e) A sentence imposed for violation of this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for another crime under §§ 3- 303 through 3-312 of this subtitle.

MD Code § 3-315. Continuing course of conduct against child (top)

In general

(a) A person may not engage in a continuing course of conduct which includes three or more acts that would constitute violations of § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-305, § 3-306, or § 3-307 of this subtitle over a period of 90 days or more, with a victim who is under the age of 14 years at any time during the course of conduct.

Penalty

(b)(1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
(2) A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence under § 3-602 of this title.

Required number of acts

(c) In determining whether the required number of acts occurred in violation of this section, the trier of fact:
(1) must determine only that the required number of acts occurred; and
(2) need not determine which acts constitute the required number of acts.

Merger of offenses

(d)(1) A person may not be charged with a violation of § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-305, § 3-306, or § 3-307 of this subtitle involving the same victim in the same proceeding as a violation of this section unless the other violation charged occurred outside the time period charged under this section.
(2) A person may not be charged with a violation of § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-305, § 3-306, or § 3-307 of this subtitle involving the same victim unless the violation charged occurred outside the time period charged under this section.

MD Code § 3-316. Rape and sexual offense–Venue (top)

If a person is transported with the intent to violate a provision of §§ 3- 303 through 3-312, § 3-314, or § 3-315 of this subtitle, and the intent is followed by actual violation of a provision of §§ 3-303 through 3-312, § 3-314, or § 3-315 of this subtitle, the defendant may be tried in the appropriate court in a county where the transportation was offered, solicited, begun, continued, or ended.

MD Code § 3-317. Rape and sexual offense–Charging document (top)

Content

(a) An indictment, information, or warrant for a crime under §§ 3-303 through 3-312 or § 3-314 of this subtitle is sufficient if it substantially states:

“(name of defendant) on (date) in (county) committed a rape or sexual offense on (name of victim) in violation of (section violated) against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.”.

Bill of particulars

(b) In a case in which the general form of indictment, information, or warrant described in subsection (a) of this section is used, the defendant is entitled to a bill of particulars specifically setting forth the allegations against the defendant.

MD Code § 3-318. Rape and sexual offense–Spousal defense (top)

In general

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person may not be prosecuted under § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-307, or § 3-308 of this subtitle for a crime against a victim who was the person’s legal spouse at the time of the alleged rape or sexual offense.

Separation or use of force

(b) A person may be prosecuted under § 3-303(a), § 3-304(a)(1), or § 3-307(a)(1) of this subtitle for a crime against the person’s legal spouse if:
(1) at the time of the alleged crime the person and the person’s legal spouse have lived apart, without cohabitation and without interruption:
(i) under a written separation agreement executed by the person and the spouse; or
(ii) for at least 3 months immediately before the alleged rape or sexual offense; or
(2) the person in committing the crime uses force or threat of force and the act is without the consent of the spouse.

Limited divorce

(c) A person may be prosecuted under § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-307, or § 3-308 of this subtitle for a crime against the person’s legal spouse if at the time of the alleged crime the person and the spouse live apart, without cohabitation and without interruption, under a decree of limited divorce.

MD Code § 3-319. Rape and sexual offense–Admissibility of evidence (top)

Reputation and opinion evidence inadmissible

(a) Evidence relating to a victim’s reputation for chastity or abstinence and opinion evidence relating to a victim’s chastity or abstinence may not be admitted in a prosecution for:
(1) a crime specified under this subtitle or a lesser included crime;
(2) the sexual abuse of a minor under § 3-602 of this title or a lesser included crime; or
(3) the sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult under § 3-604 of this title or a lesser included crime.

Specific instance evidence admissibility requirements

(b) Evidence of a specific instance of a victim’s prior sexual conduct may be admitted in a prosecution described in subsection (a) of this section only if the judge finds that:
(1) the evidence is relevant;
(2) the evidence is material to a fact in issue in the case;
(3) the inflammatory or prejudicial nature of the evidence does not outweigh its probative value; and
(4) the evidence:
(i) is of the victim’s past sexual conduct with the defendant;
(ii) is of a specific instance of sexual activity showing the source or origin of semen, pregnancy, disease, or trauma;
(iii) supports a claim that the victim has an ulterior motive to accuse the defendant of the crime; or
(iv) is offered for impeachment after the prosecutor has put the victim’s prior sexual conduct in issue.

Closed hearing

(c)(1) Evidence described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section may not be referred to in a statement to a jury or introduced in a trial unless the court has first held a closed hearing and determined that the evidence is admissible.
(2) The court may reconsider a ruling excluding the evidence and hold an additional closed hearing if new information is discovered during the course of the trial that may make the evidence admissible.

MD Code § 3-320. Rape and sexual offense–Jury instructions (top)

In a criminal prosecution under §§ 3-303 through 3-312, § 3-314, or § 3-315 of this subtitle, a judge may not instruct the jury:
(1) to examine the testimony of the prosecuting witness with caution, solely because of the nature of the charge;
(2) that the charge is easily made or difficult to disprove, solely because of the nature of the charge; or
(3) to follow another similar instruction, solely because of the nature of the charge.

MD Code § 3-321. Sodomy (top)

A person who is convicted of sodomy is guilty of a felony and is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

MD Code § 3-322. Unnatural or perverted sexual practice (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not:
(1) take the sexual organ of another or of an animal in the person’s mouth;
(2) place the person’s sexual organ in the mouth of another or of an animal; or
(3) commit another unnatural or perverted sexual practice with another or with an animal.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Statute of limitations and in banc review

(c) A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.

Charging document

(d) An indictment for a violation of this section:
(1) is sufficient if it states that the defendant committed an unnatural and perverted sexual practice with a person or animal as applicable; but
(2) need not state the particular:
(i) unnatural or perverted sexual practice with which the defendant is charged; or
(ii) manner in which the defendant committed the unnatural or perverted sexual practice

MD Code § 3-323. Incest (top)

Prohibited

(a) A person may not knowingly engage in vaginal intercourse with anyone whom the person may not marry under § 2-202 of the Family Law Article.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year and not exceeding 10 years.

MD Code § 3-324. Sexual solicitation of minors (top)

Definitions

(a) In this section, “ solicit” means to command, authorize, urge, entice, request, or advise a person by any means, including:
(1) in person;
(2) through an agent or agency;
(3) over the telephone;
(4) through any print medium;
(5) by mail;
(6) by computer or Internet; or
(7) by any other electronic means.

Prohibited

(b) A person may not, with the intent to commit a violation of § 3-304, § 3-306, or § 3-307 of this subtitle, knowingly solicit a minor, or a law enforcement officer posing as a minor, to engage in activities that would be unlawful for the person to engage in under § 3-304, § 3-306, or § 3- 307 of this subtitle.

Jurisdiction

(c) A violation of this section is considered to be committed in the State for purposes of determining jurisdiction if the solicitation:
(1) originated in the State; or
(2) is received in the State.

Penalty

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $25,000 or both.

MD Code § 3-602. Sexual abuse of a minor (top)

Definitions

(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Family member ” has the meaning stated in § 3-601 of this subtitle.
(3) “Household member ” has the meaning stated in § 3-601 of this subtitle.
(4)(i) “Sexual abuse ” means an act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor, whether physical injuries are sustained or not.
(ii) “Sexual abuse” includes:
1. incest;
2. rape;
3. sexual offense in any degree;
4. sodomy; and
5. unnatural or perverted sexual practices.

Prohibited

(b)(1) A parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for the supervision of a minor may not cause sexual abuse to the minor.
(2) A household member or family member may not cause sexual abuse to a minor.

Penalty

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years.

Sentencing

(d) A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for:
(1) any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section; or
(2) a violation of § 3-601 of this subtitle involving an act of abuse separate from sexual abuse under this section.

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For more information or to make an appointment with a criminal defense attorney of SRIS, P.C., please call, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form

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VIRGINIA EXPUNGEMENT ATTORNEYS

The Virginia expungement attorneys of SRIS, P.C. have an extensive amount of experience in expungement law. Our Virginia expungement law lawyers routinely go before the Court and petition the courts for expungements. If you wish to consult a SRIS, P.C. Virginia expungement lawyer, please simply contact us via email or phone. An expungement attorney of SRIS, P.C. will gladly consult with you regarding your matter. Our attorneys and staff speak various languages, including English, Tamil, Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Telugu. For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS, P.C., please call us at the numbers below, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form.

To obtain a general overview of expungement laws, please click here

To learn more about the laws pertaining to expungement laws in Maryland or Massachusetts, please click on the state.

The expungement attorneys of SRIS, P.C., have offices in four different locations in Virginia. Our Virginia offices are located in the following areas: Fairfax, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond and Virginia Beach. However, we assist clients with expungement matters all throughout Virgina. The following is some basic information about expungements. Click on a question you may have regarding expungements:

What is an expungement?
Who is eligible to get records expunged?
What records may be expunged?

What is an expungement? (top)

Expungement of a record means that a criminal record is wiped from the slate. As a result, expungement makes the crime as if it never occurred. By successfully getting an expungement, each law enforcement agency will destroy their records of the crime. Expungement differs from getting a record sealed, which some people confuse the two for. By getting a record sealed, the file will remain intact but can only be released to other law enforcement agencies, so employers and other people cannot get a hold of the record but is not completely erased like an expungement will do.

Now with the Internet able to give access to limitless amounts of information, expungement is being sought at a much greater frequency. People are contacting attorneys that specialize in expungement criminal law because of the growing paranoia that a tarnished record will affect their future. Employers have access to criminal records and it can influence the decisions made because of it and an expungement can help prevent an otherwise debatable situation.

In some instances, charges that were dismissed can still appear on record to show that the individual is under indictment and an expungement can help diminish any confusion about a situation. Although found to be innocent by the law, records can cause suspicion to law enforcement agencies, employers, and anyone else able to access the records if an expungement is not sought. Some states are changing their expungement laws in order to allow for some people to petition for the removal of records, though laws regarding expungement differ from state to state.

In any case, with services on the Internet that now allows a minimal charge to search criminal records, expungement has become almost an obsession for many people afraid of how their records will negatively influence their reputation. For more information on expungement, please contact us to confer with a SRIS, P.C. criminal lawyer in handling expungements.

Who is eligible to get records expunged? (top)

A person charged and then acquitted, who had charges nolled, or granted an absolute pardon, may petition for expungement. Also, any person whose name or other identification has been used without his consent or authorization by another person who has been charged or arrested using such name or identification.

What records may be expunged? (top)

An eligible person may petition for expungement of police records and court records relating to the charge expunged. Also the division with control of DNA records shall purge all records and identifiable information in the data bank pertaining to the person and destroy all samples from the person upon receipt of (i) a written request for expungement pursuant to this section and (ii) a certified copy of the court order reversing and dismissing the conviction.

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