In online interactions, it can be easy to assume that the person on the other end is who they claim to be. What if a minor has catfished you, and now you are contending with legal consequences? What are your defense options?
The laws on online solicitation of a minor are strict and unforgiving
Potential consequences of online solicitation of a minor include:
- Felony charges
- Prison time (often two to 20 years in Texas)
- Heavy fines (up to $10,000 in Texas)
- Sex offender registration
- Loss of professional licenses
- Damage to personal and professional relationships
- Restrictions on internet use
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
In Texas and many other states, online solicitation of a minor is a serious crime. The law does not always consider whether you know the person’s real age.
Your intent and actions matter more than the actual age of the person you communicated with. This means you could face charges even if you were deceived about the minor’s age.
Ignorance of the minor’s age may not be a valid defense. The law places the burden on the accused to ensure they are communicating with an adult.
Your online activities, including messages, photos and meeting arrangements, can all become part of the case. The prosecution may argue that you should have known the person was underage based on context clues in your conversations.
Your future may depend on the decisions you make now
If you are contending with criminal charges, your first step should be to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can investigate several aspects of your case and determine the most effective course of action. The stakes are too high, so do not attempt to handle this alone.