It is becoming more common for the police in Florida and throughout the nation to attempt to catch individuals, usually overage men, who solicit minors for sexual activity. There are many ways this can be accomplished such as posing as a minor in an undercover capacity by sending an e-mail, a text, a photo, a message, placing an ad in something like Craig’s List, etc.
Often times the ad or the photo can be misleading. It can mislead the subject of the investigation into thinking that the female is actually not a minor and then when they show up to meet they are arrested. This is more commonly known as entrapment. The undercover often will engage in conversation which is not solicited or asked for by the subject. For instance, they might say that they are 15 years-old without having been asked that question. They might send a picture of a female who is actually over 18 while stating their age is under 18.
It is very important to contact a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in this area.
We have gotten charges dismissed against individuals who were part of large police sting operations where they posed as minors on the internet and the individuals responding could not have known they were a minor with the information provided. If you are wondering what the defenses are to solicitation of a minor I highly suggest you contact an experience criminal defense attorney immediately.
Ray Lopez has practiced since 1990, with prior experience as a Hillsborough County assistant State attorney and lawyer for the Tampa Police Department. He handles all criminal charges, from traffic violations and misdemeanors to serious felonies and federal drug charges. He practices in all state and federal courts of the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida, as well as criminal appeals, juvenile court, administrative hearings, and civil forfeiture proceedings.
