If you are charged with online solicitation of a minor, the consequences can be life-altering. The crime is a serious felony that can lead to a serious conviction as well as prison time and fines. To be guilty of this crime in Texas, according to Texas law, you must use a smartphone or a computer in order to entice someone who is underage to engage in a sex act. Under Texas Penal Code Section 33.021, the term minor includes anyone who represents he or she is younger than 17 years old or any person whom the defendant themselves believe to be under that age.
Most of the time this type of arrest occurs as a result of a sting operating using an undercover office to pose as a child. Because of the increasing social media sites, police have employed dedicated investigators to entice adults into sexually charged conversations. Ultimately, this statute has been designed in order to eliminate the most common reasons for the person accused to show that there was no intent to carry through with the illegal act.
How a Texas Online Solicitation Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been arrested for online solicitation of a minor then contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney such as Derek W. Emmons is important. He represents clients who have been charged with this serious sexual offense in Bexar County, Texas. You may feel as though you’re in a helpless situation, however, there are many defenses to online solicitation charges in Texas.
With his experience, Derek W. Emmons can build a compelling defense for your particular case. Everyone is entitled to a defense free from judgment. In order to learn more about your case, Derek W. Emmons can offer you a free consultation. To learn more about what he can do for you as your criminal defense attorney in Texas, call (210) 702-3054 today.