The criminal offense of lewd acts with a minor, or lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, is generally committed when (1) the offender touches the child’s body or gets the child to touch the child’s body, the offender’s body, or someone else; (2) the touching occurs on bare skin or through clothing; (3) the touching was for sexual reasons; and (4) the child was under 14 years of age.

Laws regarding lewd acts with a minor vary from state to state, including the required age of the child and the required elements of the criminal offense. And some states classify the criminal offense of lewd acts with minor as the criminal offense of indecency with a minor, or lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child, or a similar offense.

Some states have expanded the definition of these laws to include looking at the body or private parts of a child in a sexual manner, or causing or forcing a child to witness sex acts in the presence of the child. These states prosecute persons who engage in such activity in online video chat rooms for this criminal offense.

The criminal offense of lewd acts with a minor (or similar offense) is generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Maryland, the criminal offense of lewd acts with a minor is addressed under the state's sexual offense statutes. Specifically, Maryland criminal law prohibits sexual abuse of a minor, which includes any act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor, whether through physical acts, visual stimulation, or psychological manipulation. The law is codified in the Maryland Criminal Law Code, Section 3-602, and it applies to victims who are under the age of 18. The statute defines sexual abuse as an act where a person, including a parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a minor, causes or permits a minor to engage in or be subjected to sexual conduct. This includes not only direct physical contact but also indirect sexual acts, such as exposing a minor to sexual material or acts for sexual gratification. The severity of the charges and penalties can vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense, including the age of the child and the nature of the act. Convictions for sexual abuse of a minor can result in significant prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender.