Indecent Liberties Charge in St. Mary’s County, MD — What Are Your Legal Options?
An indecent liberties charge in St. Mary’s County carries serious consequences under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide documented results of 4,739+ cases with over 93% favorable outcomes. You need an Indecent Liberties Lawyer St Marys County who understands local court procedures. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Indecent Liberties Charges in Maryland
Indecent liberties, often charged under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-801 et seq., involves sexual contact with a minor under 16 by a person in a position of authority or trust. This offense is distinct from other sex crimes because it focuses on the abuse of a custodial or supervisory relationship. A conviction carries mandatory sex offender registration and significant prison time. The prosecution must prove you intentionally engaged in sexual contact with a minor while occupying a position of trust. An Indecent Liberties Lawyer St Marys County can challenge the evidence and the nature of your relationship with the alleged victim.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-801 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in St. Mary’s County Court
In St. Mary’s County District Court, prosecutors often seek high bail for indecent liberties charges due to the nature of the offense. The State’s Attorney’s office here has a reputation for aggressively pursuing sex crime cases.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: Formal charges are read, and you enter a plea.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the state’s evidence, including any forensic interviews.
- Pretrial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Case proceeds to trial or plea negotiation, potentially including Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
Penalties for Indecent Liberties in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, indecent liberties with a minor is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties (Minor under 16) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of professional licenses; custody restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our St. Mary’s County Legal Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Looking for an indecent liberties charge lawyer St. Mary’s County near the Patuxent River Naval Air Station? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indecent Liberties Charges
What is the difference between indecent liberties and child sexual abuse in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Indecent liberties involves sexual contact with a minor under 16 by someone in a position of trust. Child sexual abuse is broader and includes any sexual act with a minor. Indecent liberties focuses on the abuse of authority.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for an indecent liberties charge in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. PBJ is available for many offenses in Maryland, but indecent liberties is a felony. PBJ may be negotiated depending on the facts and the State’s Attorney’s office. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for indecent liberties in Maryland?
Yes. A conviction for indecent liberties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-801 requires mandatory sex offender registration. The registration period depends on the tier of the offense. Registration is for life for most indecent liberties convictions.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in St. Mary’s County District Court?
It depends. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Felony cases in Circuit Court can take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of first appearance.
What should I do if I am accused of indecent liberties in St. Mary’s County?
No. Do not speak to police without an attorney present. Contact an Indecent Liberties Lawyer St Marys County immediately. Preserve any evidence that may support your defense. Follow all court-ordered conditions of release.
Can indecent liberties charges be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, and Stet dispositions. PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period. Convictions for indecent liberties generally cannot be expunged.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.