Towson Online Solicitation of a Minor Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland for Clients Facing Online Solicitation of Minor Charges

In the 21st century, the internet has become a pivotal platform for communication and social interaction. There are a multitude of platforms that people may use to connect with each other and send messages, pictures, or videos. However, this level of connection has raised concerns about online safety for children, who may be at risk of harm when interacting with adults. To protect children from sex crimes or other related offenses, law enforcement officials may investigate and prosecute a person who is suspected of being a predator. When a person is charged with online solicitation of a minor, they may face a number of serious penalties, and they will need to understand their options for defense.

At Seger Law, LLC, we provide representation for people who have been accused of committing crimes against children or other sex crimes. We understand how serious these accusations can be and how a person's life, relationships, and career can be affected when they are charged with these types of crimes. We can provide effective legal representation, utilizing extensive experience in both prosecution and defense to determine the best strategies to help avoid a conviction or reduce the charges and penalties that may apply in a case. Our goal is to protect our clients' rights at all times while helping them resolve criminal cases

Criminal Charges for Online Solicitation of a Minor

Under the laws of the state of Maryland, online solicitation of a minor may include any situations where an adult uses the internet or any digital medium to engage or propose to engage in sexual acts with a child. This law aims to shield minors from predatory behaviors in virtual environments and in the "real world," which can cause them to suffer lasting psychological and emotional harm, as well as physical injuries if they experience sexual assault.

The offense of online solicitation with a minor may apply if a person knowingly requests, entices, or advises a minor to engage in activities that would constitute rape or a sexual offense. Rape includes sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 14 when the alleged perpetrator is four or more years older than the child. Sexual offenses include sexual contact other than intercourse with a child under the age of 14 when a person is at least four years older, as well as sexual intercourse with a child aged 14 or 15 when the alleged perpetrator is over the age of 21.

Examples of activities that could lead to charges of online solicitation of a minor include:

• An adult engaging in explicit conversations with a minor on social media, attempting to coax the minor into a sexual relationship.
• An adult sending obscene materials to a minor via email or direct messages, trying to initiate sexual activities.
• An adult using chat rooms to befriend a minor and subsequently arranging to meet them with the intention of committing a sexual act.

Notably, Maryland law also states that a person can be charged with this offense if they interact with a law enforcement officer posing as a minor. Even if the alleged perpetrator never communicated with or arranged to meet an actual child, they could still be charged with a crime if they solicited a person who they believed was a minor.

Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor

The consequences of being convicted for online solicitation of a minor in Maryland are severe. They may include:

• Imprisonment: A first offense carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. For a second offense, a maximum 20-year prison sentence may be imposed.
• Fines: The maximum fine for a first offense is $25,000, and a second offense may result in a fine of up to $50,000
• Sex offender registration: A sex crime conviction will require a person to submit their information to the state's sex offender registry. Sex offender status will have profound social, professional, and legal ramifications, potentially limiting where a person can live, and leading to difficulty securing employment, pursuing education, or obtaining loans.

Contact Our Towson, MD Online Solicitation of a Minor Attorney

Maryland's laws are designed to safeguard young people from exploitation and harm. If you are facing charges for online solicitation of a minor, an experienced attorney can be an invaluable ally. At Seger Law, LLC, we can provide you with a robust legal defense and effective guidance during your case. Contact us at 443-208-4692 to set up a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our dedicated team is here to support and defend you through this challenging time, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.