What is Solicitation of a Minor?
Solicitation of a minor occurs when you speak with a minor (or someone you believe is under the age of 18) and ask them to meet for sexual purposes. You could face solicitation charges for talking with a minor over the phone, internet, or text messaging. It’s crucial to understand that a conviction doesn’t require touching the alleged victim.
Law enforcement can quickly misinterpret your actions or intentions. Further complicating matters, you could also face federal charges and devastating penalties if you contacted the minor using the internet.
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!
Victorville Prosecution Solicitation of a Minor | Elements of PC 288.4
California takes every sex crime allegation very seriously, and this is especially true of crimes affecting minors. As a result, you should anticipate felony charges and fierce prosecution for soliciting a minor in San Bernardino County. However, with the help of Wallin & Klarich, that may not be the case.
Since this crime is a wobbler, our skilled sex crime attorneys can create a compelling argument based on the evidence against you. Then, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to get your charges dropped or reduced to a misdemeanor. If the facts are in your favor, we have a better chance of success. For example, a lack of evidence or a clean criminal history can persuade the prosecutor in your favor when presented by an experienced lawyer.
The Victorville prosecutor must prove specific facts to convict you of soliciting a minor beyond a reasonable doubt. California Penal Code 288.4 outlines the elements of the crime, including:
- You made arrangements with a minor or (a person you believed to be a minor) to meet for sexual purposes.
- You displayed an abnormal sexual interest in the minor.
- You arrived at the location and time for the arranged meeting.
Federal Prosecution for Solicitation of a Minor | Violating USC 2422-2423
You may also face federal prosecution if you’re accused of traveling to another state or using the internet or mail to solicit minors. Federal prosecutors are highly skilled. With a potential federal prison sentence hanging over your head, you need a Victorville 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
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. You’ll find the penalties for solicitation of a minor in Victorville below.
Misdemeanor Solicitation of a Minor
- One year in jail
- $5,000 fine
- Sex offender registration
Felony Solicitation of a Minor
- 2-4 years imprisonment
- $5,000 fine
- Sex offender registration
Federal Penalties for Solicitation of a Minor
You can face a range of harsh federal penalties for solicitation of a minor, depending on the circumstances of your case. That’s why it’s vital to consult with our skilled sex crime attorneys at Wallin & Klarich as soon as possible. We have years of experience successfully representing federal cases. As outlined under USC 2422 and 2423, the court can sentence you to the following federal penalties for solicitation of a minor:
- 10 years to life in federal prison if you’re 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
Discuss your case with our expert Victorville attorneys today to find the best route for avoiding severe penalties and conviction. Contact us today for your free consultation!
Professional and Personal Consequences
Once convicted of soliciting a minor in Victorville, you may find it hard to shake the stigma attached to being a registered sex offender. Aside from embarrassment and shame, you might also struggle to get a decent job. If you are convicted on the federal level, you could spend decades in jail. Depending on your age, this could mean wasting away in a cold prison cell for the rest of your life. You may also experience the heartbreak of losing close relationships with loved ones and acquaintances due to your conviction.
While you may feel like the walls are already closing in on you, there is hope with the help of our experienced sex crime defense attorneys.
For over 40 years, we’ve helped countless clients beat false accusations of sex crimes in Victorville. So, we understand how difficult this situation is for 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. Rest assured, your best interests matter to us! Call Wallin & Klarich today and consult with our knowledgeable defense lawyers!
Defense Strategies For Solicitation of a Minor Charges
Fight false accusations of soliciting a minor with a rock-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 Victorville include but are not limited to:
Entrapment
If your case involved an undercover or sting operation in Victorville, 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
Sadly, many of our clients have been falsely accused of sex crimes, including solicitation of minors. The good news is that 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!