Shreveport Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer

Shreveport Online Solicitation of a Minor Attorney

In the digital age, where adults and minors all share the same online spaces, the risk of being accused of soliciting a minor online has greatly increased. Video game chats, social media, wrong numbers—one slip-up can have you facing felony charges before you are even aware of it. If you are accused of committing this offense, you need a Shreveport online solicitation of a minor lawyer.

Alan J. Golden Attorney at Law has over 30 years of experience in criminal defense law. Our Shreveport criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights and work toward achieving the most favorable outcome possible.

Understanding Online Solicitation of a Minor in Louisiana

Online solicitation of a minor specifically refers to communicating with a minor with the intention of having them engage in illegal sexual conduct. This can be done by using the internet, social media, or other digital means of communication. It can include arranging in-person meetings, sending sexually explicit material, and even encouraging inappropriate conversations.

That said, the law in Louisiana doesn’t just come down on people who successfully solicit their victims; it can also punish those who made “attempts.” This means that even if there was no physical contact, the intention to persuade a minor can result in criminal charges.

Penalties in an Online Solicitation Case

The effects of an online solicitation case are far-reaching, and a conviction can affect personal relationships, professional relationships, and your career. However, a conviction in these cases also carries immediate consequences, and these are:

1. Prison Time: If convicted, you could face years in prison, depending on your own criminal history and the age of the minor.
2. Fines: In addition to being incarcerated, you’ll also have to deal with hefty fines.
3. Sex Offender Registration: After a conviction, you may have to register as a sex offender, which can restrict where you can live, work, and interact with any children in the future.
4. Sexual Offender Treatment: In some cases, the court may require convicted individuals to go to sex offender treatment programs. This therapy aims to address the root causes of criminal behavior, but it can also be invasive and last for a long time.

Defending Charges of Online Solicitation of a Minor

The charge of online solicitation of a minor is both overwhelming and terrifying, but a skilled Shreveport sex crimes attorney can compellingly defend you. Alan J. Golden can fight for your rights and against these charges. With our knowledge and experience, we know how to build a comprehensive defense for our clients in these cases.

Some defense strategies could include:

1. Lack of Intent: This can be a valid defense when you didn’t have any intention of acting on what was discussed online. The prosecution must prove that you intended to engage in illegal sexual activities with a minor to convict you, but this can be difficult if there’s no clear evidence that you did.
2. False Allegations: False accusations do crop up in these kinds of cases, especially in situations where the alleged victim has other motives. If the evidence points to a fabrication or exaggeration of the events, it can be used to build a strong defense.
3. Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when someone is coerced or manipulated into committing a crime they wouldn’t have thought about otherwise. Sometimes, law enforcement officers or other authorities set up sting operations to catch alleged offenders. If you were induced or encouraged to commit the act by law enforcement, this can also be a valid defense.
4. Lack of Communication With a Minor: Another defense involves showing that no actual communication took place between the accused and a minor. This could mean proving that you were communicating with an adult pretending to be a minor or that there were no sexual overtones in the conversation.

The Role of Technology in Online Solicitation Cases

With the advancement of technology, internet crimes, like online solicitation of a minor, are becoming more common, and law enforcement agencies have become very good at keeping track of online activity. Digital evidence, including text messages, social media interactions, and online chat logs, are very important in proving that a crime was committed, which is why it’s important that all digital evidence involved in the case must be thoroughly investigated.

Alan J. Golden Attorney at Law is prepared to analyze the evidence, assert your rights, and aggressively pull apart the story that the prosecution is trying to tell.

FAQs

What Should I Do If I’m Questioned About Online Solicitation of a Minor?

If you’re being questioned by law enforcement about online solicitation, it’s very important to stay calm and immediately exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say could be used against you in court. Politely ask for an attorney, and don’t answer questions without legal representation. Alan J. Golden Attorney at Law can guide you through the process, make sure your rights are upheld, and provide you with a strong defense strategy.

What If the Communication With the Minor Was Purely Innocent or Platonic?

The communication can still be examined by law enforcement. However, for a conviction of online solicitation of a minor to occur, the prosecution has to prove that you intended to engage in illegal sexual conduct. If the evidence indicates that the communication was not sexual and there was no apparent inappropriate intent, Alan J. Golden Attorney at Law can challenge the charges and argue that the interactions were misinterpreted or exaggerated.

Can Online Solicitation of a Minor Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Even though online solicitation of a minor is a serious felony, it’s possible that the charge could be reduced or dismissed—depending on the circumstances of the case. Factors like the absence of intent, false allegations, or entrapment may be grounds for challenging the charges. Alan J. Golden Attorney at Law can explore all potential defenses to work toward the most favorable outcome for you.

Can Online Solicitation Charges Be Brought Against Someone for Sending Non-Explicit Messages to a Minor?

If the intention is to engage in or encourage illegal activities, then yes. These charges do not only involve explicit content; they also encompass any communication where the intent is to sexually exploit a minor. Even innocent conversations, if they are thought to possibly lead toward inappropriate behavior, can be seen as criminal, which is why it’s important to get the full context of any exchange.

Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance

If you’ve been charged with online solicitation of a minor in Shreveport, Louisiana don’t wait and hope for the charges to just go away. A conviction could change your life in many ways. However, with Alan J. Golden Attorney at Law by your side, you could avoid the worst of the consequences or even achieve an acquittal.

Contact our office today to set up a consultation—we can fight for your future.