Conroe Online Soliciation Lawyer

Charges for Minor Solicitation in Montgomery County

Crimes against children are a pressing concern for law enforcement officials in Texas and across the United States. The increasing use of technology has led many to worry that children may be exposed to harmful material or behaviors or exploited by predators who contact them online. To address this issue, law enforcement may investigate people who are suspected of communicating with minors in an inappropriate manner, and in some cases, this may lead to criminal charges for online solicitation of a minor. Anyone who has been accused of these offenses will need to understand the steps they can take to avoid a sex crime conviction and penalties such as a prison sentence, thousands of dollars in fines, and the requirement to register as a sex offender.

The law firm of Pullan & Young provides legal representation for people who have been accused of sexual offenses, helping them understand the steps they can take to protect their rights and defend against criminal charges. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and the far-reaching effects that accusations of child sex crimes can have on a person's reputation and other aspects of their life. Regardless of the specifics of a case, everyone has the right to be represented by an attorney, and they should be considered innocent until they are proven guilty. We work with defendants in these types of situations to resolve cases effectively and ensure that they are treated fairly by the criminal justice system.

What Is Online Solicitation of a Minor?

"Solicitation" generally refers to requests to have sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual conduct with a person. An adult who is accused of soliciting a minor below the age of 17 through the use of online communications may face serious criminal charges. In many cases, online solicitation charges will involve communicating with a minor in a sexual manner through email, text messages, social media, or other apps or programs. These communications may include messages of a sexual nature, such as descriptions of sexual intercourse, as well as sharing any sexually explicit images or other material.

To be charged with online solicitation, a person must be at least 17 years old, and they must have intended to commit a sexual offense against the child in question. Applicable offenses may include sexual assault, indecency with a child, compelling prostitution, human trafficking, or the creation, possession, or distribution of child pornography. This offense is usually charged as a third degree felony, and a conviction may result in a prison sentence between two and 10 years, as well as a maximum $10,000 fine. If the minor in question was under the age of 14, or if the offender allegedly believed that the person they were communicating with was younger than 14, they may be charged with a second degree felony. A conviction for a second degree felony may lead to a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a $10,000 fine.

A person may also be charged with online solicitation of a minor if they allegedly communicated with a child over the internet and made arrangements for the child to meet them or someone else with the intent of engaging in sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual conduct with the child. This offense is a second degree felony. A person may be able to defend against these charges by showing that they are no more than three years older than the child and that the child consented to the alleged conduct.

Contact Our Conroe Online Solicitation Defense Lawyers

Online solicitation of a minor is a serious criminal offense, and it may also be charged in conjunction with other crimes, such as indecency with a child or possession of child pornography. At Pullan & Young, we provide legal help for those who have been accused of sexual offenses, working to protect their rights and help them resolve these matters quickly and effectively. Contact our office by calling 936-647-1540 to schedule a complimentary consultation.