In Howard County, indecent liberties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-308 carries up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact an Indecent Liberties Lawyer Howard County today.
Understanding Indecent Liberties Charges in Howard County
Maryland law defines indecent liberties as sexual contact with a minor under 16 by a person in a position of authority or trust. The charge is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-308. Unlike child sex abuse, indecent liberties does not require sexual intercourse — any sexual touching or exposure with a minor can trigger this charge. A conviction requires registration as a sex offender for life. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases aggressively at the District Court of MD for Howard County and Howard County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal References
Review the official statute: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-308 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Howard County Indecent Liberties Cases
In Howard County District Court, prosecutors often file indecent liberties charges as a lesser-included offense of child sex abuse. The key procedural advantage is that Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is available for indecent liberties in some circumstances, which avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Contact an Indecent Liberties Lawyer Howard County immediately after arrest or investigation.
- Do not speak to police without counsel present — anything you say can be used as evidence.
- Your attorney will request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Your attorney will review discovery for procedural errors or lack of evidence.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or reduced charges.
- If no acceptable plea, prepare for trial at District Court of MD for Howard County.
In Howard County, indecent liberties carries up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $25,000, and mandatory sex offender registration for life.
| 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 for life; loss of professional licenses; custody restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Indecent Liberties Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes Kristen Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who prosecuted sex crimes in Howard County. She understands how the State’s Attorney builds indecent liberties cases and can identify weaknesses in their evidence.
Case Results in Sex Crimes Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved significant results in sex crimes cases across Maryland. In Baltimore County, a client charged with Possess Child Pornography received 5 years incarceration with ALL suspended, plus 5 years supervised probation under C.O.M.E.T. In two separate cases, clients charged with Child Pornography Promote/Distribute received Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped). These results demonstrate our ability to challenge evidence and negotiate favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Indecent Liberties Lawyer Near Howard County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indecent Liberties Charges in Howard County
What is the difference between indecent liberties and child sex abuse in Maryland?
Yes. Indecent liberties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-308 involves sexual contact with a minor under 16 by a person in a position of authority. Child sex abuse under § 3-602 requires sexual intercourse or penetration. Indecent liberties is a lesser-included offense of child sex abuse.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for indecent liberties in Howard County?
It depends. PBJ is available for indecent liberties in some circumstances, particularly for first-time offenders with no prior criminal record. The judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. After successful probation, the case can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
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 § 3-308 requires mandatory sex offender registration for life. This is why avoiding a conviction through PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or dismissal is critical to protecting your future.
How long do I have to hire a lawyer after an indecent liberties arrest in Howard County?
Immediately. After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Having an attorney present at these early stages can significantly affect your case outcome.
What is the statute of limitations for indecent liberties in Maryland?
No. There is no statute of limitations for indecent liberties charges in Maryland when the victim is under 18. Prosecution can begin at any time, even decades after the alleged incident. This makes early legal representation essential.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer Howard County
- Family Law Lawyer Howard County
- Kristen Fisher — Former MD Prosecutor
- Our Maryland Office
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.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.