Online Solicitation of a Minor
HAVE YOU BEEN CHARGED WITH Online Solicitation of a Minor?
Texas prosecutors punish acts involving the solicitation of minors and other sex crimes with utmost aggression and push for maximum penalties. They don’t care about your side of the story. A conviction for online solicitation of a minor could result in time in prison, excessive fines, and mandatory enrollment as a registered sex offender. Reaching out to a top sex crimes lawyer like Gregg Gallian who will aggressively defend your rights is the only way to fight back against these serious allegations.
HOW IS Online Solicitation of a Minor Defined?
Online solicitation of a minor refers to any inappropriate online contact with an individual, under the age of 17, that is committed by a legal-aged adult. These acts may include sexting, sending or receiving intimate photos, or planning to meet for a sexual encounter.
Sending any form of sexual communication, including words, images, or other deliberate sexual material is grounds for charges of online solicitation of a minor.
STATE OF TEXAS Charges for Online Solicitation of a Minor
Texas charges and punishment for online solicitation and other sex crimes are extremely harsh. When the crime involves minors or children, the penalty is for a 3rd degree felony. The state can fine you $10,000 and imprison you for 2 to 10 years.
WHAT ARE THE Elements of Online Solicitation of a Minor?
The prosecution will pursue charges for online solicitation of a minor by proving that several elements exist.
- The alleged victim is, or is believed to be, aged 17 or younger.
- A willful intent to arouse sexual desire in the minor, and/or obtain sexual gratification.
- Sexually explicit communications of any form are sent to a minor, via SMS, email, or another online platform.
The victim is not required to be an actual minor who is under the age of consent. Charges for online solicitation of a minor are constituted even when if you falsely believed the ‘victim’ to be a minor.
There are numerous agencies, including the FBI, who pose as minors in an attempt to charge individuals with online solicitation of a minor.
HOW TEXAS ASSESSES THE CRIME OF Online Solicitation of a Minor
Charges for online solicitation of a minor are assessed on several factors, including the acts committed, the age of the victim, and additional circumstances. Some of these include the following:
AGE OF ALLEGED VICTIM
The age of the alleged victim is a significant factor in assessing these charges. A conviction in a case involving a person aged 14-17 is a 3rd-degree felony. This is enhanced to a 2nd-degree felony if the victim is under the age of 13.
AGGRAVATED CHARGES
You could face aggravated charges if you intended to meet with the victim.
MEETING WITH THE VICTIM
Whether you intended to, attempted to, or met with the victim is a major factor in the severity of your charges.
WHAT STRATEGIES COULD A SEX CRIMES DEFENSE LAWYER USE FOR Online Solicitation of Minor?
There are several defense strategies that an experienced sex crimes lawyer could use to defend allegations of online solicitation of a minor.
LACK OF INTENT
A sex crimes criminal defense lawyer may be able to utilize the lack of defense strategy. This is a claim that your actions and behaviors were not intended to be sexual in nature. This defense is most effective when there is a lack of evidence in the case.
NO INTENTION OF MEETING ALLEGED VICTIM
A sex crimes lawyer may be able to have your charges lessened or dismissed if they can prove that you had no intention of meeting with the victim.
DO YOU NEED TO CONTACT A TEXAS SEX CRIMES DEFENSE ATTORNEY?
An experienced, aggressive Texas sex crimes defense lawyer is the only way that you can fight back against these serious charges. In addition to a possible prison sentence and hefty fines, a conviction on these charges would result in mandatory enrollment in the Texas State Sex Offender Registry.
Becoming a registered sex offender would result in significant long-term issues. There is a stigma against sex-based crimes that could destroy your family and professional life.
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An experienced, aggressive Texas sex crimes defense lawyer is the only way that you can fight back against these serious charges. In addition to a possible prison sentence and hefty fines, a conviction on these charges would result in mandatory enrollment in the Texas State Sex Offender Registry.
CONTACT GREGG GALLIAN TODAY IF YOU ARE CHARGED WITH online solicitation of a minor
Reach out to Gallian Firm immediately if you are facing these charges or allegations of any sex crime. These allegations have the potential to destroy your personal life family, and professional future. Call Gallian Firm at 214-432-8860 or schedule a consultation online.
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Send a message to Gallian Firm and we will contact you as soon as possible.
