Maryland § 3-307

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 3-307, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3-307.

    (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 substantially cognitively impaired 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 substantially cognitively impaired 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 3-307

What does Maryland Code § 3-307 cover?

Section 3-307 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 3-307?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 3-307" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 3-307 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.