Solicitation Laws in Maryland (2026): Are You Breaking the Law Without Knowing It?

Most people think solicitation only means one thing. But Maryland law covers a lot more ground than you might expect. There are rules about buying sex, robocalls, charity fraud, and more. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly where you stand.

What Is Solicitation in Maryland?

Here’s the thing: “solicitation” is not just one law in Maryland. It’s a legal concept that shows up in several different areas. The most talked-about type is sexual solicitation. But Maryland also has strong laws covering phone solicitation and charity solicitation.

Each one works differently. Each one has its own penalties. Knowing the difference matters a lot.

Sexual Solicitation Laws

What “Assignation” Means

Maryland uses a specific word most people don’t know: “assignation.” It basically means making an appointment or meeting for the purpose of prostitution. In plain terms, it’s what most people call solicitation for sex.

Under Maryland Criminal Law Section 11-306, you cannot knowingly try to buy or arrange sexual services. You also cannot help someone else do it. Pretty straightforward, right?

Here’s the part that surprises people. You don’t need to actually have sex. You don’t even need to reach a full agreement. Simply making an offer is enough for police to charge you. That’s how broad this law is.

You Don’t Have to Pay Money

Wait, it gets more interesting. Maryland defines “for hire” very broadly. It doesn’t just mean cash. It can include drugs, paying off a debt, or giving something else of value. If you offer anything in exchange for a sexual act, that still counts under Maryland law.

Confused about what that means for you? Think of it this way: if you’re offering something in exchange for sex, Maryland considers that prostitution territory, full stop.

Police Stings Are Common

Okay, pause. Read this part carefully. Maryland law enforcement actively runs sting operations. Officers go online and post fake ads. They also pose as prostitutes on the street. They set up controlled meetings, often in hotels, with other officers watching.

You can be arrested the moment you make an offer. No sexual contact needs to happen. This catches a lot of people totally off guard.

Penalties for Sexual Solicitation

Here’s where things get serious. If you’re convicted of solicitation in Maryland, it’s classified as a misdemeanor. That means you could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500, or both.

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Think of it like a serious traffic ticket, but with jail time attached. It also goes on your criminal record. That record can follow you when you apply for jobs, housing, or professional licenses.

Honestly, this is the part most people underestimate. The fine sounds small. The jail time can feel abstract. But the record? That stays.

Soliciting a Minor: Much More Serious

Here’s where it gets into a completely different level of severity. Soliciting a minor for sexual activity is treated as a separate, much harsher crime under Maryland Criminal Law Section 3-324.

For a first offense, you could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. A second offense can bring up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. These are not misdemeanors. These are serious felony-level consequences.

And here’s the part that shocks people most. If an undercover officer is posing as a minor online, and you engage with them, you can still be charged. The “minor” doesn’t have to be real. Your intent is what matters.

Sex Trafficking Laws in Maryland

Maryland law goes far beyond individual solicitation. It also covers human trafficking, which used to be called “pandering” or “pimping.”

If you’re found guilty of human trafficking, that’s a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. But if the victim is a minor, or if force, threats, or fraud were used, it becomes a felony. A felony conviction for trafficking a minor can mean up to 25 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Let me be clear: these are not light punishments. Personally, I think these laws make complete sense given how serious trafficking is.

Phone Solicitation Laws

Now let’s talk about a totally different kind of solicitation. Maryland has one of the toughest phone solicitation laws in the country.

The Stop the Spam Calls Act

Maryland’s “Stop the Spam Calls Act” took effect on January 1, 2024. Then in 2024, the state expanded it further through House Bill 1228. This law was designed to protect you from unwanted robocalls and auto-dialed text messages.

So what does it prohibit?

You cannot make automated calls or send robotic text messages to someone without their written consent. You cannot use pre-recorded voicemail messages without permission. You also cannot call someone more than three times in a 24-hour window on the same topic. And you cannot call anyone between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. in their time zone.

What Counts as Consent?

Not sure what “prior express written consent” means? Maryland defines it very clearly. It must be a written agreement. It must say the person agrees to receive automated calls or texts. It must state that agreeing is NOT required to buy anything. No fine print tricks allowed.

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Yep, that’s all you need to protect yourself. But if a company skips this step, they’re breaking the law.

Exemptions From the Phone Solicitation Law

Some calls are exempt. These include isolated one-off calls that aren’t part of a pattern, calls from registered nonprofits for non-commercial purposes, business-to-business calls from companies operating at least three years under the same name, and follow-up calls made in response to a customer’s own inquiry.

So if you called a company asking about their product and they called you back, that’s generally fine.

Penalties for Illegal Phone Solicitation

Here’s where the numbers get significant. Violations of the Stop the Spam Calls Act are enforced under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. You can face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Repeat violations jump to $25,000 per violation. There are also potential criminal penalties, including fines and jail time.

If a business keeps calling you after you’ve said stop, they’re likely breaking the law. You have legal options.

Charitable Solicitation Laws

Stay with me here, because this one affects a lot of people who raise money for good causes.

Maryland also regulates how charities and fundraisers ask for money. Under the Maryland Solicitation Act, professional fundraisers, solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register with the Maryland Secretary of State before asking for donations on behalf of a charity.

Violating these rules can mean criminal penalties, including fines and up to one year in jail. The state can also recover any money that was improperly solicited. You’re not alone if you didn’t know this rule existed. Most people have no idea.

Who Needs to Register?

If you’re being paid to raise money for a charity, you likely need to register. This applies to professional solicitors and fundraising companies. Charities themselves also have their own registration and reporting requirements.

If you’re a volunteer raising money without pay, the rules are different and generally less strict. When in doubt, check with the Maryland Secretary of State’s office before you start.

How to Protect Yourself

Wondering what you should actually do with all this information? Here’s practical guidance.

If you receive an illegal robocall or text in Maryland, you have the right to take legal action. You can file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. You can also consult a private attorney, since the law allows individuals to seek civil damages.

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If you’re running a business that uses phone marketing, get written consent before any automated outreach. Keep records of that consent. Stick to calling hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. And never call someone more than three times a day on the same subject.

If you’re involved in charitable fundraising, register with the Secretary of State before you start. Follow all disclosure and reporting rules. Transparency protects you and your donors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a sexual solicitation charge require an actual sexual act to occur? No. In Maryland, simply making an offer or showing intent is enough. No agreement or contact is required for charges to be filed.

Can I be charged with soliciting a minor if the “minor” was actually an undercover officer? Yes. Maryland law allows charges when a law enforcement officer poses as a minor. Your intent, not the actual age of the person, is what matters.

What are the calling hours allowed for phone solicitors in Maryland? Telemarketers may only call between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in the called party’s time zone. Calling outside those hours violates the law.

Can I sue a company that keeps calling me after I said stop? Yes. Maryland’s consumer protection laws allow individuals to take civil action against telemarketers who violate the Stop the Spam Calls Act.

Does a nonprofit need to register before fundraising in Maryland? Generally yes. Charitable organizations and their paid solicitors must register with the Maryland Secretary of State. Volunteers raising money without payment have fewer requirements, but should verify with the state.

What is the difference between solicitation and assignation in Maryland? “Solicitation” is the general act of seeking sexual services. “Assignation” is Maryland’s legal term for arranging or making an appointment for prostitution. Both are illegal and carry the same penalties.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the basics. Maryland’s solicitation laws are broad and cover more ground than most people realize. Whether it’s sexual solicitation, spam calls, or charity fundraising, the state takes violations seriously.

Stay informed, stay safe, and when in doubt, look it up or talk to a licensed Maryland attorney. The law is there to protect everyone, and knowing your rights is the first step.