Katy Online Solicitation Lawyer

Online Solicitation Attorney in Katy, TX

Online solicitation is a complex issue because internet communication makes it difficult to determine someone’s identity and age, and Texas has strict online solicitation laws. Working with a Katy online solicitation lawyer can help you understand your charges and build a strong defense against the harsh Texas penalties.

Segura and Kiatta: Hire an Online Solicitation Lawyer You Can Trust

Segura and Kiatta have been providing professional, strategic criminal defense for over 20 years. We understand how stressful facing criminal charges can be, especially given the severe penalties you may face. We work relentlessly to pursue outcomes such as not guilty verdicts, reduced charges, or dismissed charges. From an arrest through sentencing, we can help you navigate the criminal justice system.

Understanding Online Solicitation Charges in Katy

Online solicitation involves online messaging for sexual purposes, such as exchanging sexual messages, photos, or planning to meet in person. Even without meeting in person, you can still face this charge. Online solicitation charges can include solicitation of prostitution or solicitation of a minor.

Solicitation of prostitution involves requesting sexual acts in exchange for money or another form of payment. Often, this happens online. Solicitation of prostitution is illegal even if it is between adults.

Solicitation

Online solicitations of a minor have become increasingly common. 96% of teenagers use the internet daily, often through messaging services, social media, or other platforms that facilitate online communication. Unfortunately, one in seven children has experienced unwanted sexual solicitations online. In Texas, there were 704 convictions for online solicitation of a minor and promotion of child pornography.

In many online solicitation cases, you may not be aware of the victim’s age, or the victim has intentionally lied about or concealed their age. Despite this, you can still be charged with online solicitation if the person you were communicating with is under the age of 17.

The Consequences of an Online Solicitation Conviction

Texas’s online solicitation laws outline strict penalties for offenders. Most offenses of online solicitation of a minor are classified as third-degree felonies, though it can be a second-degree misdemeanor if the case involves a minor under 14 or knowingly solicits a minor to meet in person for sexual reasons. Online solicitation of prostitution can be a state jail felony if the victim is over the age of 18, which is punishable by up to 2 years in jail and a fine of $10,000.

Online solicitation penalties can increase when the offense was committed during regular school hours or when the offender should have known the minor was enrolled in school at that time. A Katy online solicitation attorney can explain the online solicitation penalties you may face, which could include:

• Imprisonment. A third-degree felony charge can result in 2 to 10 years in prison, while a second-degree felony charge can result in 2 to 20 years.
• Fines. Fines in an online solicitation case are up to $10,000.
• Reputational damage. An online solicitation offense carries intense social stigma that can impact your personal relationships and professional standing.
• Sex offender registration. A conviction for online solicitation of a minor requires you to register as a sex offender. This status is visible to the public.
• Permanent criminal record. A criminal conviction leaves a permanent mark on your criminal record, impacting your employment opportunities, housing, professional certifications, child custody and family law matters, and immigration status.

Why You Should Hire an Online Solicitation Lawyer?

Online solicitation, especially involving a minor, requires skilled legal defense. A Katy online solicitation lawyer can build a defense that reflects your unique case. This may be through establishing that you couldn’t have reasonably known you were messaging a minor or by presenting digital records that prove you were not the one who was sending the inappropriate messages.

A lawyer can also help you after an arrest. In Katy, you will likely be booked at the Fort Bend County Jail or the Harris County Jail. Request to contact a lawyer and then remain silent. A lawyer can defend your rights to due process, against unlawful search and seizure, and against self-incrimination.

FAQs

What Are the Solicitation Laws in Texas?

There are several laws that outlaw solicitation in Texas, including Penal Code Section 33.021 regarding online solicitation of a minor and Penal Code Section 43.021regarding solicitation of prostitution. These laws outlaw soliciting sexual acts in exchange for money or other benefits, or soliciting any sexual act or favors from children, particularly online.

What Are Common Defenses to an Online Solicitation of a Minor Charge?

There are many common defenses to an online solicitation charge, including entrapment by law enforcement, the lack of intent to commit a crime, or being reasonably unaware of the minor’s age. You may also be able to dismiss charges if you can prove that you were married to the minor or are within three years of age and had the minor’s consent. A Katy online solicitation lawyer can identify the right defense strategy depending on the details.

Is Solicitation a Felony in Texas?

Yes, solicitation is a felony in Texas. A first conviction of solicitation of prostitution is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Online solicitation of a minor is also a felony, typically of the second or third degree. With the severe impacts a felony can have on your freedom and future opportunities, it is essential to hire an online solicitation lawyer to defend your rights.

What Methods of Online Solicitation Are Illegal in Online Solicitation Cases?

Any electronic communication service, system, or storage device that is used for illegal online solicitation is illegal and can lead to online solicitation charges. This includes communicating on websites or file-sharing applications, social media platforms such as Snapchat or Instagram, texting platforms, or phone services such as Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp.

Learn How a Katy Online Solicitation Attorney Can Build a Strong Defense

An aggressive defense is essential in an online solicitation case, though crafting one requires skillful analysis of evidence and a deep understanding of online solicitation laws. Contact Segura and Kiatta to speak with a lawyer about your case.