Wilmington Internet Solicitation of a Minor Defense Lawyer
Arranging to have sex with an underage person is a crime. This is true even if the “teen” turns out to be an undercover cop posing as a minor. Such “gotcha” tactics are considered fair game by the Delaware courts.
If you were caught up in a law enforcement sting operation or arrested for allegedly hooking up with a minor via the Internet, you will need proven representation to avoid the worst consequences. Call my Wilmington law office at 302-600-1262 or contact me online to speak with a Wilmington internet solicitation of a minor defense lawyer.
I am Michael Modica, an experienced criminal defense lawyer who previously served as a prosecutor. I have challenged Internet solicitation arrests and obtained favorable results such as dismissed charges and mitigated sentences. I practice in the criminal courts of New Castle County and other jurisdictions of Delaware.
Dangerous Liaisons
The most common scenario is an online chat room conversation that leads to a live rendezvous with a teenager. When the adult shows up expecting a sexual encounter, he or she is arrested and the underage partner is revealed to be an undercover officer.
In other cases, an actual teenager shows up and the parties engage in consensual sex, but a friend, parent or teacher learns of the encounter and reports it to police. “Sexting” pictures of body parts or sexual acts to an underage person can also result in solicitation or pornography charges.
You can be convicted even if no sexual contact occurred. If you knowingly pursued sex with a minor, you can’t claim “entrapment” or that you didn’t know the person was underage. So what is the defense against these charges? There may be Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues or legitimate questions of criminal intent. Was there an overt or coded solicitation of sex? Was there mention of money or other quid pro quo? Is there an innocent or ambiguous interpretation? The court will also consider mitigating factors such as the age of the victim, the difference in ages, and whether the person portrayed him or herself to be of legal age.
Experienced Response To Charges Of Soliciting Teenagers
I have represented people of all walks of life charged with sex offenses. As your attorney, I will do everything possible to avoid a felony sex crime conviction and sex offender registration. If I cannot get the charges dismissed or reduced, I will challenge the prosecution’s case at trial and advocate for you in sentencing and appeals.
If you are accused of Internet solicitation of a minor for sex, my 40 years of experience may save you from prison and the other harsh consequences. Call my Wilmington law office at 302-600-1262 or contact me online to speak with a Wilmington internet solicitation of a minor defense lawyer. I provide a free, confidential consultation.
