Facing charges related to traveling to meet a minor can be serious and potentially result in consequences that can turn your life upside down.
If you are being charged with traveling to meet a minor, you should immediately seek experienced representation. At Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, our sex crimes attorneys in Clearwater can build a strong defense strategy to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your case.
What Is Traveling to Meet a Minor Charge?
Traveling to meet a minor typically involves the act of traveling with the intention of engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor. This offense is often associated with online solicitation, which is when an individual communicates with someone that they believe to be a minor and then travels to meet them for sexual purposes.
In Florida, traveling to meet a minor is considered a second-degree felony, which can be punishable by up to 15 years in prison, hefty fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Allegations of sex crimes should be taken very seriously and can result in severe, life-changing consequences, especially without a strong defense from a sex crime defense attorney in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan.
Developing a Strong Defense Strategy
When facing charges of traveling to meet a minor, having a strong defense strategy can make the difference between a favorable outcome and an adverse one. Your sex crimes attorney in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan may choose to employ one of many potential strategies, including:
Challenge Intent
A key element in defending sex crimes cases is proving that there was no intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Your attorney may choose to argue that there was no intention to commit a crime and that any communication or actions were misinterpreted. For example, your lawyer might argue that the communications were merely “fantasy” and there was no effort to “carry out the act.”
Entrapment
In some cases, law enforcement agencies may use tactics that could be deemed as entrapment to apprehend individuals and falsely incriminate them. When reviewing the details of your defense, your attorney may assess whether entrapment played a role in your case and use it to challenge the charges.
Dispute Evidence
When taking your case and building your defense strategy, your attorney will scrutinize all evidence presented by the prosecution to identify any inconsistencies or lack of conclusive proof. If your attorney finds any errors, any discrepancies found could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
Procedural Errors
Your attorney may additionally examine the procedures followed by law enforcement during your investigation and arrest process. Any violations of your constitutional rights or procedural errors could lead to the suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges. In many cases of “Traveling to Meet a Minor,” law enforcement obtains a search warrant to seize the computer or cell phone of the accused. Errors made in procuring the search warrant may result in the evidence on the device being suppressed or excluded.
Exploring Alternative Resolutions
In some instances, exploring alternative resolutions to your case may be a viable option. These alternatives could include plea bargains, diversion programs, or negotiations for reduced charges.
Your sex crimes defense attorney in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan will assess the specifics of your case and work towards achieving the best possible outcome given the circumstances, which may include seeking alternative sentencing.
Protect Yourself From Severe Consequences with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan
Being charged with traveling to meet a minor is a serious situation that requires immediate and comprehensive legal attention. At Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, we have the experience and skill to help you achieve the most favorable outcome for your case.
Request a case consultation today or give our office a call at (727) 493-9386.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.