Online solicitation of a minor is when someone over the age of 18 solicits, lures, entices or attempts to solicit, lure or entice someone under the age of 18 to commit a sexual act, using a computer network. The crime is complete under Florida law when the solicitation, luring, enticing or attempt is complete. An actual meeting between the minor and the subject is not required for the solicitation charge, and the legislature has made it clear that adults posing as minors online does not constitute entrapment. However, most jurisdictions will attempt to set up a meeting between the subject and the minor in order to quash potential defenses a South Florida solicitation of a minor criminal defense lawyer may raise.

Under criminal statutes in Florida and most other jurisdictions, solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison for each solicitation made. That means the government can charge multiple counts for the same series of discussions a subject has with a minor. Furthermore, the Florida legislature has created a new criminal offense for those who actually meet a minor. Those who travel any distance for the purpose of meeting a minor for sexual activity can be charged with a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

These are very serious crimes that can ruin careers and relationships, especially in the current hysterical climate the media has created about online sexual predators. Those accused may be convicted in the "court of public opinion" long before they go to a true court. If you're charged with these crimes, you need help from an experienced Fort Lauderdale solicitation of a minor criminal defense attorney. There are a lot of different avenues that a smart attorney can explore when defending an online solicitation of a minor case. David S. Seltzer is a Miami online solicitation of a minor criminal defense lawyer and a Fort Lauderdale cyber crimes criminal defense attorney serving all of South Florida. Don't delay; let an experienced former CYBER CRIME prosecutor help protect your good name and reputation. Call today or contact me online, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, for a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION.

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