Solicitation of a Minor

Online solicitation of a minor is when someone over the age of 18 solicits, lures, entices or attempts to solicit, lure or entice someone under the age of 18 to commit a sexual act, using a computer network. The crime is complete under Florida law when the solicitation, luring, enticing or attempt has been accomplished. An actual meeting between the minor and the subject is not required for the solicitation charge and the legislature has made it clear that an adult posing as a minor online does not constitute entrapment. Most jurisdictions will, however, attempt to set up a meeting between the subject and the minor in order to quash potential defenses a South Florida solicitation of a minor criminal defense lawyer may raise.

Online Solicitation Defense from a Miami Sex Crime Attorney

Under criminal statutes in Florida and most other jurisdictions, solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison for each solicitation made. That means the government can charge multiple counts for the same series of discussions a subject has with a minor. Furthermore, the Florida legislature has created a new criminal offense for those who actually meet a minor. Those who travel any distance for the purpose of meeting a minor for sexual activity can be charged with a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

These are very serious crimes that can ruin careers and relationships, especially in the current hysterical climate the media has created about online sexual predators. Those accused may be convicted in the "court of public opinion" long before they go to a true court. If you're charged with a sex crime, you need help from a dedicated and aggressive firm. There are a lot of different avenues that an inventive attorney can explore when defending an online solicitation of a minor case.

Don't delay; let an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer and former Miami-Dade Cyber Crime Prosecutor help protect your good name and reputation. Call today or contact us online, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, for a free, confidential consultation. For more information, see Florida Statute 847.0135: Computer pornography; traveling to meet minor; penalties. Our firm serves all Florida citizens and people from around the nation.