Online Solicitation of a Minor Charges
The law severely punishes sexual activities with minors. If you’ve been charged with online solicitation of a minor, you may be facing serious penalties that will affect the rest of your life. You don’t have to endure the criminal justice process alone. Chicago sex crimes attorney Michael O’Meara has the experience and resources to protect your rights and obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
To learn more about how we can defend against your charges, call O’Meara Law at 312-909-0706 today for a free and confidential consultation.
How Does Illinois Law Define Online Solicitation of a Minor?
In Illinois, online solicitation of a minor is a blanket term that can be applied to a number of individually recognized crimes. For example, discussing sex, demanding sexual favors, and electronic enticement can all be charged as separate offenses.
In essence, online solicitation of a minor involves using a cell phone, a computer, or any other electronic device to request a meeting with a child without the child’s parents’ permission. With this crime, no sexual act needs to occur. The only element that must be present is the intent to engage in a sexual act with a person who is under the age of 17. Acts that can lead to an online solicitation charge include:
- Demanding intercourse or other sexual activity from someone under the age of 17. This can be done over the phone, through instant messaging, or through texts.
- Discussing a sex act with a child over the internet. This might include describing a sex act or asking the minor if they enjoy certain sex acts.
Crimes you may be charged with that involve online solicitation of a minor include:
- Indecent solicitation
- Electronic enticement
- Luring a minor
- Child abduction
- Child pornography
The Harsh Consequences of a Conviction
The criminal penalties for online solicitation of a minor vary depending on the circumstances of the alleged solicitation:
- Discussing Sex with a Child Over the Internet (Class 4 Felony): A fine of up to $25,000 and between one and four years in state prison
- Electronic Enticement (Class 4 Felony): A fine of up to $25,000 and between one and four years in state prison
- Demanding or Requesting a Sexual Act (Class 1, 2, or 3 Felony): A fine of up to $25,000 and between two and 15 years in state prison depending on the severity of the crime
In addition to incarceration and fines, you will face other consequences for being convicted of online solicitation, including:
- Sex offender registration
- Restricted educational opportunities, since you may not be able to gain admission to colleges or receive scholarships
- Inability to find a job because of the felony sex crime on your record
- As a felon, you will not be able to own or even handle firearms
- If you’re an immigrant, your solicitation of a minor charge will almost certainly result in deportation proceedings
- Negative reputation among friends, family, and your community
How O’Meara Law Can Help
If you have been charged with online solicitation, you may be worried about the consequences that could follow a conviction. Thankfully, a skilled Chicago sex crimes lawyer may be able to have your charges reduced or dismissed. By thoroughly reviewing the evidence against you, it may be possible to demonstrate that you interacted with the minor by mistake, or that the sexual content of your conversation was the result of misinterpretation.
Attorney Michael O’Meara has over 20 years of legal experience, both as a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer. With his significant experience and dedication to helping his clients move on with their lives, he is well positioned to give your case the best possible chance of success.
To see how we can help you avoid a criminal record, call O’Meara Law at 312-909-0706 today.