Dallas Online Solicitation Lawyer | Sting Defense Attorney

Don’t Delay in Contacting a Dallas Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer

The moment you learn you’re under investigation for online solicitation, the clock starts ticking. Digital evidence never disappears—it’s preserved on servers, in cloud storage, and through forensic recovery methods. Law enforcement may already have months of chat logs, IP addresses, and timestamped communications they’re using to build their case against you.

Early legal intervention gives us the opportunity to:

• Prevent self-incrimination during police questioning – Anything you say will be used against you, and investigators are trained to extract damaging statements
• Preserve exculpatory evidence – Messages, context, and metadata that support your defense can be lost if not secured immediately
• Challenge improper investigative procedures – Sting operations must follow constitutional guidelines, and violations can lead to dismissed charges
• Begin negotiations before formal charges – In some cases, we can intervene before the District Attorney files charges

According to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, sex crime prosecutions have increased 34% since 2019, with online solicitation cases representing a growing portion of their caseload. The DA’s Special Crimes Unit, located in the Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207, handles these cases with extreme severity, which is why you need an experienced Dallas sex crimes attorney on your side from day one.

Don’t wait until you’ve been arrested. Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak with our legal team.

What Is Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas?

Online solicitation of a minor is defined under Texas Penal Code §33.021 and criminalizes electronic communication with someone under 17 years old with the intent to engage in sexual conduct or contact. This law applies across virtually every digital platform where communication occurs, including:

• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok)
• Dating apps (Tinder, Bumble, Hinge)
• Gaming platforms with chat functions (Discord, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network)
• Text messaging and SMS
• Video chat applications (Skype, FaceTime, Zoom)
• Email and direct messaging

⚖️ The Law Doesn’t Require Physical Contact

Here’s what many people don’t understand: you can be charged and convicted without ever meeting the minor or even attempting to meet them. The statute criminalizes three distinct behaviors:

1. Solicitation with intent to meet – Communicating with someone you know or believe to be under 17 with intent to meet for sexual purposes
2. Distributing sexually explicit material – Sending images, videos, or text of a sexual nature to a minor
3. Soliciting sexually explicit material – Requesting that a minor send sexual images or videos

A conviction can result from chat messages alone. No physical meeting, no physical contact, no actual minor involved—you can still face felony prosecution.

Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Dallas

The punishment for online solicitation in Texas ranks among the harshest in the nation. The specific classification depends on the nature of the alleged conduct and whether you attempted to arrange a meeting.

Third-Degree Felony (Standard Charge – Subsection b)

Most online solicitation cases under subsection (b)—communicating in a sexually explicit manner or distributing sexually explicit material to a minor—are prosecuted as third-degree felonies. This classification carries:

• 2 to 10 years in Texas state prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Permanent felony conviction on your record
• Mandatory sex offender registration

However, if the minor is under 14 years old (or you believed them to be under 14), the charge escalates to a second-degree felony with 2 to 20 years imprisonment.

According to data from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the average sentence for third-degree felony sex crimes is 5.3 years, though judges have wide discretion in sentencing.

Second-Degree Felony (Meeting Solicitation – Subsection c)

If prosecutors charge you under subsection (c)—soliciting a minor to meet with intent to engage in sexual contact—the offense is classified as a second-degree felony:

• 2 to 20 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Enhanced sentencing guidelines
• Lifetime sex offender registration

Important: You do NOT need to actually meet the minor. Simply soliciting the meeting with the required intent is sufficient for prosecution. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution under Subsection (c) that the meeting did not occur.”

First-Degree Felony (School Enhancement)

Under Texas Penal Code §33.021(f-1), if the offense occurred during regular school hours AND you knew or should have known the minor was enrolled in school, the charge increases by one degree:

• Third-degree felony → Second-degree felony
• Second-degree felony → First-degree felony (5 to 99 years, or life)

This enhancement was added in 2021 and significantly increases exposure to prison time.

Sex Offender Registration

Perhaps the most devastating long-term consequence is mandatory registration as a sex offender. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62, anyone convicted of online solicitation must register with their local law enforcement agency.

What sex offender registration means for your life:

The registration period typically lasts 10 years minimum, but can be lifetime depending on the specifics of your conviction.

How Sex Offender Registration Works in Dallas County

If convicted, you must register with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office within 7 days of release from custody or 7 days of sentencing (if not incarcerated).

Registration location: Dallas County Sheriff’s Office – Sex Offender Registration Unit 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75207 (Second floor of Lew Sterrett Justice Center)

What the registration process involves:

• Current photograph taken (updated annually)
• Fingerprints submitted to Texas DPS
• DNA sample collected
• All residential addresses listed (home, work, school)
• Vehicle information recorded (make, model, license plate)
• Internet identifiers disclosed (email addresses, social media handles, screen names)
• Complete Form TX-SOR (Texas Sex Offender Registration)

Ongoing obligations:

• Report any address change within 7 days (including temporary moves)
• Report employment changes within 7 days
• Report vehicle changes within 7 days
• Appear in person annually (or every 90 days for high-risk offenders) to verify information
• Update photograph annually

Cost: $50 annual registration fee

⚠️ Critical: Failure to register or update information is a separate felony offense under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.102, punishable by 2-10 years additional prison time. Dallas County prosecutors aggressively pursue failure-to-register cases.

Where your information appears: Your registration data is uploaded to the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry, which is publicly searchable and includes:

• Your full name and aliases
• Current photo
• Physical description
• Current address (street view map included)
• Vehicle information
• Offense details and conviction date
• Risk assessment level

This information cannot be removed, sealed, or hidden even after your registration period ends—it becomes permanent public record accessible by anyone with internet access.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Online Solicitation

If you’re under investigation or have been arrested for online solicitation of a minor, your immediate actions will significantly impact the outcome of your case. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Do Not Speak to Police Without an Attorney Present

You have a constitutional right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Exercise it. Law enforcement officers are trained interrogators who will use psychological tactics, false statements about evidence, and implied promises of leniency to extract a confession. Even “clarifying” statements or attempts to explain your side of the story can become the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case. The only words you should say to police are: “I’m invoking my right to remain silent, and I want to speak with my lawyer.”

2. Do Not Delete Messages, Emails, or Social Media Accounts

It’s natural to panic and want to erase potentially incriminating evidence. Don’t do it. Deleting digital evidence constitutes obstruction of justice under Texas law and can result in additional felony charges. Moreover, deleted messages are almost never truly gone—they’re stored on company servers, backup systems, and can be recovered through forensic analysis. Destroying evidence suggests consciousness of guilt and will be used against you at trial.

3. Preserve All Evidence That Supports Your Defense

While you shouldn’t delete anything, you should immediately secure evidence that helps your case. This includes:

• Screenshots of your complete conversation history (context matters)
• Profile information of the person you communicated with
• Timestamps and metadata
• Any statements where the other person claimed to be over 18
• Communications that show no sexual intent

4. Contact a Defense Lawyer Immediately

Time is not on your side. The longer you wait to retain an attorney, the more difficult your case becomes. Our team can intervene during the investigation phase, potentially before charges are filed.

What Happens After an Online Solicitation Arrest in Dallas County

Understanding the immediate legal process can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights. Here’s what typically happens after an online solicitation arrest in Dallas County.

Booking at Lew Sterrett Justice Center

After arrest, you’ll be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center (commonly called “Lew Sterrett”), located at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207. This is Dallas County’s main intake facility, situated just west of I-35E near downtown Dallas, adjacent to the Frank Crowley Courts Building.

The booking process includes:

• Fingerprinting and photographing – Your mugshot becomes public record immediately
• Property inventory – All personal belongings, including your cell phone, will be seized and cataloged
• Background check – Officers verify your identity and check for outstanding warrants
• Medical screening – Basic health evaluation
• Housing assignment – You’ll be placed in a holding cell until bond is set

⏱️ Timeline: Booking typically takes 4-8 hours, though delays are common during weekends and holidays when the facility is busiest.

Bond and Release Options

For online solicitation charges in Dallas County, bond amounts vary significantly based on the degree of the felony and your criminal history:

Important: Dallas County Magistrate Judges set bonds within 48 hours of arrest. However, for sex crimes, prosecutors often request high bonds or no bond, arguing you pose a danger to children. Having an attorney present at your initial appearance can significantly impact the bond amount.

Your Initial Court Appearance

Your first court appearance will be at one of Dallas County’s criminal courts, depending on case assignment:

Frank Crowley Courts Building 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207

• Criminal District Courts 1-7: Handle felony cases
• Main entrance: North side facing Riverfront Boulevard
• Parking: Public parking garage on Houston Street ($10-15/day)
• Security: Expect metal detectors; no phones allowed inside courtrooms

George Allen Courts Building (Downtown Dallas) 600 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202

• Some overflow felony cases
• Located in the heart of downtown, near Reunion Tower
• More restrictive parking; use DART or rideshare recommended

The Arraignment: What to Expect

Your arraignment typically occurs 2-4 weeks after arrest. This is where you’ll be formally notified of charges and enter a plea. Here’s what happens:

Before the hearing:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early for security screening
• Dress conservatively (business casual or better)
• Bring photo ID and court documentation
• Your attorney should meet you in the hallway outside the courtroom

During the arraignment:

• The judge reads the charges against you
• You’ll be asked if you understand the charges (answer “Yes, Your Honor”)
• Your attorney enters a “Not Guilty” plea on your behalf
• Pre-trial dates are scheduled
• Bond conditions may be reviewed or modified

Forms you may encounter:

• Waiver of Arraignment – Your attorney may file this to waive formal reading of charges
• Discovery Motion – Request for all evidence the prosecution has against you
• Brady Motion – Demand for any exculpatory evidence that helps your defense

⚖️ Local Practice Note: Dallas County judges expect strict courtroom decorum. Address the judge as “Your Honor,” stand when spoken to, and never interrupt. Criminal District Court 2 (Judge Nancy Kennedy) and Criminal District Court 5 (Judge Juan Renteria) handle many sex crime cases and maintain particularly formal proceedings.

GPS Monitoring and Bond Conditions

If you’re released on bond for an online solicitation charge, Dallas County Community Supervision typically requires:

Electronic Monitoring:

• GPS ankle bracelet through BI Incorporated or SCRAM Systems
• $10-15 per day monitoring fee (you pay this cost)
• Charging requirements (2-4 hours daily)
• Violation alerts sent immediately to court and prosecution

Internet and Phone Restrictions:

• No social media access of any kind
• Monitored phone service only (additional monthly cost)
• No contact with anyone under 17
• Regular compliance checks by supervision officers

Geographic Restrictions:

• Cannot be within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or daycare centers
• May require installation of compliance software on all devices
• Some judges prohibit defendants from living in certain neighborhoods

Our office can help you:

• Navigate bond reduction hearings at the Frank Crowley Courts Building
• Ensure compliance with all monitoring requirements
• File motions to modify overly restrictive conditions

Call (972) 528-0116 right now. We’re available 24/7 for urgent matters.

Common Defense Strategies for Online Solicitation Charges

Every online solicitation case is unique, but certain defense strategies have proven effective in Dallas County courts. Our attorneys evaluate your specific circumstances to determine which approach offers the strongest chance of success.

Lack of Intent

Texas law requires prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had the specific intent to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. Intent is determined by examining the totality of your communications, not just isolated messages taken out of context.

Entrapment

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed. Under Texas law, entrapment is established if: (1) the officer encouraged the criminal conduct, and (2) the defendant was not predisposed to commit the offense.

This defense is particularly relevant in sting operations where undercover officers pose as minors. If the “minor” initiated sexual conversation, repeatedly solicited meetings despite rejection, or used manipulation tactics to encourage illegal conduct, you may have an entrapment defense.

However, entrapment defenses are difficult to prove. Texas courts use the “objective test,” which asks whether the police conduct would have induced a normally law-abiding person to commit the offense. Simply providing an opportunity to commit a crime is not entrapment—the officer must have actively encouraged or coerced the behavior.

Age Misrepresentation

If you reasonably believed the person was 18 or older based on their statements, profile information, or appearance, this can form the basis of a defense. Texas law does require that you have actual knowledge or reasonable belief that the person is a minor.

Hypothetical Scenario:
A woman meets someone on an adult-oriented website that requires users to confirm they’re 18+. The profile lists the age as 21. They exchange messages about meeting for dinner. Weeks later, she’s arrested because the “21-year-old” was actually an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old in a sting operation.

This defendant has a strong age misrepresentation defense because: (1) the website’s age verification created reasonable belief of adult status, (2) the profile explicitly stated an adult age, and (3) the defendant took reasonable steps to ensure legal conduct by using an age-restricted platform.

However, this defense has limitations. If evidence shows you were informed of the minor status during the conversation and continued communicating, or if the person’s profile contained obvious indicators of minor status (high school information, underage photos), the defense weakens significantly.

Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. In online solicitation cases, this requires establishing:

• That you communicated with a specific individual
• That the communication occurred through electronic means
• That you knew or believed the person was under 17
• That you intended to engage in sexual conduct or contact
• That the messages contained sexually explicit content or solicitation

Digital evidence challenges we exploit:

Sting Operations and Undercover Investigations

The majority of online solicitation arrests in Dallas result from law enforcement sting operations. Understanding how these stings work is vital to mounting an effective defense.

How Law Enforcement Conducts Online Solicitation Stings

Local police departments, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and multi-agency task forces regularly conduct undercover operations targeting online solicitation. Recent operations have intensified across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with major stings conducted in:

Dallas Police Department Sting Locations:

• Northeast Division (9915 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas 75238) – Covers Lake Highlands, White Rock Lake area
• North Central Division (6969 McCallum Blvd, Dallas 75252) – Covers North Dallas, Addison border
• Southeast Division (4902 CA Lutrell Drive, Dallas 75232) – Covers Duncanville border, south Oak Cliff
• West Division (2828 Fish Trap Road, Dallas 75212) – Covers Irving border, Love Field area

Regional Coordination: The North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force coordinates multi-agency operations from their headquarters near Dallas Love Field. This task force includes:

• Dallas Police Department
• Irving Police Department
• Carrollton Police Department
• Richardson Police Department
• Plano Police Department
• FBI Dallas Field Office (1 Justice Way, Dallas, TX 75220)

These agencies share resources, intelligence, and undercover officers, meaning a conversation started in Dallas might result in arrest coordination with Irving or Richardson police.

The typical sting follows this pattern:

Phase 1: The Bait

• Officers create fake profiles on social media, dating apps, or chat platforms
• The profile may or may not explicitly state an underage status
• Officers initiate conversations with multiple people simultaneously, casting a wide net

Phase 2: The Hook

• Once someone engages in conversation, the undercover officer gradually introduces the minor status
• Officers are trained to encourage conversation without crossing into entrapment territory
• The goal is to get the target to express sexual interest or suggest meeting

Phase 3: The Meeting

• If the conversation progresses to discussing a physical meeting, officers arrange a specific time and location
• The “meeting spot” is typically a public place where arrest teams are staged
• Arrest occurs the moment you arrive at the location

Common sting operation meeting locations in Dallas County:

• Shopping center parking lots: Town East Mall (Mesquite), Valley View Center (North Dallas), Lakewood Landing
• Public parks: Reverchon Park (Uptown), Bachman Lake Park, White Rock Lake trails
• Hotel parking areas: Embassy Suites Dallas-Love Field, hotels near DFW Airport, Galleria-area hotels
• Restaurant parking lots: Chain restaurants along I-635 (LBJ Freeway), Central Expressway (US-75) corridor

Officers choose locations with easy surveillance access, multiple arrest team positions, and public visibility to capture everything on video.

🚨 Red Flags That You’re Talking to Law Enforcement

While not definitive, these patterns often indicate you’re communicating with an undercover officer rather than a real minor:

• Rapid escalation – The conversation moves quickly from casual chat to sexual topics or meeting arrangements
• Persistent availability – Real teenagers have school, activities, and parental supervision; someone who responds immediately 24/7 may be an officer
• Detailed planning – Undercover officers will push for specific meeting times, locations, and logistics to build evidence
• Resistance to video chat – Officers can’t appear on camera as a minor; they’ll make excuses to avoid video verification
• Professional-level writing – Watch for adult vocabulary, perfect grammar, and sophisticated phrasing inconsistent with teenage communication

Constitutional Issues in Sting Operations

Law enforcement sting operations must comply with constitutional protections. Common violations we identify include:

Entrapment – When officers cross the line from providing opportunity into active inducement

First Amendment violations – Some conversations constitute protected speech until they cross into solicitation territory

Fourth Amendment violations – Warrantless searches of devices, improper seizure of evidence, or illegal surveillance tactics

Fifth Amendment violations – Coerced confessions, failure to provide Miranda warnings, or continuing interrogation after you invoke your rights

If we can prove constitutional violations occurred, evidence obtained illegally can be suppressed, often leading to case dismissal.

Why Choose Our Dallas Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

Facing online solicitation charges requires an attorney with specific experience in this complex area of criminal law. Not all criminal defense lawyers have the technical knowledge, courtroom experience, or investigative resources necessary to effectively defend these cases.

What sets Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy apart:

🏛️ Deep Dallas County Court Experience We’ve handled over 6,000 criminal cases in Dallas County since 2002. We know the judges, understand how each court operates, and have established relationships with prosecutors. This local knowledge creates strategic advantages in negotiations and trial strategy.

Our familiarity with Dallas County’s criminal courts includes:

• Understanding judge-specific preferences: Judge Brandon Birmingham (Criminal District Court 3) approaches sex crime cases differently than Judge Tammy Kemp (Criminal District Court 7)
• Prosecutor assignment patterns: The DA’s Special Crimes Division assigns specific prosecutors to online solicitation cases—we’ve negotiated with each of them
• Court coordinator relationships: Knowing how to efficiently communicate with court staff expedites motions, hearing dates, and case progress
• Local jury tendencies: Dallas County juries drawn from different geographic areas (downtown vs. North Dallas vs. Pleasant Grove) have different perspectives on sex crime cases

Specific Dallas County advantages:

• We know which courts are more likely to grant suppression motions based on the judge’s Fourth Amendment jurisprudence
• We understand the DA’s plea bargain policies for first-time vs. repeat offenders
• We’ve tried cases in each criminal district court and know the courtroom layouts, technology systems, and procedural preferences
• We maintain relationships with the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, probation department, and pre-trial services for collaborative solutions

🔬 Technical Digital Forensics Capability Online solicitation cases are won or lost based on digital evidence. We work with certified forensic experts who can authenticate evidence, identify tampering, recover deleted files, and analyze metadata to support your defense.

⚔️ Trial-Ready Advocacy While many firms prioritize quick plea bargains, we prepare every case for trial. When prosecutors know you’re willing to take a case to trial, they’re more likely to offer favorable plea agreements or dismiss weak charges.

📞 24/7 Availability for Urgent Matters Police don’t work 9-to-5 schedules, and neither do we. When you’re arrested or being questioned, you need immediate legal representation. We maintain 24-hour availability for emergency situations.

Don’t trust your future to an attorney who handles online solicitation cases as a side practice. Choose lawyers who have dedicated their careers to criminal defense and sex crime cases. Call (972) 528-0116 for a confidential consultation.

Navigating Dallas County’s Criminal Justice System

Successfully defending an online solicitation case requires intimate knowledge of Dallas County’s specific procedures, offices, and requirements. Here’s what you’ll encounter:

Dallas County Pre-Trial Services

If you’re released on bond, you’ll report to Dallas County Pre-Trial Services, located at:

George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building 600 Commerce Street, Suite 105, Dallas, TX 75202 (Near Reunion Tower, accessible via DART Red/Blue/Green/Orange lines to Akard Station)

What happens at pre-trial services:

• Initial intake interview (45-60 minutes)
• Risk assessment questionnaire
• Drug testing (urinalysis)
• GPS monitoring device installation if required
• Review of all bond conditions and restrictions
• Schedule set for future compliance check-ins

Reporting requirements:

• Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins (depending on judge’s orders)
• Random drug testing
• Electronic monitoring compliance verification
• Proof of residence and employment

Missing an appointment can result in bond revocation and immediate re-arrest. We help clients understand their reporting obligations and can attend appointments with you if needed.

Dallas County Community Supervision & Corrections (Probation)

If your case results in deferred adjudication or probation, you’ll be supervised by Dallas County CSCD:

Main Office: 133 N. Industrial Blvd, LB 6, Dallas, TX 75207 (Adjacent to Lew Sterrett Justice Center, off I-35E Beckley exit)

What to expect if placed on probation:

• Monthly meetings with assigned probation officer
• $60/month supervision fee (standard Texas rate)
• Additional fees for drug testing, monitoring, and treatment programs
• Mandatory sex offender treatment program (typically 18-24 months)
• Polygraph examinations to verify compliance
• Computer monitoring software installation on all devices

Sex Offender Treatment Providers in Dallas: Dallas County CSCD maintains a list of approved treatment providers. Sessions typically occur weekly and cost $75-150 per session (not covered by insurance for court-ordered treatment). Treatment locations are throughout Dallas County, including offices near Medical District, Richardson, and North Dallas.

Dallas County Clerk’s Office – Criminal Division

For accessing case documents, filing motions, or obtaining court records:

Records Building 500 Elm Street, Suite 3300, Dallas, TX 75202 (Located across from Dallas County Courthouse, between Main Street and Elm Street)

Services:

• Case file review (public records, with some sealed documents)
• Certified copies of judgments and orders
• Disposition statements for employment/background checks (after case resolution)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Important: Court records can be accessed online through Dallas County’s website, but complete files require in-person review.

Related Sex Crime Charges We Handle

Online solicitation charges are often filed alongside other sex crime allegations. Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers handle the full spectrum of sex crime cases, including:

Possession of Child Pornography – Federal and state charges for possessing, distributing, or producing images of minors in sexually explicit situations

Indecency with a Child – Physical sexual contact or exposure with someone under 17

Sexual Assault – Non-consensual sexual conduct with a minor or adult

Statutory Rape Defense – Sexual conduct with someone under the age of consent, even if consensual

Child Sexual Abuse Charges – Various offenses involving alleged sexual conduct with minors

Sexual Performance by a Child – Employing, authorizing, or inducing a child to engage in sexual conduct for visual material

Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student – Texas Penal Code §21.12 violations involving school employees and students

If you’re facing multiple charges or related offenses, our comprehensive defense approach addresses all aspects of your case within a unified strategy.

Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction

Beyond the immediate penalties of prison time and fines, an online solicitation conviction creates ripple effects that devastate every aspect of your life for decades to come.

Professional Destruction

Career Termination – Most employers conduct background checks before hiring. A felony sex crime conviction disqualifies you from:

• Any position working with children (teaching, coaching, counseling, pediatric healthcare)
• Government jobs (federal, state, or local employment)
• Financial services (banking, securities, insurance industries perform enhanced background checks)
• Healthcare professions (medical, nursing, therapy licenses are typically revoked)
• Legal profession (automatic disbarment in Texas)
• Commercial driving (CDL holders lose their licenses)
• Military service (immediate discharge for sex crime convictions)

Business Ownership Barriers – If you own or want to start a business:

• Banks refuse loans to convicted felons
• Many business licenses require clean criminal backgrounds
• Bonding companies deny coverage
• Vendors and clients terminate relationships upon discovery
• Professional liability insurance becomes unavailable or prohibitively expensive

Personal Relationship Devastation

Family Court Consequences – A sex crime conviction impacts custody and visitation rights:

• Family courts presume you pose a risk to children’s welfare
• Supervised visitation may be required with your own children
• Custody arrangements are modified or terminated
• Adoption and foster parenting become impossible

Social Stigma – Sex offender status carries unique social consequences:

• Friends and family members distance themselves
• You’re excluded from community activities, religious organizations, and social groups
• Neighbors may organize to force you out of your home
• Online harassment and threats are common
• Dating becomes nearly impossible once your registry status is discovered

Immigration Consequences

For non-U.S. citizens, an online solicitation conviction triggers automatic removal proceedings under federal immigration law. Sex crimes involving minors are classified as “aggravated felonies” under 8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(43), which means:

• No relief from removal – Even long-term permanent residents cannot avoid deportation
• Permanent inadmissibility – You can never legally return to the United States
• Family-based petitions denied – U.S. citizen family members cannot sponsor your return
• No discretionary waivers available – Immigration judges have no authority to grant exceptions

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, the immigration consequences may be more severe than the criminal penalties. We work with experienced immigration attorneys to develop defense strategies that protect both your criminal and immigration status.

Contact a Dallas Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Today

If you’ve been accused of online solicitation of a minor, this isn’t something that slows down on its own.

Digital evidence is already being collected.
Law enforcement is already building the case.
And once charges move forward, the consequences are severe and long-term.

This is exactly when a defense lawyer needs to step in.

At The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve spent decades defending serious felony cases across Dallas County. When the state pushes hard, we push back harder — early, strategically, and without hesitation.

📞 Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak directly with our office.

We’ll walk you through what’s happening, what’s at risk, and what can be done immediately to protect you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the punishment for online solicitation of a minor in Texas?

Online solicitation of a minor is typically a third-degree felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. However, if the minor is under 14 or if you solicited a meeting with the minor, the charge escalates to a second-degree felony (2-20 years).

If a school enhancement applies, it can become a first-degree felony with penalties of 5-99 years or life. All convictions require mandatory sex offender registration for a minimum of 10 years. Beyond incarceration, you’ll face employment barriers, housing restrictions, professional license revocation, and social stigma. The severity of these consequences makes immediate legal representation essential.

Can you be charged without meeting the minor?

Yes. Texas Penal Code §33.021 criminalizes the communication itself when combined with sexual intent. You can be arrested, charged, and convicted based solely on text messages, social media chats, or emails—even if no physical meeting ever occurred and even if the “minor” was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

The law recognizes three separate offenses: soliciting a minor with intent to meet, distributing sexually explicit material to a minor, and requesting sexually explicit material from a minor. Each offense can result in felony charges without any physical contact. This is one reason why online solicitation cases are so prevalent—prosecutors don’t need to prove an actual meeting occurred.

What is considered entrapment in Texas?

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. Under Texas law, you must prove two elements: (1) you were induced by law enforcement to engage in the conduct, and (2) you were not predisposed to commit the offense.

Simply providing an opportunity to commit a crime is not entrapment—the officer must have actively encouraged, coerced, or manipulated you into the illegal behavior. For example, if an undercover officer repeatedly initiated sexual conversations despite your attempts to change the subject, persistently suggested meeting despite your refusals, or used manipulation tactics to overcome your resistance, you may have an entrapment defense. However, these defenses are difficult to prove and require expert legal analysis of the entire communication history.

Is online solicitation always a felony?

Yes, online solicitation of a minor is always charged as a felony in Texas. There is no misdemeanor version of this offense. The default charge is a third-degree felony (2-10 years prison), which escalates to a second-degree felony (2-20 years) if the minor is under 14 or if you solicited a meeting.

This felony classification means you face state prison time (not county jail), mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent conviction on your criminal record. There is no expungement or sealing available for sex crime convictions in Texas—the record remains public and searchable for life. This is why taking an online solicitation charge seriously from the moment you learn about it is absolutely critical to your future.

How long does it take for charges to be filed after an arrest?

The timeline varies significantly depending on whether you were arrested in a sting operation or as part of an ongoing investigation. In sting operations, charges are typically filed within 48-72 hours of arrest. For investigative cases where digital evidence requires forensic analysis, charges may not be filed for weeks or even months after the initial investigation begins.

Texas law requires that felony charges be filed within the statute of limitations period—generally 10 years for second-degree felonies and unlimited for first-degree felonies. However, prosecutors often move quickly in online solicitation cases due to public pressure and political considerations. If you haven’t been formally charged but know you’re under investigation, contacting a defense attorney immediately can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.

Can these charges be expunged from my record?

Unfortunately, no. Texas law does not permit expungement or sealing (nondisclosure) of sex crime convictions. If you’re convicted of online solicitation of a minor, the felony remains on your public criminal record permanently. The conviction will appear in background checks for employment, housing, professional licenses, and any other situation where criminal history is reviewed.

This is distinct from cases that are dismissed or result in not guilty verdicts—those outcomes may qualify for expungement, which completely removes the arrest and charge from your record. This permanent record consequence is another reason why fighting the charges aggressively from the beginning is essential. Once convicted, you cannot undo the damage to your record, reputation, or future opportunities.