What is Solicitation of a Minor?
Solicitation of a minor occurs when one engages in conversation with an individual they believe to be under the age of 18, and requests a meeting for sexual intentions. Solicitation charges can be brought upon individuals who communicate with minors via phone, internet, or text messaging. It is important to note that a conviction does not necessitate physical contact with the victim. Moreover, if the communication with the minor occurs through the internet, federal charges and penalties may apply.
Protect your rights and consult with our skilled solicitation defense lawyers immediately. Wallin & Klarich has specialized in Southern California sex crimes for over 40 years. Our leading sex crime attorneys team will fight to help you win your case in Victorville! Contact us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL for your free consultation!
Anaheim Prosecution Solicitation of a Minor | Elements of PC 288.4
California takes charges of sex crimes, particularly those involving minors, very seriously in an effort to reduce the number of incidents. If you find yourself facing such charges, it is likely that you will be charged with a felony. However, there is hope with the assistance of Wallin & Klarich.
Our experienced sex crime attorneys can build a strong argument based on the evidence against you and negotiate with the prosecutor. Our goal is to have your charges dropped or reduced to a misdemeanor. The chances of success are higher if the facts are in your favor, such as a lack of evidence or a clean criminal history.
The Anaheim prosecutor must prove specific facts beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict you of soliciting a minor, as outlined in California Penal Code 288.4. These include making arrangements with a minor (or someone believed to be a minor) for a sexual meeting, displaying an abnormal sexual interest in the minor, and actually showing up at the agreed location and time.
Remember, having an experienced lawyer by your side can greatly influence the outcome of your case.
Federal Prosecution for Solicitation of a Minor | Violating USC 2422-2423
If you’re accused of traveling to another state or using the internet or mail to solicit minors, you may face federal prosecution in addition to state prosecution. It is important to note that federal prosecutors are highly skilled. With a potential federal prison sentence hanging over your head, you need an Anaheim solicitation defense attorney with extraordinary skill and experience to stand up to prosecution of this level. Our law firm has experience defending clients accused of federal crimes in Southern California.
.For a federal solicitation of a minor conviction, the prosecution must prove the following elements outlined under USC 24221 and 2423:
- You utilized the mail, internet, or telephone to entice a minor to meet for sexual purposes.
- You tried to coerce a minor to meet you in another state or country for unlawful sex or prostitution.
- You deliberately transported the minor to another state or country to engage in illegal sex with you or someone else.
- You intentionally traveled to another state or country for illegal sexual contact with the minor.
Solicitation of a Minor Penalties | Consequences of Conviction
There are harsh penalties and consequences for a solicitation conviction. For a misdemeanor solicitation of a minor, you can face up to 1 year in jail, a $5,000 fine, and sex offender registration. For a felony solicitation of a minor, you can face 2-4 years of jail, a $5,000 fine, and sex offender registration. While the jail-time and fines are already severe consequences, having to register on the sex offender registry can have a life-long impact on both you and your loved ones.
For a federal solicitation conviction, the penalties are also harsh. This can include:
- 10 years to life in federal prison if found guilty of soliciting or transporting a minor for illegal sexual purposes.
- 40 years in prison if you’re found guilty of traveling to another state or country for illegal sexual contact with a minor.
- 10 years to life in prison if you’re found guilty of “sex trafficking” a minor.
- 15 years to life in prison if you’re found guilty of “sex trafficking” a minor under 14 years old.
- California sex offender registration
- Lifetime federal sex offender registration
Professional and Personal Consequences
In addition to the harsh jail time and fines that come with a solicitation conviction, you may also find yourself suffering from life-long professional and personal consequences. Registering on the sex offender registration can seriously harm your chances at finding a job.
You don’t want to endure the harsh legal penalties and far-reaching consequences of a solicitation conviction. With your reputation and future at stake, you need to consult with a skilled sex crime defense attorney who can confidently defend your rights. For over 40 years, we’ve helped countless clients beat false accusations of sex crimes in Anaheim. So, we understand how difficult this situation is for both you and your family. Hiring us puts you one step closer to a better outcome. We bring passion and dedication to every case, representing clients the way we’d like to be treated. Call Wallin & Klarich today and consult with our knowledgeable defense lawyers.
Defense Strategies For Solicitation of a Minor Charges
You can fight false accusations of solicitation of a minor with a solid defense strategy! Wallin & Klarich has a team of the best legal investigations and sex crime lawyers. Our connections to top experts allow us to back up our arguments with scientific proof. We understand that juries want clear-cut evidence. We cut straight to the strengths of your case and offer evidence in a clear, convincing manner. The best defenses for solicitation of a minor in Anaheim include but are not limited to:
Entrapment
If your case involved an undercover or sting operation in Anaheim, we would consider raising the argument for entrapment. Many lawyers advertise their knowledge of the entrapment defense. However, proving entrapment in a court of law requires exceptional experience and skill. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have the knowledge required to present this defense on your behalf. With 40+ years of experience, we are confident in our ability to examine your case and determine if entrapment is the best strategy. To be successful, we must demonstrate the following:
- Law enforcement gave you the idea to commit the crime. For example, the undercover officer approached you via chat first.
- The undercover officer pressured you into the meetup with the alleged minor.
- You would never have arranged a sexual meeting with a minor on your own, and you only committed the crime due to the officer contacting and pressuring you.
False Accusations
Many of our clients have been falsely accused of sex crimes, including solicitation of minors. We’ve helped many people just like you avoid prison and jail time. Check out a few of their success stories here! Whether an outright lie or misunderstanding led to your charges, we are here to help prove your innocence!
Good Faith – Belief of Age
If you believed the minor was 18 years old, we could argue for a dismissal of your solicitation case. Suppose the alleged victim lied to you via chat or showed you a fake ID. We can use this as evidence that you believed the minor was an adult. If successful, the prosecution can’t convict you of this sex crime. Call Wallin & Klarich today for your free legal consultation!
Choosing A Top Defense Attorney | We’ll Fight For You
With so many defense lawyers competing for your attention, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or hire the wrong one. When you choose a sex crime attorney, you need to evaluate what they can do for you. Do they have experience and a solid track record? Are your best interests their priority? Don’t just take their word for it. Consider how they make you feel as well. Wallin & Klarich has years of experience fighting legal battles and working with clients. It’s easy for us to articulate what we bring to the table that separates us from other defense firms. We are known for the following characteristics:
- Trusted Legal Advocates
- Exceptional Negotiators
- 40+ Years of Practice
- Specialized Legal Expertise
Trusted Legal Advocates | The Wallin & Klarich Difference
You need to be able to trust your sex crime attorney. It’s bad enough you have to worry about the prosecution without having to wonder about your defense team. With Wallin & Klarich, you never have to question our loyalty. You’ll always receive one-on-one attention and genuine care when you visit our office. We are here for you when you need us, and we’re always prepared to fight for your best interests.
Exceptional Negotiators | 40+ Years of Success
You also need a sex crime lawyer who understands the best way to negotiate inside and outside of court. We’ve honed our negotiation skills during our 40+ years of practice, and we continue to strive for excellence. Find out how our expert negotiators can help you defeat false accusations of soliciting a minor in Victorville, CA. Contact us today toll-free at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a local sex crimes attorney that you can trust!
We’re here to help you!