Solicitation of a Minor

Fort Lauderdale Solicitation of a Minor Criminal Defense Law Firm

Online solicitation of a minor has become the “crime of the week.” Dateline NBC and copycat shows have flooded the airwaves with online solicitation specials, which has helped online solicitation become one of the most frequently investigated crimes, especially here in Florida. It is also one of the most reviled crimes among both law enforcement and the general public, which is why those charged should get help as soon as possible from a Palm Beach online solicitation of a minor criminal defense lawyer.

Under Florida law, online solicitation occurs when someone 18 years of age or older has online contact (via email, instant messaging or another medium) with someone under the age of 18, in an attempt to lure, entice or solicit the minor to commit a sexual act. An actual meeting for the sexual act is not required for the crime to be complete; the online conversation is enough. Solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony that carries up to five years in prison for each and every solicitation made — which means that each conversation adds five years to the potential sentence.

Florida has created a new charge for those who actually travel to meet with the minor. Individuals who travel (any distance) to meet up with a minor may be charged with a second-degree felony carrying a possible sentence of 15 years in state prison. This is in addition to any charges stemming from online conversations. With so much at stake, those charged should contact a Miami-Dade online solicitation of a minor criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

If you are charged with online solicitation of a minor, don’t wait an extra moment before contacting an experienced South Florida online solicitation criminal defense lawyer. For a free, confidential consultation on your case, you should call the Law Offices of Menachem M. Mayberg, P.A. You can reach us seven days a week and 24 hours a day through our Web site or call us at (305) 695-8750.

For further reading, see Florida Statute 847.0135: Computer pornography; traveling to meet minor; penalties.