Computer sex crimes have become a growing concern. Many individuals have become the targets of several online sexual crimes, and worse, many of the victims are minors. If a child (a minor under the age of 18) is enticed, coerced, or encouraged to engage in sexual actions with an adult (a person 18 years of age or older), the adult may be charged with internet solicitation of a minor. The mere act of enticing the minor is sufficient to merit criminal penalties; no actual in-person contact has to occur.
Internet solicitation of a minor can incur severe penalties, including incarceration and mandatory registration as a sex offender. If you or someone you know has been accused of an online, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel with an experienced Fort Lauderdale internet sting operation lawyer immediately.
What Are the Consequences of Internet Solicitation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?We are living in a digital age, in which most people (both minors and adults) engage in online activity for a variety of reasons. With unlimited access to the internet, naturally, minors may find themselves in perilous situations or confronted with requests for sexual acts.
The online solicitation of a minor by an adult is an extremely serious crime. Those convicted may be charged with a third-degree felony and face at least five years in prison, among other penalties. If the adult actually meets the minor in person, they may face second-degree felony charges and up to 15 years in prison.
Internet solicitation crimes can take many forms, however, if you have been accused of such an offense, it is in your best interest to speak with a Fort Lauderdale internet sting operation lawyer immediately to discuss the options for your legal defense. Below are some of the types of online solicitation crimes our firm can assist you with:
Recently, Florida and Federal law enforcement officials have been impersonating both minors and adults online in an attempt to “catch” sexual predators. They may use a variety of tactics, which may lead an unwilling adult to engage in conversation and inadvertently find themselves accused of a sex crime against a minor.
If this has happened to you, it is crucial that you understand you were entrapped and reach out to a Fort Lauderdale internet sting operation lawyer as soon as possible. You may not have been given adequate information regarding the age of the person you were speaking to online, may have been coerced into engaging in further conversation with the other individual, and may have even been sent explicit sexual materials without your knowledge or consent only to become accused of sexual misconduct or even child pornography. Oftentimes, someone else may have been using your computer or mobile phone to engage in the contact with the supposed individual. And in certain circumstances, neither you nor someone you know may have engaged in illegal sexual conduct; your IP address may have been hacked. Our firm will investigate the incident and determine whether or not you were entrapped into a crime you had no intention of committing.
Contact an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Internet Sting Operation Lawyer Now for a Free ConsultationIf you or someone you know was accused of engaging in sexual contact with a minor online, an experienced Fort Lauderdale internet sting operation lawyer at our firm can protect your rights. Our legal team will investigate the incident and aggressively defend your case. Start fighting your charges today and contact us today for FREE consultation. You can reach us online or by phone at 866-608-5529.