Online Solicitation Defense Lawyer Serving Maryland & Prince George’s County

Online solicitation charges often begin with a text message, chat, or social media exchange—and can quickly escalate into life-altering criminal charges. These cases frequently originate from police sting operations in which officers pose as minors online. At Palumbo, Palumbo, & Lovelace, LLC, we represent individuals in Fort Washington, Prince George’s County, and throughout Maryland who are facing internet-based solicitation allegations. These charges move quickly, carry severe penalties, and demand immediate legal protection

Why You Need a Lawyer for Online Solicitation Charges

Why You Need a Lawyer

Online solicitation cases often involve chat transcripts, text exchanges, or social media messages. In undercover operations, law enforcement officers may engage in prolonged communication, escalate conversations, or create ambiguity regarding intent. Prosecutors frequently pursue charges based on limited context, and these cases often raise entrapment and evidentiary concerns.

Our attorneys defend clients by:

  • Investigating the authenticity and legality of chat transcripts.
  • Challenging law enforcement tactics and raising entrapment defenses where appropriate.
  • Protecting constitutional rights during searches and seizures of digital devices.
  • Disputing identity, knowledge, and intent to solicit.
  • Seeking dismissal, reduction, or resolution of charges before trial.
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Types of Online Solicitation Cases We Handle

We focus on the details—because in these cases, they matter most.

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Solicitation of a Minor Online

Charges arising from alleged communication via text, chatrooms, apps, or social media with the intent to meet a minor.

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Law Enforcement Sting Operations

Undercover police posing as minors online often give rise to entrapment concerns and questions about fairness in law enforcement conduct.

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Transmission of Explicit Material

Sending or receiving images or messages can result in additional charges, depending on the alleged recipient’s age and the circumstance

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Attempts to Arrange Meetings

Maryland law allows prosecution even when no physical meeting occurs. Alleged planning or intent alone can form the basis of charges.

Felony charges. Registry requirements. Lifetime consequences.

Penalties for Online Solicitation in Maryland

Online solicitation charges are serious felony offenses. Depending on the charge, penalties may include:

  • Imprisonment of up to 10 to 25 years.
  • Mandatory registration as a sex offender.
  • Restrictions on internet use and communication devices.
  • Permanent criminal record.
  • Immigration, housing, and employment consequences.
  • Lasting damage to reputation and family relationships, even without conviction.

These penalties underscore the need for immediate, skilled defense.

Discreet, determined defense for digital sex crime charges.

How Palumbo, Palumbo, & Lovelace Can Help

We provide discreet, strategic defense for clients facing solicitation allegations. Our attorneys have extensive experience challenging digital evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and protecting clients’ rights from investigation through trial.

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  • Thorough review of chat logs, metadata, and device evidence.

  • Constitutional challenges to unlawful searches or seizures.

  • Constitutional challenges to unlawful searches

  • Trial advocacy designed to present the full context of communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I be charged if I never met with anyone?

    Yes. Maryland law allows charges based on communication and intent alone. However, the State must prove these elements beyond a reasonable doubt, and we carefully examine their ability to do so.

  • What if the person I was talking to wasn’t actually a minor?

    If the case involves a sting operation, entrapment may be a defense. We analyze law enforcement’s conduct to determine whether your rights were violated.

  • Will I have to register as a sex offender?

    Some solicitation convictions require registration. Our attorneys work to resolve cases in ways that avoid both conviction and registry whenever possible.

  • Should I talk to police if they call or show up?

    No. Politely decline to answer questions and request an attorney immediately. Anything said to investigators can be used against you.

Defending Online Solicitation Charges Across Prince George’s County

Palumbo, Palumbo, & Lovelace, LLC defends clients facing online solicitation charges in Fort Washington, Clinton, Suitland, Upper Marlboro, and throughout Southern Maryland. These are among the most serious and sensitive criminal allegations in Maryland, and we provide the confidentiality, professionalism, and advocacy they demand.

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