Minnesota Solicitation of a Minor Defense Lawyer
It doesn’t matter how it happened, whether it was over the internet behind a wall of vague details or in person where the evidence should have been obvious, if you were caught soliciting a minor in Minnesota, you are in trouble. If below the age of majority, attempting to propose any sexual act from a child is illegal and the younger the child is, the worse the punishments will be. As such, you need to be swift in your own defense when facing these charges.
Penalties For Solicitation of a Minor
When most think of solicitation charges, they often associate it with prostitution. While you may face these charges (and more) for an underage prostitute, sex or sexual conduct need not even occur to be charged with solicitation. Even the mere suggestion of sexual activity can serve as solicitation. These days, solicitation of a minor is far more common when talking to people on the internet. You suggest you meet up, the young person you thought you were talking to is actually a police officer, and then you are being arrested for this crime. Depending on the age of the child you were chatting with, the harsher the punishment you should expect. This includes:
- 16 – 17 Years Old – Penalties include 5 years in jail and/or $10,000 in fines
- 13 – 15 Years Old – Penalties include 10 years in jail and/or $20,000 in fines
- Under 13 – Penalties include 20 years in jail and/or $40,000 in fines
The unfortunate reality with this charge is that the internet has provided the venue and the knowledge for children to act older than they really are. This has made solicitation charges more prevalent in recent years, but if they are indeed very young, you are in serious trouble. Unfortunately, if you used the internet, this is enough to make the charges a federal matter, which carries even more harsh penalties. Of course, with any charge involving children, a conviction will cause irreparable damage to your reputation that will follow you long after your time has been served. As this damage can come with just the arrest, often this can be the worst part.
Defending Against Solicitation of a Minor Charges
When it comes to defending against these charges, you will want to work with your lawyer to craft a defense that works with the unique aspects of your case. Typically, one of the more common defenses is that you believed they were of age. For older minors, this can work well. If you met them publically in a club where you have to be older than 18 to enter, there is a certain expectation that they are over 18. Unfortunately, if you met them online in a place where children are known to hang out, this can be very difficult to defend against.
If you were part of a solicitation of a minor sting on the internet, your lawyer will likely want to look into an entrapment defense. If law enforcement coxed you into making sexual advances, this is entrapment and will negate your charges. Otherwise, your lawyer may want to base your defense around the fact that it was an adult talking to you and the person you were talking to seemed older.
Need Help? Talk To Judith Samson!
Have you been charged with solicitation of a minor in Minnesota? As a charge that comes with huge penalties and reputation damage, it is not something you want to ignore. However, while it can seem hopeless, the right criminal defense attorney can make sure you aren’t faced with harsh punishments for a mistake. Contact us today to see what Judith Samson can do to help.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
