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Registrable Sex Crimes

§3–301.  Definitions
§3–303.  Rape in the First Degree
§3–304.  Rape in the Second Degree
§3–305.  Sexual Offense in the First Degree
§3–306.  Sexual Offense in the Second Degree
§3–307.  Sexual Offense in the Third Degree
§3–308.  Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree
§3–309.  Attempted Rape in the First Degree
§3–310.  Attempted Rape in the Second Degree
§3–311.  Attempted Sexual Offense in the First Degree
§3–312.  Attempted Sexual Offense in the Second Degree
§3–313.  Prior conviction - Sentencing
§3–314.  Sexual conduct between correctional or Department of Juvenile Services employee and inmate or confined child
§3–315.  Continuing course of conduct with child
§3–321.  Sodomy
§3–322.  Unnatural or perverted sexual practice
§3–323.  Incest
§3–324.  Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
§3–502. Kidnapping
§3–503.  Child kidnapping
§3–602.  Sexual abuse of a minor
§3–603.  Sale of minor
§3–902.  Visual surveillance with prurient intent
§11–207.  Child pornography
§11–208.  Possession of visual representation of child under 16 engaged in certain sexual acts
§11–209.  Hiring minor for prohibited purpose
§11–303.  Human trafficking
§11–305.  Abduction of child under 16
§11–306.  House of prostitution

Article - Criminal Law

§3–301.  Definitions
    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)     “Mentally defective individual” means an individual who suffers from mental retardation or a mental disorder, either of which temporarily or permanently renders the individual substantially incapable of:
         (1)     appraising the nature of the individual’s conduct;
         (2)     resisting vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact; or
         (3)     communicating unwillingness to submit to vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.

(c)     “Mentally incapacitated individual” means an individual who, because of the influence of a drug, narcotic, or intoxicating substance, or because of an act committed on the individual without the individual’s consent or awareness, is rendered substantially incapable of:
         (1)     appraising the nature of the individual’s conduct; or
         (2)     resisting vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.

(d)     “Physically helpless individual” means an individual who:
         (1)     is unconscious; or
         (2)     (i)      does not consent to vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact; and
                  (ii)     is physically unable to resist, or communicate unwillingness to submit to, vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.

(e)     (1)    “Sexual act” means any of the following acts, regardless of whether semen is emitted:
                  (i)      analingus;
                  (ii)     cunnilingus;
                  (iii)    fellatio;
                  (iv)    anal intercourse, including penetration, however slight, of the anus; or
                  (v)     an act:
                           1.      in which an object penetrates, however slightly, into another individual’s genital opening or anus; and
                           2.      that can reasonably be construed to be for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the abuse of either party.

         (2)     “Sexual act” does not include:
                  (i)      vaginal intercourse; or
                  (ii)     an act in which an object penetrates an individual’s genital opening or anus for an accepted medical purpose.

(f)     (1)     “Sexual contact”, as used in §§ 3–307, 3–308, and 3–314 of this subtitle, means an intentional touching of the victim’s or actor’s genital, anal, or other intimate area for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the abuse of either party.
         (2)     “Sexual contact” includes an act:
                  (i)      in which a part of an individual’s body, except the penis, mouth, or tongue, penetrates, however slightly, into another individual’s genital opening or anus; and
                  (ii)     that can reasonably be construed to be for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the abuse of either party.
         (3)     “Sexual contact” does not include:
                  (i)      a common expression of familial or friendly affection; or
                  (ii)     an act for an accepted medical purpose.

(g)    (1)     “Vaginal intercourse” means genital copulation, whether or not semen is emitted.
         (2)     “Vaginal intercourse” includes penetration, however slight, of the vagina.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–303.     Rape in the First Degree

(a)     A person may not:
         (1)     engage in vaginal intercourse with another by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other; and
         (2)     (i)      employ or display a dangerous weapon, or a physical object that the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon;
                  (ii)     suffocate, strangle, disfigure, or inflict serious physical injury on the victim or another in the course of committing the crime;
                  (iii)    threaten, or place the victim in fear, that the victim, or an individual known to the victim, imminently will be subject to death, suffocation, strangulation, disfigurement, serious physical injury, or kidnapping;
                  (iv)    commit the crime while aided and abetted by another; or
                  (v)     commit the crime in connection with a burglary in the first, second, or third degree.

(b)     A person may not violate subsection (a) of this section while also violating § 3–503(a)(2) of this title involving a victim who is a child under the age of 16 years.

(c)     A person 18 years of age or older may not violate subsection (a) of this section involving a victim who is a child under the age of 13 years.

(d)     (1)     Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.
         (2)     A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
         (3)     A person who violates subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole if the defendant was previously convicted of violating this section or § 3–305 of this subtitle.
         (4)     (i)      Subject to subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, a person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection (c) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 25 years and not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
                  (ii)     A court may not suspend any part of the mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.
                  (iii)    The person is not eligible for parole during the mandatory minimum sentence.
                  (iv)    If the State fails to comply with subsection (e) of this section, the mandatory minimum sentence shall not apply.

(e)     If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole under subsection (d)(2), (3), or (4) of this section, or imprisonment for not less than 25 years under subsection (d)(4) of this section, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intention at least 30 days before trial.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–304.     Rape in the Second Degree

(a)     A person may not engage in vaginal intercourse with another:
         (1)     by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other;
         (2)     if the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual, and the person performing the act knows or reasonably should know that the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual; or
         (3)     if the victim is under the age of 14 years, and the person performing the act is at least 4 years older than the victim.

(b)     A person 18 years of age or older may not violate subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section involving a child under the age of 13 years.

(c)     (1)     Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
         (2)     (i)      Subject to subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, a person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of rape in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 15 years and not exceeding life.
                  (ii)     A court may not suspend any part of the mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
                  (iii)    The person is not eligible for parole during the mandatory minimum sentence.
                  (iv)    If the State fails to comply with subsection (d) of this section, the mandatory minimum shall not apply.
(d)     If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for not less than 15 years under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intention at least 30 days before trial.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–305.     Sexual Offense in the First Degree

(a)     A person may not:
         (1)     engage in a sexual act with another by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other; and
         (2)     (i)      employ or display a dangerous weapon, or a physical object that the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon;
                  (ii)     suffocate, strangle, disfigure, or inflict serious physical injury on the victim or another in the course of committing the crime;
                  (iii)    threaten, or place the victim in fear, that the victim, or an individual known to the victim, imminently will be subject to death, suffocation, strangulation, disfigurement, serious physical injury, or kidnapping;
                  (iv)    commit the crime while aided and abetted by another; or
                  (v)     commit the crime in connection with a burglary in the first, second, or third degree.

(b)     A person may not violate subsection (a) of this section while also violating § 3–503(a)(2) of this title involving a victim who is a child under the age of 16 years.

(c)    A person 18 years of age or older may not violate subsection (a) of this section involving a victim who is a child under the age of 13 years.

(d)    (1)     Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.
         (2)     A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
         (3)     A person who violates subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole if the defendant was previously convicted of violating this section or § 3–303 of this subtitle.
         (4)     (i)      Subject to subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, a person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection (c) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 25 years and not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
                  (ii)     A court may not suspend any part of the mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.
                  (iii)    The person is not eligible for parole during the mandatory minimum sentence.
                  (iv)    If the State fails to comply with subsection (e) of this section, the mandatory minimum sentence shall not apply.

(e)     If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole under subsection (d)(2), (3), or (4) of this section, or imprisonment for not less than 25 years under subsection (d)(4) of this section, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intention at least 30 days before trial.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–306.  Sexual Offense in the Second Degree

(a)     A person may not engage in a sexual act with another:
         (1)     by force, or the threat of force, without the consent of the other;
         (2)     if the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual, and the person performing the sexual act knows or reasonably should know that the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual; or
         (3)     if the victim is under the age of 14 years, and the person performing the sexual act is at least 4 years older than the victim.

(b)     A person 18 years of age or older may not violate subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section involving a child under the age of 13 years.

(c)     (1)     Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
         (2)     (i)      Subject to subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, a person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 15 years and not exceeding life.
                  (ii)     A court may not suspend any part of the mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
                  (iii)    The person is not eligible for parole during the mandatory minimum sentence.
                  (iv)    If the State fails to comply with subsection (d) of this section, the mandatory minimum shall not apply.

(d)     If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for not less than 15 years under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intention at least 30 days before trial.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–307.  Sexual Offense in the Third Degree

(a)     A person may not:
         (1)     (i)      engage in sexual contact with another without the consent of the other; and
                  (ii)     1.      employ or display a dangerous weapon, or a physical object that the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon;
                           2.      suffocate, strangle, disfigure, or inflict serious physical injury on the victim or another in the course of committing the crime;
                           3.      threaten, or place the victim in fear, that the victim, or an individual known to the victim, imminently will be subject to death, suffocation, strangulation, disfigurement, serious physical injury, or kidnapping; or
                           4.      commit the crime while aided and abetted by another;
         (2)     engage in sexual contact with another if the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual, and the person performing the act knows or reasonably should know the victim is a mentally defective individual, a mentally incapacitated individual, or a physically helpless individual;
         (3)     engage in sexual contact with another if the victim is under the age of 14 years, and the person performing the sexual contact is at least 4 years older than the victim;
         (4)     engage in a sexual act with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the sexual act is at least 21 years old; or
         (5)   engage in vaginal intercourse with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the act is at least 21 years old.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of sexual offense in the third degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–308.     Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree

(a)     In this section, “person in a position of authority”:
         (1)     means a person who:
                  (i)      is at least 21 years old;
                  (ii)     is employed as a full-time permanent employee by a public or private preschool, elementary school, or secondary school; and
                  (iii)    because of the person’s position or occupation, exercises supervision over a minor who attends the school; and
         (2)     includes a principal, vice principal, teacher, or school counselor at a public or private preschool, elementary school, or secondary school.

(b)     A person may not engage in:
         (1)     sexual contact with another without the consent of the other;
         (2)     except as provided in § 3-307(a)(4) of this subtitle, a sexual act with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the sexual act is at least 4 years older than the victim; or
         (3)     except as provided in § 3-307(a)(5) of this subtitle, vaginal intercourse with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the act is at least 4 years older than the victim.

(c)     (1)     Except as provided in § 3-307(a)(4) of this subtitle or subsection (b)(2) of this section, a person in a position of authority may not engage in a sexual act or sexual contact with a minor who, at the time of the sexual act or sexual contact, is a student enrolled at a school where the person in a position of authority is employed.
         (2)     Except as provided in § 3-307(a)(5) of this subtitle or subsection (b)(3) of this section, a person in a position of authority may not engage in vaginal intercourse with a minor who, at the time of the vaginal intercourse, is a student enrolled at a school where the person in a position of authority is employed.

(d)    (1)     Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of sexual offense in the fourth degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
         (2)     (i)      On conviction of a violation of this section, a person who has been convicted on a prior occasion not arising from the same incident of a violation of §§ 3-303 through 3-312 or § 3-315 of this subtitle or § 3-602 of this title is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
                  (ii)     f the State intends to proceed against a person under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, it shall comply with the procedures set forth in the Maryland Rules for the indictment and trial of a subsequent offender.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–309.     Attempted Rape in the First Degree
(a)     A person may not attempt to commit rape in the first degree.
(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.

 

§3–310.     Attempted Rape in the Second Degree
(a)     A person may not attempt to commit rape in the second degree.
(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

 

§3–311.     Attempted Sexual Offense in the First Degree
(a)     A person may not attempt to commit a sexual offense in the first degree.
(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.

 

§3–312.     Attempted Sexual Offense in the Second Degree
(a)     A person may not attempt to commit a sexual offense in the second degree.
(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

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Article - Criminal Law


§3–313.     Prior conviction - Sentencing

(a)     On conviction of a violation of § 3-304, § 3-306, § 3-307, § 3-310, or § 3-312 of this subtitle, a person who has been convicted on a prior occasion not arising from the same incident of any violation of §§ 3-303 through 3-306 of this subtitle is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.

(b)     If the State intends to proceed against a person under this section, it shall comply with the procedures set forth in the Maryland Rules for the indictment and trial of a subsequent offender.

 

Article - Criminal Law


§3–314.     Sexual conduct between correctional or Department of Juvenile Services employee and inmate or confined child

(a)    (1)     In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
         (2)     (i)      “Correctional employee” means a:
                           1.      correctional officer, as defined in § 8–201 of the Correctional Services Article; or
                           2.      managing official or deputy managing official of a correctional facility.
                  (ii)     “Correctional employee” includes a sheriff, warden, or other official who is appointed or employed to supervise a correctional facility.

         (3)     (i)      “Inmate” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of this article.
                  (ii)     Inmate” includes an individual confined in a community adult rehabilitation center.

(b)     (1)     This subsection applies to:
                  (i)      a correctional employee;
                  (ii)     any other employee of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services or a correctional facility;
                  (iii)    an employee of a contractor providing goods or services to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services or a correctional facility; and
                  (iv)    any other individual working in a correctional facility, whether on a paid or volunteer basis.
         (2)     A person described in paragraph (1) of this subsection may not engage in sexual contact, vaginal intercourse, or a sexual act with an inmate.

(c)     A person may not engage in sexual contact, vaginal intercourse, or a sexual act with an individual confined in a child care institution licensed by the Department, a detention center for juveniles, or a facility for juveniles listed in § 9–226(b) of the Human Services Article.

(d)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $3,000 or both.

(e)     A sentence imposed for violation of this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for another crime under §§ 3–303 through 3–312 of this subtitle.

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Article - Criminal Law


§3–315.     Continuing course of conduct with child

(a)     A person may not engage in a continuing course of conduct which includes three or more acts that would constitute violations of § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-305, § 3-306, or § 3-307 of this subtitle over a period of 90 days or more, with a victim who is under the age of 14 years at any time during the course of conduct.

(b)    (1)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
         (2)     A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence under § 3-602 of this title.

(c)     In determining whether the required number of acts occurred in violation of this section, the trier of fact:
         (1)     must determine only that the required number of acts occurred; and
         (2)     need not determine which acts constitute the required number of acts.

(d)     (1)     A person may not be charged with a violation of § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-305, § 3-306, or § 3-307 of this subtitle involving the same victim in the same proceeding as a violation of this section unless the other violation charged occurred outside the time period charged under this section.
         (2)     A person may not be charged with a violation of § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-305, § 3-306, or § 3-307 of this subtitle involving the same victim unless the violation charged occurred outside the time period charged under this section.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–321.     Sodomy
A person who is convicted of sodomy is guilty of a felony and is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

 


Article - Criminal Law

§3–322.     Unnatural or perverted sexual practice

(a)     A person may not:
         (1)     take the sexual organ of another or of an animal in the person’s mouth;
         (2)     place the person’s sexual organ in the mouth of another or of an animal; or
         (3)     commit another unnatural or perverted sexual practice with another or with an animal.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(c)     A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.

(d)     An indictment for a violation of this section:
         (1)     is sufficient if it states that the defendant committed an unnatural and perverted sexual practice with a person or animal as applicable; but
         (2)     need not state the particular:
                  (i)      unnatural or perverted sexual practice with which the defendant is charged; or
                  (ii)     manner in which the defendant committed the unnatural or perverted sexual practice.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–323.     Incest

(a)     A person may not knowingly engage in vaginal intercourse with anyone whom the person may not marry under § 2-202 of the Family Law Article.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year and not exceeding 10 years.

 

Article - Criminal Law

§3–324.     Sexual Solicitation of a Minor

(a)     In this section, “solicit” means to command, authorize, urge, entice, request, or advise a person by any means, including:
         (1)     in person;
         (2)     through an agent or agency;
         (3)     over the telephone;
         (4)     through any print medium;
         (5)     by mail;
         (6)     by computer or Internet; or
         (7)     by any other electronic means.

(b)     A person may not, with the intent to commit a violation of § 3–304, § 3–306, or § 3–307 of this subtitle or § 11–304, § 11–305, or § 11–306 of this article, knowingly solicit a minor, or a law enforcement officer posing as a minor, to engage in activities that would be unlawful for the person to engage in under § 3–304, § 3–306, or § 3–307 of this subtitle or § 11–304, § 11–305, or § 11–306 of this article.

(c)     A violation of this section is considered to be committed in the State for purposes of determining jurisdiction if the solicitation:
         (1)     originated in the State; or
         (2)     is received in the State.

(d)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $25,000 or both.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–502.     Kidnapping 

(a)     A person may not, by force or fraud, carry or cause a person to be carried in or outside the State with the intent to have the person carried or concealed in or outside the State.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of kidnapping and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.

(c)     Kidnapping does not include the act of a parent in carrying a minor child of that parent in or outside the State.

 

Article - Criminal Law

§3–503.     Child kidnapping

(a)     (1)     A person may not, without color of right:
                  (i)      forcibly abduct, take, or carry away a child under the age of 12 years from:
                           1.      the home or usual place of abode of the child; or
                           2.      the custody and control of the child’s parent or legal guardian;
                  (ii)     without the consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian, persuade or entice a child under the age of 12 years from:
                           1.      the child’s home or usual place of abode; or
                           2.      the custody and control of the child’s parent or legal guardian; or
                  (iii)    with the intent of depriving the child’s parent or legal guardian, or any person lawfully possessing the child, of the custody, care, and control of the child, knowingly secrete or harbor a child under the age of 12 years.
         (2)     In addition to the prohibitions provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a person may not, by force or fraud, kidnap, steal, take, or carry away a child under the age of 16 years.

(b)    (1)     A person who violates subsection (a)(1) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
         (2)     (i)      Except as provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a person, other than a parent of the child, who violates subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
                  (ii)     1.      If a person convicted under subsection (a)(2) of this section is convicted in the same proceeding of rape or a first degree sexual offense under Subtitle 3 of this title, the person is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
                           2.      If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole under sub-subparagraph 1 of this subparagraph, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intent at least 30 days before trial.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–602.     Sexual abuse of a minor

(a)    (1)     In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
         (2)     “Family member” has the meaning stated in § 3-601 of this subtitle.
         (3)     “Household member” has the meaning stated in § 3-601 of this subtitle.
         (4)     (i)      “Sexual abuse” means an act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor, whether physical injuries are sustained or not.
                  (ii)     “Sexual abuse” includes:
                           1.      incest;
                           2.      rape;
                           3.      sexual offense in any degree;
                           4.      sodomy; and
                           5.      unnatural or perverted sexual practices.

(b)    (1)     A parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for the supervision of a minor may not cause sexual abuse to the minor.
         (2)     A household member or family member may not cause sexual abuse to a minor.

(c)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years.

(d)     A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for:
         (1)     any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section; or
         (2)     a violation of § 3-601 of this subtitle involving an act of abuse separate from sexual abuse under this section.

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Article - Criminal Law

§3–603.     Sale of minor

(a)     A person may not sell, barter, or trade, or offer to sell, barter, or trade, a minor for money, property, or anything else of value.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both for each violation.

(c)     A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.

 

Article - Criminal Law

§3–902.     Visual surveillance with prurient intent

(a)    (1)     In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
         (2)     “Camera” includes any electronic device that can be used surreptitiously to observe an individual.
         (3)     “Female breast” means a portion of the female breast below the top of the areola.
         (4)     “Private area of an individual” means the naked or undergarment-clad genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast of an individual.
         (5)     (i)      “Private place” means a room in which a person can reasonably be expected to fully or partially disrobe and has a reasonable expectation of privacy, in:
                           1.      an office, business, or store;
                           2.      a recreational facility;
                           3.      a restaurant or tavern;
                           4.      a hotel, motel, or other lodging facility;
                           5.      a theater or sports arena;
                           6.      a school or other educational institution;
                           7.      a bank or other financial institution;
                           8.      any part of a day care home used for the care and custody of a child; or
                           9.      another place of public use or accommodation.
                  (ii)     “Private place” includes a tanning room, dressing room, bedroom, or restroom.
         (6)    (i)      “Visual surveillance” means the deliberate, surreptitious observation of an individual by any means.
                  (ii)     “Visual surveillance” includes surveillance by:
                           1.      direct sight;
                           2.      the use of mirrors; or
                           3.      the use of cameras.
                  (iii)    Visual surveillance” does not include a casual, momentary, or unintentional observation of an individual.

(b)     This section does not apply to a person who without prurient intent:
         (1)     conducts filming by or for the print or broadcast media;
         (2)     conducts or procures another to conduct visual surveillance of an individual to protect property or public safety or prevent crime; or
         (3)     conducts visual surveillance and:
                  (i)      holds a license issued under Title 13 or Title 19 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; and
                  (ii)     is acting within the scope of the person’s occupation.

(c)     A person may not with prurient intent conduct or procure another to conduct visual surveillance of:
         (1)     an individual in a private place without the consent of that individual; or
         (2)     the private area of an individual by use of a camera without the consent of the individual under circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that the private area of the individual would not be visible to the public, regardless of whether the individual is in a public or private place.

(d)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.

(e)    (1)     An individual who was under visual surveillance in violation of this section has a civil cause of action against any person who conducted or procured another to conduct the visual surveillance.
         (2)     In an action under this subsection, the court may award actual damages and reasonable attorney’s fees.

(f)      This section does not affect any legal or equitable right or remedy otherwise provided by law.

(g)     This section does not affect the application of § 3-901 of this subtitle.

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Article - Criminal Law

§11–207.   Child pornography

(a)     A person may not:
         (1)     cause, induce, solicit, or knowingly allow a minor to engage as a subject in the production of obscene matter or a visual representation or performance that depicts a minor engaged as a subject in sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct;
         (2)     photograph or film a minor engaging in an obscene act, sadomasochistic abuse, or sexual conduct;
         (3)     use a computer to depict or describe a minor engaging in an obscene act, sadomasochistic abuse, or sexual conduct;
         (4)     knowingly promote, advertise, solicit, distribute, or possess with the intent to distribute any matter, visual representation, or performance:
                  (i)      that depicts a minor engaged as a subject in sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct; or
                  (ii)     in a manner that reflects the belief, or that is intended to cause another to believe, that the matter, visual representation, or performance depicts a minor engaged as a subject of sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct; or
         (5)     use a computer to knowingly compile, enter, transmit, make, print, publish, reproduce, cause, allow, buy, sell, receive, exchange, or disseminate any notice, statement, advertisement, or minor’s name, telephone number, place of residence, physical characteristics, or other descriptive or identifying information for the purpose of engaging in, facilitating, encouraging, offering, or soliciting unlawful sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct of or with a minor.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to:
         (1)     for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $25,000 or both; and
         (2)     for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $50,000 or both.

(c)     (1)    (i)      This paragraph applies only if the minor’s identity is unknown or the minor is outside the jurisdiction of the State.
                  (ii)     In an action brought under this section, the State is not required to identify or produce testimony from the minor who is depicted in the obscene matter or in any visual representation or performance that depicts the minor engaged as a subject in sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct.
         (2)     The trier of fact may determine whether an individual who is depicted in an obscene matter, or any visual representation or performance as the subject in sadomasochistic abuse or sexual conduct, was a minor by:
                  (i)      observation of the matter depicting the individual;
                  (ii)     oral testimony by a witness to the production of the matter, representation, or performance;
                  (iii)    expert medical testimony; or
                  (iv)   any other method authorized by an applicable provision of law or rule of evidence.

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Article - Criminal Law


§11–208.   Possession of visual representation of child under 16 engaged in certain sexual acts

(a)     A person may not knowingly possess and intentionally retain a film, videotape, photograph, or other visual representation showing an actual child under the age of 16 years:
         (1)     engaged as a subject of sadomasochistic abuse;
         (2)     engaged in sexual conduct; or
         (3)     in a state of sexual excitement.

(b)    (1)     Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
         (2)     A person who violates this section, having previously been convicted under this section, is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

(c)     Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a parent from possessing visual representations of the parent’s own child in the nude unless the visual representations show the child engaged:
         (1)     as a subject of sadomasochistic abuse; or
         (2)     In sexual conduct and in a state of sexual excitement.

(d)     It is an affirmative defense to a charge of violating this section that the person promptly and in good faith:
         (1)     took reasonable steps to destroy each visual representation; or
         (2)     reported the matter to a law enforcement agency.

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Article - Criminal Law

§11–209.   Hiring minor for prohibited purpose

(a)     A person may not hire, employ, or use an individual, if the person knows, or possesses facts under which the person should reasonably know, that the individual is a minor, to do or assist in doing an act described in § 11-203 of this subtitle.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
         (1)     for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
         (2)     for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

 

Article - Criminal Law

§11–303.   Human trafficking

(a)     (1)     A person may not knowingly:
                  (i)      take or cause another to be taken to any place for prostitution;
                  (ii)     place, cause to be placed, or harbor another in any place for prostitution;
                  (iii)    persuade, induce, entice, or encourage another to be taken to or placed in any place for prostitution;
                  (iv)    receive consideration to procure for or place in a house of prostitution or elsewhere another with the intent of causing the other to engage in prostitution or assignation;
                  (v)     engage in a device, scheme, or continuing course of conduct intended to cause another to believe that if the other did not take part in a sexually explicit performance, the other or a third person would suffer physical restraint or serious physical harm; or
                  (vi)    destroy, conceal, remove, confiscate, or possess an actual or purported passport, immigration document, or government identification document of another while otherwise violating or attempting to violate this subsection.
         (2)     A parent, guardian, or person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of another may not consent to the taking or detention of the other for prostitution.

(b)    (1)     A person may not violate subsection (a) of this section involving a victim who is a minor.
         (2)     A person may not knowingly take or detain another with the intent to use force, threat, coercion, or fraud to compel the other to marry the person or a third person or perform a sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse.

(c)     (1)     (i)      Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of human trafficking and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
                  (ii)     A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is subject to § 5–106(b) of the Courts Article.
         (2)     A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of human trafficking and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years or a fine not exceeding $15,000 or both.

(d)     A person who violates this section may be charged, tried, and sentenced in any county in or through which the person transported or attempted to transport the other.

(e)    (1)     A person who knowingly benefits financially or by receiving anything of value from participation in a venture that includes an act described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section is subject to the same penalties that would apply if the person had violated that subsection.
         (2)     A person who knowingly aids, abets, or conspires with one or more other persons to violate any subsection of this section is subject to the same penalties that apply for a violation of that subsection.

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Article - Criminal Law

§11–305.  Abduction of child under 16

(a)     For purposes of prostitution or committing a crime under Title 3, Subtitle 3 of this article, a person may not:
         (1)     persuade or entice or aid in the persuasion or enticement of an individual under the age of 16 years from the individual’s home or from the custody of the individual’s parent or guardian; or
         (2)     knowingly secrete or harbor or aid in the secreting or harboring of an individual under the age of 16 years who has been persuaded or enticed in the manner described in item (1) of this subsection.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

(c)     A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.

 

Article - Criminal Law

§11–306.   House of prostitution

(a)     A person may not knowingly:
         (1)     engage in prostitution or assignation by any means;
         (2)     keep, set up, occupy, maintain, or operate a building, structure, or conveyance for prostitution or assignation;
         (3)     allow a building, structure, or conveyance owned or under the person’s control to be used for prostitution or assignation;
         (4)     allow or agree to allow a person into a building, structure, or conveyance for prostitution or assignation; or
         (5)     procure or solicit or offer to procure or solicit for prostitution or assignation.

(b)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

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