Online solicitation of a minor is a serious crime that can result in severe penalties. In most cases, when an individual is charged with this offense, the prosecution has what they believe to be clear-cut and indisputable evidence showing that the defendant is guilty of the crime.
In order to avoid severe penalties in cases like these, it takes a skilled defense attorney to analyze the facts of the case and point out flaws and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. Having a quality sex crimes defense attorney who is capable of developing a thorough defense, can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Online Solicitation of a Minor Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TX
If you have been charged with online solicitation of a minor in Dallas, Richard McConathy is an experienced defense attorney who has been counseled in thousands of criminal proceedings in Texas courts.
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas
According to section 33.021 of the Texas Penal Code, an individual who is at least 17 years old can be charged with online solicitation of a minor if he or she intentionally distributes material to a minor that is sexually explicit or communicates in a way that is sexually explicit to a minor.
If an individual uses the internet to solicit a minor to engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate from sexual intercourse, he or she can be charged with online solicitation of a minor.
This includes solicitation, the distribution of materials, or sexually explicit communication that takes place online, in a text message, through email, or any other form of electronic means.
Definitions for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas
The terms commonly associated with the online solicitation of a minor are defined by § 33.021 and § 21.01 of the Texas Penal Code as:
Minor: A minor is anyone who represents themselves as being less than 17 years old, or is believed to be less than 17 years old by the alleged offender
Sexual contact: Touching the breast, genitals, or anus of another individual for the purpose of sexual gratification
Sexual intercourse: Penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex organ
Deviate sexual intercourse: Penetrating the genitals or anus with an object, or having contact with the genitals of one individual, with the mouth or anus of another
Defenses to Solicitation of a Minor in Dallas/Fort Worth
Under certain circumstances, specific defenses may be available to the alleged offender. Some of the most commonly used defenses to sex crime accusations include:
- Mistaken Identity
- Confession was made while under duress
- Lack of knowledge that the alleged victim was a minor
- Entrapment
- Alibi
- False accusations by the alleged victim
In order to determine which defense best fits your situation, it is important to consult with an experienced Dallas/Fort Worth sex crimes defense attorney.
Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Collin County
In most cases, the online situation of a minor is considered a third-degree felony, which is punishable by between two and 10 years in prison, and/or up to a $10,000 fine. Along with a prison sentence and fines, individuals can also face the following penalties:
- Limitations on employment professions
- Inability to receive governmental assistance
- Inability to enroll in certain educational institutions
- Loss of the right to possess a firearm
Additionally, if an individual is accused of soliciting a minor online who is or was believed to be under the age of 14, he or she can be charged with a second-degree felony, which carries a prison sentence of between two and 20 years, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Online Solicitation of Minor Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
If you have been arrested for soliciting a minor online, the attorneys at our firm are a dedicated team of legal professionals who are qualified defense attorneys to assist in your case.
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.