Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas By Jason Trumpler, P.C. on May 21, 2020

Online Solicitation of a Minor refers to an electronic communication, social media, and the like, where a person communicates in a sexually explicit manner, or distributes sexually explicit material, or attempts to meet to engage in sexual activity with someone he or she believes to be under the age of 17.

 

The Texas Penal Code prohibits explicitly sexual communication (“sexting”), distribution of sexually explicit materials (like videos or photos), and any sort of solicitation to meet in person. The State arrests many individuals for online solicitation during elaborate “sting” operations. In these undercover operations, a police officer acting as a minor will lure an adult to an agreed-on meeting spot with the explicit intent of engaging in sexual activities.

https://www.trumplerlaw.com/blog/2020/04/08/hays-county-dwi-lawyer-jason-170931

Online solicitation is a Felony offense. A Felony offense, particularly one of a sexual nature, can have devastating consequences. In addition to affecting housing and employment opportunities, the State will require you to register as a sex offender. Having to register as a sex offender can be devastating. If the State has charged you or someone you know with online solicitation, contact our office today at 512-457-5200. Jason Trumpler is an aggressive attorney with 20-years of criminal law experience. He has successfully gotten hundreds of cases reduced or ultimately dismissed. Call us today at 512-457-5200.

 

Upon arrest, many individuals claim that they did not intend to engage in sexual conduct, or that the conversations were just “fantasy.” The Texas Penal Code explicitly states that these are not viable defenses in a court of law. Additionally, even if you did not end up meeting up with the allegedly underage person, you may still be charged with online solicitation if you engaged in sexual speak or exchanged materials of a sexual nature.

 

The Texas legal system prosecutes online solicitation charges very aggressively.

 

Typically, online solicitation is a 3rd-Degree Felony. The range of punishment for a 3rd-Degree Felony is:

However, if the alleged victim is younger than 14-years old, the charge may be enhanced to a 2nd-Degree Felony. The range of punishment for a 2nd-Degree Felony is:

A strong legal defense will help your chances of having the charge reduced.

Jason Trumpler is a reputable criminal defense attorney who has successfully represented many individuals charged with crimes of a sexual nature. The courts can be particularly severe when the alleged misconduct involves a minor. He currently practices in Central Texas counties such as Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Bell, Bastrop, Burnet, and Lee. Call us today at 512-457-5200.