Solicitation of a child is a felony offense in Florida. Many people are unaware that actual physical contact is not necessary for the accused to be charged or convicted of the crime. Simply attempting to entice or encourage a child to engage in a sexual act is illegal and potentially punishable by years in prison, as well as being forced to register as a Florida sex offender. If you have been charged with solicitation of a child, contacting an experienced Jacksonville sex crimes attorney will be extremely beneficial to the outcome of your case.
Jacksonville Solicitation of a Child Attorney
If you have been charged with solicitation of a child in St. Augustine Beach, Green Cove Springs, Fernandina Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville, or the surrounding areas, contact Roelke Law. Bill Roelke will ensure that the prosecution and court understand your side of the story instead of only the limited and inaccurate details which may have led to your arrest.
Call Roelke Law today at (904) 354-0333 for a consultation on your criminal charges. Your first consultation is free, and is a vital part of constructing your defense.
Solicitation of a Child in Florida
When an adult over the age of 18 lures, entices or encourages a sexual act to occur with someone under the age of 18 via a computer networking system, face to face interaction, or any other form of communication, he or she has committed solicitation of a child. The crime is considered complete in the eyes of the law when the enticement is completed, but no actual meet up has to happen for a solicitation charge to be finalized.
Fla. Stat. § 794.011(8) defines several parameters in which to establish guilt of solicitation of a child. These parameters include, the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged offense, and the defendant tried to engage the victim in an act which constitutes as sexual battery. The sexual battery did not have to take place for the act to be considered a crime. The victim’s alleged willingness to engage or consent to such an act that constitutes sexual battery is not a valid defense. The Florida statute pertaining to sexual battery can be found here.
According to Fla. Stat. § 847.0135(3)(a), the parameters for establishing guilt of solicitation of a child by use of the internet include, the defendant knowingly used the internet to communicate with the alleged victim, the victim was a minor or was believed to be a minor by the defendant, and the defendant solicited or attempted to solicit the minor into engaging in an act of sexual conduct.
Penalties for Solicitation of a Child in Florida
In Florida, internet solicitation of a minor is a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or up to a $5,000 fine. If an individual solicits and then travels to meet with a minor, he or she can be charged with a second degree felony which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Roelke Law, P.A. | Jacksonville Criminal Mischief Attorney
Contact Roelke Law today for a consultation about your allegations of solicitation of a child in Jacksonville, Keystone Heights, Baldwin, Neptune Beach, St. Augustine, Green Cove Springs, and the surrounding areas. Bill Roelke is a skilled Jacksonville defense attorney who can protect your rights throughout the investigation and criminal justice process.
Call Bill Roelke at (904) 354-0333 for a consultation about your alleged solicitation of a child charges. Your initial consultation is free and is the first step in building a strong defense against these charges.