{"id":373881,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-02T09:45:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T14:45:59","slug":"maryland-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-prostitution-and-solicitation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Prostitution and Solicitation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Maryland Prostitution and Solicitation Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            October 02, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>All acts of prostitution are illegal in Maryland. Specifically, the state bans the following activities related to prostitution:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/prostitution.html\">Prostitution<\/a> (i.e., performing a sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse for hire)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/solicitation.html\">Soliciting a prostitute<\/a> (also called &quot;assignation&quot; in Maryland). In general, this means the state prohibits urging, advising, inducing, encouraging, requesting, or commanding another person to engage in prostitution.<\/li>\r\n<li>Human trafficking (also known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/pimping-and-pandering-laws.html\">pandering or pimping<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Maryland&#8217;s switch to <a href=\"https:\/\/polarisproject.org\/understanding-human-trafficking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">human trafficking<\/a> as a crime addresses the coercive nature of how young women and girls are actively recruited and coerced into prostitution. In general, Maryland more harshly punishes those who involve minors in prostitution, whether through solicitation or abductions for prostitution.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article offers a chart and links to Maryland&#8217;s prostitution laws. Follow the links below or contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/maryland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maryland sex crime attorney<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/maryland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense lawyer<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Maryland Prostitution and Solicitation Statutes<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The following table outlines Maryland&#8217;s prostitution and solicitation laws.<\/p>\r\n<table width=\"716\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"2\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Code sections<\/th>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maryland Code, Criminal Law, Title 11, Subtitle 3 \u2014 Prostitution and Related Crimes<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-301.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-301<\/a> \u2014 Definitions<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-303\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-303<\/a> \u2014 House of Prostitution<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-304\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-304<\/a> \u2014 Receiving Earnings of a Prostitute<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-305\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-305<\/a> \u2014 Abduction of Child Under 16<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-306\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-306<\/a> \u2014 Procuring or Solicitation of Prostitution or Assignation<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-306\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-307<\/a> \u2014 Using Building, Structure, or Conveyance for Prostitution or Assignation<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-603.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-603<\/a> \u2014 Sale of a Minor<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">What\u2019s prohibited?<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Maryland prohibits all the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Knowingly engaging in prostitution in any manner (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-303\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-303<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Knowingly engaging in assignation (i.e., making an appointment or engagement for prostitution) (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-303\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-303<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Knowingly occupying a building, structure, or conveyance for prostitution or assignation (i.e., a &quot;house of prostitution&quot;) (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-303\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-303<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Receiving or getting money or proceeds from a person engaged in prostitution with the intent to promote or profit from a crime or concealing the nature of the money (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-304\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-304<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Persuading, enticing, or aiding in the persuasion or enticement of someone under 16 from their home or their parent or guardian&#8217;s custody and secreting, harboring, or aiding their secretion or harboring from their home (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-305\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-305<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Knowingly procuring or soliciting (or offering to procure or solicit) prostitution or assignation (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-306\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-306<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Knowingly allowing a building, structure, or conveyance under one&#8217;s control to be used for prostitution assignation (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-306\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-307<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Also, Maryland prohibits the following on human trafficking:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Taking or placing a person into a place of prostitution (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1102\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1102<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Persuading a person to be taken to a place of prostitution (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1102\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1102<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Receiving consideration (i.e., something of value) to procure people for a place of prostitution (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1102\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1102<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Engaging in a scheme that causes a person to believe that they will face physical harm or restraint if they don&#8217;t take part in sexually explicit performances (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1102\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1102<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Destroying or confiscating passports or government identification for a prostitution-related crime (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1102\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1102<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Parents or guardians consenting to the taking of their child for prostitution (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1102\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1102<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Taking or detaining with the use of force, threats, coercion, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/fraud.html\">fraud<\/a> to compel a person to marry a person (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1103\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1103<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Selling or trading a minor for money, property, or anything of value (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-603.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-603<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Penalties<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Maryland&#8217;s statutes typically list the offenses associated with each crime. The penalties for the crimes above include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Engaging in prostitution, assignation, or a house of prostitution: misdemeanor; up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $500 (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-303\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-303<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Receiving or getting money or proceeds from prostitution: misdemeanor; up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-304\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-304<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Abducting a child under 16 for prostitution: felony; up to 25 years in prison and a $5,000 fine (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-305\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-305<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Knowingly procuring or soliciting prostitution: misdemeanor; up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $500 (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-306\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-306<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Using a building for prostitution: misdemeanor; up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $500 (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-11-306\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 11-307<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Compelling someone to marry another person: felony; up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1103\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1103<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Sex trafficking: felony; up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-1102\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-1102<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Selling or trading a minor for consideration: felony; up to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000 (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/md\/criminal-law\/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-603.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 3-603<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Also, a conviction for a sex crime may require the convicted person to register as a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dpscs.state.md.us\/onlineservs\/sor\/frequently_asked_questions.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sex offender<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Defenses<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Typically, any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/criminal-defense-strategies.html\">defense<\/a> such as innocence, lack of intent, lack of knowledge, or lack of any necessary element to a crime above applies in prostitution-related cases.<\/p>\r\n<p>But some statutes alter possible defenses. For example, the statute banning the abduction of a 16-year-old explicitly states that not knowing the age of the victim is not a defense. A defense for engaging in prostitution is when the accused person committed the illegal act under duress due to being a victim of human trafficking.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Note:<\/b> State laws change frequently. Conduct your own legal research or consult a <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/maryland?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Maryland criminal law attorney<\/i><\/a><i> to verify the accuracy of this information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Research the Law<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>For more information about Maryland law, aspects of prostitution, and sex crimes, browse the following links:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law.html\">Maryland Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-criminal-laws.html\">Maryland Criminal Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Maryland Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/sex-offenders-and-sex-offenses-overview.html\">Sex Offenders and Sex Offenses: Overview<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/sexual-assault-penalties-and-sentencing.html\">Sexual Assault Penalties and Sentencing<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/rape.html\">Rape Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/statutory-rape.html\">Statutory Rape<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/community-notification-laws-megan-s-law.html\">Community Notification Laws (Megan&#8217;s Law)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/the-sex-offender-registry-what-you-need-to-know.html\">The Sex Offender Registry: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>For more information about other states&#8217; laws, visit FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/state-codes.html\">Official State Codes<\/a> section.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Charged Under Maryland&#8217;s Prostitution and Solicitation Laws? Get Legal Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If law enforcement charges you with a criminal offense such as prostitution or solicitation, it can majorly affect your life and criminal record. Contact a skilled <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/maryland?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sex crime lawyer<\/a> in Maryland today to discuss your situation. An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide information about the following topics, among many others:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/criminal-defense-strategies.html\">Defenses<\/a> to prostitution charges and other criminal charges<\/li>\r\n<li>How a prostitution conviction in your criminal history could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/the-sex-offender-registration-and-notification-act-.html\">affect your ability to work and get housing<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Whether police officers violated your rights during a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/criminal-defense\/undercover-sex-stings-are-there-legal-limits\/\">sting operation<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you have a pending prostitution case, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/maryland?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense attorney near you<\/a> for legal advice and representation.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex cases usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n 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Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n       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<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This FindLaw article describes Maryland&#8217;s laws and criminal penalties for prostitution, solicitation, and human trafficking. Learn more here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":373789,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[3030],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-373881","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_21_1"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373881","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=373881"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373881\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=373881"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=373881"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=373881"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=373881"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=373881"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}