Sadly, sex crimes are some of the most common offenses in America. Many of those victims fall prey to online solicitation. It’s a very serious offense and states like Texas crackdown on this kind of behavior—even if it’s just online.

Solicitation carries severe consequences that include major jail time. In today’s age, predators have found new ways to prey on children.

Thankfully, the law has caught up with these heinous acts and work hard to fight against them. With that said, take a look at the content below to learn more.

What Is Online Solicitation of a Minor?

Solicitation of a minor happens when someone initiates or continues a conversation with a juvenile, and then invites them to meet for the purpose of engaging in a sexual encounter.

A form of minor solicitation that involves contact over the web where the persuasion is taking place is known as online solicitation of a child.  A juvenile charged with underage online abuse should be mindful of the crime. Its defenses, as well as the initial deterrence, carry long-term consequences.

Online solicitation of a minor is a tough felony for many offenders because it does not require a completed “act” with a child.  The person receives charges for the simple act of interacting with a juvenile in a certain way.

Any mode of web or digital contact must be required for internet solicitation of a child. When the charges first arose, most states restricted their enforcement to internet conversations like those used in chat rooms.

Solicitation of a minor is prosecuted if the approach is virtual and the communication involves an invitation for the minor to meet to participate in sexual intercourse. If a person uses a computer or internet interface to contact and solicit a minor into sexual activity, they could receive a third-degree felony.

They’ll also receive a third-degree crime charge if they persuade a parent of a child to permit the child to participate in sexual acts. In some situations, obscene content or child porn may be used in the solicitation—like pictures and videos.

Is the Solicitation of a Minor in Texas a Felony?

In most cases, online solicitation of a child is considered a felony. As for other felonies, the sentence can vary from a few months to several years in prison. In Texas, criminal convictions include sentences ranging from two to twenty years in jail.

Although a suspended penalty enables a criminal to stay free—since online solicitation offenses are deemed sexual crimes—probation conditions are sometimes more severe.

While on probation, the judge requires an offender to adhere to compliance polygraphs and complete individual or community sex offender therapy. They’ll have to undergo a sex offender assessment and stay away from kids.

An offender may also be ordered to pay for these services, which could cost up to $500.00 each month.

The long-term ramifications are much more serious. Since online solicitation of a child is a criminal assault, a defendant must register as a sex offender.

Refusal to register as a sex offender results in a new criminal conviction of failing to register as a sex offender. If an offender has previous convictions of sexually related crime, some states will substantially raise the sentence on the new offense.

Criminal Charges for Online Solicitation of Minors

When a criminal conviction for online child exploitation is based on explicit communications. It’s usually known as a third-degree offense, enforced by 2-10 years in prison. When the victim is under 14, the offense is a second-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

If an individual arranges or tries to arrange an in-person encounter with a juvenile for the intent of sexual intercourse, they receive a charge of online solicitation of a minor. The crime is immediately escalated to a second-degree felony if the object of the chat is to recruit the minor into sexual intercourse with others.

Sex Offender Registration in Texas

The Texas Sex Offender Registry Initiative (Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure) is a community warning and sex offender registry statute intended to safeguard the public from sex offenders.

Adult and child sex offenders must register with the state and local police authorities in the area they live in. Also, with the local police agency of the county they live in, if they do not live in a city.

A sex offender must register with the local police station to provide records such as the sex criminal’s name and address, a color snapshot. The offense on which the offender was arrested or adjudicated is required as well. Registered sex offenders must return to the local law enforcement department on a regular basis to ensure the authenticity of their identification records.

They must report any changes in the information as soon as they happen. Failure to comply with the identification provision for a sex offender will result in criminal charges.

To learn more about online solicitation laws, click the highlighted link.

Avoid Online Solicitation Charges

Online solicitation of a minor is a serious offense. As you’re browsing the internet, be very careful who you engage with. Avoid any sexual conversations until you can verify the age of the other person.

If you’re facing solicitation charges, learn what you can about solicitation laws and contact a lawyer. Some of these cases are difficult to face in court, so an experienced attorney is your best bet.

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