Indecent Liberties Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties charge in St. Mary’s County carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-308. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A former MD prosecutor leads your defense at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. Consultation by appointment.
Understanding Indecent Liberties Charges in St. Mary’s County
Last verified: 2026-04 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-308 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines indecent liberties as sexual contact with a minor under age 14 by a person who is at least 4 years older. The charge applies when the contact is not intercourse but involves the genitals, anus, or breasts for sexual arousal or gratification. This is a felony offense prosecuted by the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney. A conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the contact occurred and that the defendant acted with the specific intent of sexual gratification. The statute covers acts such as touching, fondling, or causing a minor to touch the defendant. An Indecent Liberties Lawyer St Marys County from SRIS, P.C. can explain how the state must prove each element of this charge.
Official Legal Resources
Insider Procedural Edge for St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County District Court, prosecutors often file indecent liberties charges as a companion to child sex abuse charges. The key distinction is that indecent liberties does not require penetration. A former MD prosecutor on your team understands how the State’s Attorney evaluates these cases during initial charging decisions. The court at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 handles the initial appearance and bail review. Felony cases transfer to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for jury trials.
- Step 1: Initial Appearance — You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions. The commissioner considers flight risk and community safety.
- Step 2: Bail Review — If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court. Your attorney argues for pretrial release with conditions.
- Step 3: Preliminary Hearing — For felony charges, a preliminary hearing within 30 days determines if probable cause exists to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Step 4: Arraignment — In Circuit Court, you enter a plea. The court sets a scheduling order for motions and trial.
- Step 5: Discovery and Motions — Your attorney reviews the state’s evidence, files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Step 6: Trial or Plea — If no resolution, the case proceeds to jury trial in Circuit Court. A plea agreement may include PBJ or reduced charges.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, indecent liberties with a minor carries up to 10 years incarceration and a $25,000 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties (Minor under 14) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Sex offender registration (lifetime); mandatory supervision upon release; loss of custody rights; professional license revocation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results in Sex Crimes Defense
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In sex crimes cases in Maryland, the firm has achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and probation dispositions for charges including child pornography possession and distribution. These results demonstrate the firm’s ability to negotiate favorable resolutions in serious sex offense cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Indecent Liberties Lawyer Near St. Mary’s County
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
Near-Me: Looking for an indecent liberties charge lawyer St. Mary’s County near you? We represent clients throughout Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Neighborhoods Served: Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, Mechanicsville (MD).
Availability: 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indecent Liberties Charges
What is the difference between indecent liberties and child sex abuse in Maryland?
Yes. Indecent liberties (Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-308) involves sexual contact without intercourse. Child sex abuse (§ 3-602) involves sexual abuse as a parent or caretaker. Both are felonies but carry different penalties and registration requirements.
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 at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. For indecent liberties, PBJ may be offered to first-time offenders who complete a sex offender evaluation. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for indecent liberties in Maryland?
Yes. Indecent liberties with a minor under 14 requires lifetime sex offender registration in Maryland. Registration is mandatory regardless of the sentence imposed. Failure to register is a separate felony offense.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Misdemeanor cases in District Court resolve in 30-90 days. Felony cases in Circuit Court take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of the 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 a child sex offense defense lawyer St. Mary’s County immediately. Any statement you make can be used against you. Your attorney can arrange a bail review and begin building your defense.
Can indecent liberties charges be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. If the case ends in acquittal, dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet, expungement is available. PBJ requires a 3-year waiting period. Convictions for indecent liberties generally cannot be expunged under Maryland law.
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.