At Lotze Mosley, LLP, our criminal defense attorneys in Washington D.C. and Maryland know that sex crimes involving minors can lead to significant jail time — even if the parties never physically meet.
Online solicitation of a minor or enticing a minor is a felony sex offense in both Maryland and Washington D.C., respectively, and is a crime in which no physical contact needs to occur for the accused to be charged or convicted of the crime.
That is also true if there is no actual minor involved, and the individual on the other end of the communication is law enforcement in CA posing as a minor.
Because of the popularity of electronic communications, solicitation of a minor has netted many arrests throughout Maryland and Washington D.C., and can end in multiple-year prison sentences, extensive fines, and a requirement to register as a sex offender going forward in both locations.
What is the Solicitation of a Minor?
The word solicit is defined as urging, authorizing, requesting, enticing, persuading, commanding, or advising by any means.
When someone is suspected of even a mere attempt to entice or encourage a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity, they can face serious felony charges for the criminal act.
Online solicitation of a minor involves an adult deliberately communicating in a sexually explicit way with a minor or by distributing sexually explicit material to a minor via the internet or another electronic messaging service, like text messages.
Sexually explicit content can be words, photos, videos, or other communication describing or pertaining to sexual activity.
Why Am I Being Charged with Online Solicitation of a Minor?
It is common for both Maryland and Washington D.C. law enforcement to conduct online sting operations where officers pose as minors who communicate with adults to net those they deem to be predators.
Unfortunately, some are arrested after unwittingly falling into these undercover operations, even though they have no previous record, or disposition to commit a sex crime.
No matter the circumstances of your investigation, arrest, or charges, law enforcement in both Maryland and Washington D.C. takes these charges very seriously, and often pursues the maximum penalties.
Do not face the prosecutor’s office alone or attempt to speak with investigators without a skilled Washington D.C. sex crimes defense attorney by your side. We can help protect your rights throughout the legal process, so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your case.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys at Lotze Mosley Today for Help
If you have been accused of or charged with a sex crime, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Washington D.C. and Maryland at Lotze Mosley, LLP to determine the best course of action for your unique case by calling 202-393-0535 today.
Sex Crimes Resources:
- Mounting a Successful Sex Crimes Defense
- When Am I Required To Register As A Sex Offender in Washington D.C.?
- Sex Crimes & The Consequences of False Allegations
- Sex Offender Residency Restrictions in Washington D.C. and Maryland
- Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in Maryland or Washington D.C.
- What Are the Different Types of Prostitution Charges in Maryland?
- How Do the Courts Identify the Classes of Sex Offenders in Washington D.C.?
- How Do You Petition the Court for Removal from the Sex Offender Registry?
