In the contemporary world of dating, social media and texting plays a prominent role.
For the most part, this is just a normal part of modern romance. However, people need to remember that Maryland’s law, which make some types of sexual contact sex crimes, still applies to online activity. Among other behavior,
Maryland’s laws criminalize sexual relationships with children under a certain age. For example, it is illegal for someone more than 4 years older than a person under 14 to have a relationship with that person. Those who violate this law may face years in prison.
Anti-solicitation laws have a broad reach
It is important for people to remember that police and prosecutors of this state strictly enforce Maryland’s laws. They also maintain an online present to trap people who are online who they think are taking steps to violate these laws.
Maryland’s laws against so-called solicitation prohibit any texts, emails, and the like which, in the eyes of police and prosecutors, are efforts to try to get a person who cannot consent to a sexual relationship to have one.
The law specifically says that it does not have to be a minor child with whom a person is communicating; it could be a police officer who pretending to be a minor online in order to hunt people who are breaking Maryland’s laws.
Even if nothing more happens, violating Maryland’s laws against solicitation can lead to a prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $25,000. Additionally, it is a felony conviction will require a person to register as a sex offender for decades.
Those faced with a solicitation charge should carefully consider their options and possible defenses.