Online Solicitation of a Minor

Sex crimes involving minors are often the most severe charges an individual could face. Not only is a defendant susceptible to long prison terms and expensive fines, but they must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his or her life.

If you are facing these serious penalties, it is imperative to obtain experienced legal counsel from a qualified lawyer.

At Shane Phelps Law., our College Station online solicitation defense attorney has successfully helped clients facing criminal charges get favorable results for over 30 years. We can investigate your arrest, collect evidence, use the help of expert witnesses, and build an effective defense strategy for you.

Contact our firm today for your free consultation. 

In Texas, online solicitation of a minor is considered a serious criminal offense that encompasses various actions and behaviors. A person commits this crime if they knowingly engage in sexual contact or distribute sexually explicit material to a minor using the internet.

This includes communications that occur over commercial online services or other electronic message services. Specifically, the offense involves any communication that describes sexual conduct in a manner intended to arouse or gratify sexual desire.

The severity of the crime is heightened if the solicitation occurs during secondary school hours, reflecting the law’s emphasis on protecting minors in vulnerable settings. Understanding the intricacies of these charges is essential for mounting a robust defense.

Let’s take a look at some common topics:

What Is Considered Online Solicitation Of A Minor?

A person can be charged with online solicitation of a minor if it is alleged that:

• The accused individual is 17 years of age or older
• The accused individual acted with the intent to arouse or gratify any person’s sexual desire
• The communications happened over the internet
• The accused individual intentionally communicates in a sexually explicit manner with a minor (under 17 years old) or provides sexually explicit material to a minor

What Are The Penalties For Online Solicitation Of A Minor Punishment?

Online solicitation of a minor is often charged as a third-degree felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence between two and ten years, as well as a $10,000 fine. A second-degree felony is punishable by a prison sentence between two and 20 years, as well as a $10,000 fine.

If the minor is younger than 14 years of age or the actor believes he or she is younger than 14, then it is raised to a second-degree felony.

Contact us and schedule a free consultation.