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Solicitation of a Minor Online & Internet Sting Operations

Solicitation of a Minor Online Lawyer

The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates: League City, Galveston, Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers

Law enforcement officials are utilizing Internet sting operations in order to catch online child predators throughout Texas. Seen on popular news magazine shows, these Internet sting operations often involve undercover cops posing as minors in chat rooms and social media sites in an attempt to lure those who are soliciting minors online.

If you have been charged with solicitation of a minor online from an Internet sting operation, it is vital that you seek experienced criminal defense representation as soon as possible. You have legal rights, including constitutional ones that may have been violated during a sting operation. In addition, there are other defenses such as entrapment.

Attorney Tad Nelson understands how difficult cases are involving charges for solicitation of a minor online and other Internet sex crimes. Oftentimes people charged with a child sexual offense are automatically assumed guilty by the court of public opinion. Fortunately, this is not the court that matters. He will do everything he can to seek the best possible result for your specific case. This may include having charges against you dropped or dismissed. However, this can very much depend on how soon you seek criminal defense representation. That is why early intervention is so critical to these cases and why you need to act quickly.

Solicitation of a Minor Online and Internet Sting Operations

A simple misunderstanding or entering an Internet site mistakenly can lead to an individual falling into the guise of an Internet sting operation, not to mention another person could have assumed an identity or username without the true owner’s knowledge.

Law enforcement officers are trained to spend time scouring Internet chat rooms and social media sites, posing as underage users in search of online predators. These cases require a high level of understanding within the computer and Internet field. Fortunately, Tad Nelson is very experienced in Internet sex crimes cases. He works with computer experts in order to develop effective defense strategies for his clients.

5 Things to Know About Online Solicitation of a Minor Charges

If you are facing any kind of sex crimes charges involving a minor, it is critical to begin working with an experienced Texas sex crimes defense attorney as soon as possible. While some people assume that online solicitation of a minor charges are not as serious as other sex crimes charges because they do not involve any physical contact, you should know that these types of charges are taken extremely seriously in Texas and can result in life-altering consequences if you are convicted. In the event that you have been arrested for or charged with the online solicitation of a minor under the Texas Penal Code, one of our Houston sex crimes defense lawyers can help. Here are five things you should know about crimes concerning online minor soliciting.

  1. Online Solicitation of a Minor is a Type of Computer Crimes Offense in Texas

Under the Texas Penal Code, online solicitation of a minor is one type of sex crime that falls under the broader category of computer crimes. The offense is defined under the Texas Penal Code as an offense in which a person uses the internet or another means of electronic communication to “communicate in a sexually explicit manner with a minor,” to “distribute sexually explicit material to a minor,” or to “solicit a minor to meet another person, including the actor, with the intent that the minor will engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with the actor or another person.”

  1. Online Solicitation of a Minor is a Felony Offense

You should know that charges of online solicitation of a minor is a felony offense. Indeed, online solicitation of a minor will be charged either as a felony of the third degree or a felony of the second degree. The more serious charges of a felony of the second degree occur when the minor is under the age of 14.

  1. Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor Are Severe If You Are Convicted

Penalties for conviction of the online solicitation of a minor are severe. If you are convicted of a third degree felony in Texas, you will face a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. If you are convicted of a second degree felony, you will face a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. In addition, you will face repercussions of being required to register on the sex offender registry.

  1. You Could Also Be Facing Federal Criminal Charges

You could also be facing federal criminal charges for distribution of child pornography or other related offenses. To be clear, you may be able to face both state and federal charges.

  1. You Cannot Use the Defense that You Did Not Actually Have Physical Contact with or Meet the Minor

It is not a defense to these charges to say that you never actually met the minor in person or that you never had any kind of physical contact. A person can be convicted of these charges solely after online or electronic communication.

Contact Our Houston Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys: Do you need assistance defending against charges of online solicitation of a minor?

One of our experienced and aggressive sex crimes defense attorneys in Houston can help you with your defense. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to learn more about how we can assist you. Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates to learn more about the services we provide to clients in Texas.

The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in 20 specific areas of law; certification in any of these areas requires substantial demonstrated experience and skill, positive peer evaluations, ongoing legal education commitments, and the passage of a rigorous test.

Put a *Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist and Former Assistant District Attorney in Your Corner

For experienced criminal defense against charges related to Internet sting operations, call our offices at (281) 280-0100. You can also email us and someone will contact you promptly.

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