Online Solicitation of a Minor

As the internet continues to grow exponentially, connecting people around the world with a simple click of a button, law enforcement agencies have become increasingly concerned with protecting minors from people who wish to take advantage of them. Today, numerous laws prohibit sex crimes committed via the internet. Online solicitation of a minor, for example, is a common sex offense that continues to be one of the most prosecuted internet sex crimes. One of the most heavily investigated sex crimes, internet solicitation of a minor involves any contact between an adult and a minor over the internet in which the adult attempts to meet, lure, or entice a minor with the intent of engaging in sexual activity.

Local and federal law enforcement agencies regularly conduct sting operations in which they have an officer pose as a minor in online chat rooms, message boards, or social networking sites. When an adult arranges to meet with the undercover officer who they think is a minor, law enforcement agents immediately arrest them. Such sting operations — although a source of comfort to parents and a legitimate response to reducing the prevalence of internet sex crimes against children — are often conducted in ways that compromise the rights of alleged offenders.

Whatever your particular case may entail, you must be aware that you face serious, life-altering criminal penalties if you are charged with online solicitation of a minor. In addition to facing fines and up to four years imprisonment for any attempt to actually meet a minor, you may also be required to register as a sex offender if you are convicted, a penalty that can have profound, life-long implications on your personal and financial well-being. If these crimes are committed across state lines, you may also be subject to federal charges. Anyone who stands accused of internet solicitation of a minor should make retaining legal representation their top priority.

Retain an Experienced Temecula Criminal Defense Attorney to Protect Your Future

If you or someone you care about has recently been arrested and is facing charges for online solicitation of a minor, our firm wants you to know that there is simply too much at stake for your case to go without a solid defense. Drawing from 25 years of criminal law experience and having handled numerous sex crime cases, Attorney Nicolai Cocis is equipped to thoroughly review your case, inform you of your rights, and explain your possible defense options. Attentive to the needs of clients and passionate about protecting their rights, Attorney Cocis has the tools and determination needed to protect clients' freedom and future.

Our law office represents individuals who are facing State or Federal charges arising from the Riverside County cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Winchester, Wildomar, Hemet, Perris, Banning, Corona or Riverside.

Call us, we can help!