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Defending Against The Charge Of Traveling To Meet A Minor For Sex

Any criminal offense involving minors and sexual activity, or solicitation for such activity, is a serious matter. Unlawful activities in this area include Internet luring, soliciting a minor for sexual activity, sexting (sending indecent images via cellphone messaging systems) and actually meeting up with a minor for the sake of sexual activity.

What Constitutes “Traveling To Meet A Minor To Commit An Unlawful Sex Act” In Florida?

The act of “traveling to meet a minor to commit an unlawful sex act” is a second-degree felony in Florida. It does not matter whether any sexual activity actually occurred. It does not matter how far the “traveling” distance was. And it does not matter whether it was actually a child, or simply a police officer posing as a child, who was the target of the interaction.

You can be convicted as long as prosecutors can prove that after interacting with your target on the Internet, you believed you were going to meet up with a child (under age 18) for the purpose of sexual activity.

Whether you have already been charged, accused or are under investigation, you need a proven defense lawyer on your side now. Call 813-440-2347 for a confidential consultation.

Know The Terms

If you are accused of any of the following or have reason to believe you are under investigation, you need a lawyer as soon as possible:

  • Soliciting a child for unlawful sex through a computer
  • Online solicitation of a minor
  • Indecent liberties with a minor
  • Third-degree exploitation of a minor
  • Second-degree exploitation of a minor
  • Soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct
  • Transmission of harmful material to a minor

Penalties

In Florida, if you are convicted of the crime of traveling to meet a minor to commit an unlawful sex act, a judge will be required to impose a minimum prison sentence for you to spend 21 months behind bars. Depending on circumstances, penalties may be much more severe — up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of sex offender probation and/or $10,000 in fines.

A Strong Defense

O’Brien Hatfield, P.A., offers people charged with this and other sex-related crimes a strong defense. Our results in challenging defense cases on behalf of many individuals throughout the state of Florida and throughout the U.S. speak for themselves.

We employ numerous strategies in cases including charges of traveling to meet a minor to commit an unlawful sex act, possibly including:

  • Investigating the alleged interactions on your computer in detail
  • Examining the credibility of witnesses
  • Investigating to determine whether illegal police entrapment occurred as part of a sting

As a former prosecutor, attorney Mark J. O’Brien understands the ins and outs of the criminal justice system from both sides.

Put A Proven Defense Lawyer On Your Side

You have no time to waste if you are facing these serious charges. Act now to protect your rights. Contact us for your free initial consultation.