Online Solicitation of a Minor Defense Attorneys Serving Frisco

When facing online solicitation of a minor charges in Frisco, Texas, you need experienced criminal defense attorneys. These attorneys understand digital evidence and sex crime prosecutions. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, our legal team provides strong defense representation for clients throughout Denton County, Collin County, and the greater Frisco area.

Online solicitation charges carry severe penalties. These include potential felony convictions, lengthy prison sentences, and mandatory sex offender registration. Our attorneys have defended clients against these serious allegations. We have secured dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea agreements through strategic defense work and thorough case preparation.

Contact our Frisco office at 214-949-4117 for a free consultation. We can discuss your case and learn how we can protect your rights and future.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer for Your Frisco Case

Our legal team brings extensive experience defending clients against online solicitation charges throughout Denton County and Collin County. Founding attorney Justin Wilson served as a prosecutor before transitioning to criminal defense. This provides valuable insight into prosecutorial strategies and case development.

Justin Wilson has earned recognition as a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers for three consecutive years (2021-2023). This places him among the top 2.5% of attorneys in Texas. He holds membership in the Texas Bar College. This is a professional society of legal scholars and leaders in the Texas legal community.

Our firm maintains a strong reputation for exceptional client service and successful case outcomes. We provide 24/7 availability and bilingual support. This helps clients receive the assistance they need throughout the legal process.

Located at 5 Cowboys Way STE 300 in Frisco, our office serves clients throughout Collin County, Denton County, and the surrounding areas. We understand the local court systems, prosecutors, and judges. This enables us to develop effective defense strategies tailored to each jurisdiction.

Understanding Online Solicitation of a Minor Charges in Texas

Texas Penal Code Section 33.021 Explained

Under Texas Penal Code Section 33.021, online solicitation of a minor occurs when a person uses electronic communication. The person must solicit a minor under 17 years of age to engage in sexual conduct. The statute covers various forms of digital communication. These include text messages, social media platforms, dating apps, chat rooms, and email.

The prosecution must prove several key elements to secure a conviction:

• The defendant used electronic communication
• The communication was directed toward someone the defendant believed was under 17 years old
• The defendant intended to commit a sexual offense
• The communication contained sexually explicit material or solicited sexual conduct

Electronic communication includes any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence. This information is transmitted through various digital platforms. This broad definition covers virtually all forms of modern digital communication. Therefore, these cases are particularly complex from an evidentiary standpoint.

The law applies even when the alleged victim is actually an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a minor. Many online solicitation cases arise from police sting operations. These operations are conducted through dating websites, social media platforms, and chat applications.

Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Frisco

Felony Classifications and Sentencing Guidelines

Online solicitation of a minor constitutes a serious felony offense in Texas. Penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the alleged conduct. The base offense is classified as a third-degree felony. This carries potential sentences of 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

The offense may be enhanced to a second-degree felony if the victim was under 14 years of age. Additionally, enhancement occurs if the defendant believed the victim was under 14. Second-degree felony convictions carry sentences ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison. These also include fines up to $10,000.

Beyond incarceration and monetary penalties, convicted individuals face mandatory sex offender registration requirements. This registration follows individuals for a minimum of 10 years. Furthermore, it severely impacts employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships. The registration requirement applies regardless of whether the alleged victim was actually a minor or an undercover officer.

Common Defense Strategies for Online Solicitation Cases

Defending against online solicitation charges requires a comprehensive understanding of digital evidence. It also requires knowledge of constitutional protections and prosecutorial tactics. Our attorneys employ various defense strategies tailored to the specific facts of each case.

Entrapment represents one of the most effective defenses in online solicitation cases. Law enforcement officers sometimes engage in conduct that induces individuals to commit crimes they would not otherwise commit. We thoroughly investigate police conduct to determine whether officers crossed the line. This helps us identify when legitimate investigation becomes impermissible entrapment.

Constitutional challenges to evidence collection frequently arise in these cases. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. This includes digital communications and electronic devices. We examine whether law enforcement obtained proper warrants before accessing electronic communications, social media accounts, or computer files.

Lack of intent constitutes another viable defense strategy. The prosecution must prove the defendant specifically intended to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. Ambiguous communications, joking statements, or role-playing scenarios may not establish the requisite criminal intent.

Identity challenges can be particularly effective when multiple individuals have access to the electronic devices or accounts. These are allegedly used in the communications. We investigate whether someone else may have sent the incriminating messages without the defendant’s knowledge or consent.

The Legal Process for Online Solicitation Cases in Denton County

Online solicitation cases typically begin with law enforcement investigations. These are conducted through undercover operations or citizen complaints. Officers may pose as minors on various digital platforms. They engage in conversations designed to elicit incriminating statements or conduct.

Once law enforcement identifies a suspect, they often execute search warrants to seize electronic devices. These include computers, smartphones, and tablets. Digital forensics experts analyze these devices to recover communications, images, and other potential evidence.

The investigation phase can vary in duration as prosecutors build their case. During this time, it is crucial to have experienced legal representation. This helps protect your rights and begin developing defense strategies.

Grand jury proceedings determine whether formal charges will be filed. In Texas, felony cases require grand jury indictments before prosecution can proceed. Our attorneys can present evidence to the grand jury. This may potentially prevent charges from being filed.

Pre-trial motions play a critical role in online solicitation cases. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. Additionally, we challenge the sufficiency of search warrants. We also seek dismissal of charges based on constitutional violations or prosecutorial misconduct.

Protecting Your Rights During Investigation and Arrest

If you become aware of an online solicitation investigation, immediate legal representation is essential. Law enforcement officers often attempt to conduct interviews before arrests are made. They hope to obtain incriminating statements that can be used at trial.

Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney before speaking with law enforcement. Any statements you make can be used against you in court. This applies even if you believe you are providing exculpatory information.

Do not consent to searches of your electronic devices or social media accounts. Law enforcement must obtain proper warrants to access most digital communications and stored electronic data. Consenting to searches waives important constitutional protections.

Avoid discussing your case with friends, family members, or anyone other than your attorney. These conversations are not protected by attorney-client privilege. Furthermore, they may be used as evidence against you.

If arrested, remain calm and cooperative while asserting your constitutional rights. Do not resist arrest or argue with officers. This can result in additional charges and complicate your defense.

How We Build Your Defense Against Online Solicitation Charges

Our defense strategy begins with a comprehensive review of the prosecution’s case to find weaknesses. We partner with forensic specialists to scrutinize all digital evidence, from communications to metadata, and thoroughly investigate law enforcement’s conduct for any procedural errors.

We then build your defense by interviewing witnesses who can provide character or alibi testimony. We also coordinate with experts in digital forensics and psychology to challenge the prosecution’s narrative or provide alternative explanations for the conduct in question.

When a trial is not in your best interest, we leverage our prosecutorial experience to negotiate with the district attorney, aiming to secure reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Solicitation Defense

Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer Today

If you are facing online solicitation of a minor charges in Frisco, Denton County, or Collin County, contact our experienced criminal defense team immediately. We provide free consultations and are available 24/7 to discuss your case.

Visit our Frisco Office by Calling to Make an Appointment:

5 Cowboys Way STE 300

Frisco, TX 75034

Phone: 214-949-4117

Our attorneys understand the serious nature of online solicitation charges. We also understand the impact a conviction can have on your life. We are committed to providing strong defense representation and protecting your rights throughout the legal process.

Don’t face these serious charges alone. Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help defend your case.