Contained in Florida Statute Section 847.0135, the Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act makes traveling to meet a minor a felony offense. Offenders will be punished harshly if convicted, which is why it is critical to consult with an experienced Orlando sex crime defense attorney who is knowledgeable and skilled in the areas of Internet sex crimes involving minors. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal guidance and support to our client, always focusing on the best possible outcome.
Use of the Internet to chat with a minor under the age of 18 for the purpose of making plans to travel and meet the minor for sexual activity is unlawful in the state of Florida. Considering that sting operations are frequently set up by police in order to catch offenders, it is often difficult to discern who is doing the "enticing," the suspected offender or the police officer. Police will set up phony ID's in chat rooms for the purpose of sending out enticing or solicitous messages, acting as a minor child. This can result in an innocent individual committing a crime he or she would never have committed under normal circumstances.
If you have been arrested for traveling to meet a minor or are under investigation, we cannot stress enough how important it is to discuss your situation with a qualified Orlando traveling to meet a minor attorney right away.
Defenses to Traveling to Meet a Minor Charges in FloridaThere are various defense strategies that may prove effective in defending against this charge, depending on the facts of your particular case. We will work with you personally to develop a viable defense and help prevent a conviction and the resulting criminal penalties. A few examples of defenses that have proven effective in these situations include:
In developing a solid defense strategy, we will investigate whether police used language in a sting operation that may be considered entrapment, the initial contact made with the minor online (whether it was solicitous in nature), how old the person in the chat room claimed to be, and more. Polygraph tests and the fact that an alleged offender has no criminal history or past sexual offenses may also work to your advantage.
Criminal Penalties for Traveling to Meet a Minor in Orlando & Central FloridaIndividuals who are found guilty of this crime will face harsh punishment. As mentioned earlier, traveling to meet a minor is a second degree felony offense. If convicted, penalties include:
Additionally, Florida has a statutory minimum sentence of 21 months in prison for this offense, unless there are mitigating factors or a legitimate reason why the sentence should be reduced (downward departure from sentencing guidelines).
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton NowAs trusted Orlando traveling to meet a minor defense lawyers, we understand the serious consequences of a conviction. We fight vigorously on behalf of every client we represent in an effort to protect your legal rights and freedom. If you have been charged or are being investigated, we urge you to contact us immediately at (407) 872-0307 or (352) 787-2101 so that work can begin on your case.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm Adams, Luka, & Benton did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of Adams, Luka, & Benton.