In Texas, it’s a felony to use the internet, text, or any electronic communication to engage in sexually explicit conversation with someone believed to be under 17. It doesn’t matter whether the person is actually a minor—only that the person communicating with them believed they were. In many cases, law enforcement uses undercover officers posing as minors to initiate contact and build a case.

An online solicitation of a minor charge carries severe legal and personal consequences. A conviction can mean years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your career, family life, and reputation. The penalties are even harsher if the minor is under 14—or if there’s evidence of arranging an in-person meeting.

Many people charged with online solicitation have no prior criminal history. Some are arrested based on vague or misleading conversations taken out of context. Others are caught up in overzealous sting operations where officers push boundaries and provoke incriminating responses. Regardless of the specifics, one thing is critical to understand: a strong legal defense is the best way to seek a positive resolution to your case.

The Dallas online solicitation of a minor defense attorneys at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer are standing by to help. Call 214-949-4117 to speak with a criminal defense lawyer for solicitation allegations and find out what we can do to protect your future.

Why You Need an Online Solicitation Defense Attorney in Dallas

It’s a felony to solicit a minor online for sexual purposes. Under Texas Penal Code § 33.021, it is illegal to intentionally communicate in a sexually explicit manner with someone under the age of 17—or to distribute sexually explicit material to them with the intent to gratify sexual desire.

The offense also includes soliciting a meeting with the intent to engage in sexual contact—even if the meeting never takes place. Note that as long as you believed you were communicating with a minor, even if the person was actually an undercover officer, the prosecution can still pursue charges.

Online solicitation of a minor is typically a third-degree felony. If you believed the alleged victim was under 14 years old, the charge increases to a second-degree felony. Finally, if the state can prove that you committed the offense during regular school hours and that you knew (or reasonably should have known) that they were enrolled in school at the time, the charges can be further enhanced. If convicted, these crimes carry decades in prison and steep fines.

Even before conviction, being charged with online solicitation can have devastating consequences. Employers, family members, and the public often automatically assume guilt. These charges can also affect child custody, professional licensing, immigration status, and personal relationships. In short, a single accusation can change your life—even if you’re never convicted.

Why You Need a Strategic Defense

Law enforcement officers or task forces may pose as minors in online forums, chat rooms, or on social media apps. They engage in conversations that quickly turn sexual and lead to arrest once the accused person agrees to meet or sends sexually explicit content. These sting operations are legal under Texas law, even though they involve deception.

Many defendants feel trapped. They may not understand the full consequences of their messages, or they may have been manipulated into continuing a conversation they tried to stop. While entrapment may seem like an obvious defense, Texas courts are tough—and it’s difficult to prove you were entrapped without experienced lawyers on your side.

Online solicitation charges are complex and depend heavily on digital evidence. A strong defense attorney will examine every part of the prosecution’s case, including:

• The full chat history, as opposed to isolated messages
• How law enforcement initiated and steered the conversation
• Whether you clearly believed you were talking to a minor
• Whether any search warrants or digital forensics were lawfully collected
• Whether statements or confessions were coerced

No two charges are alike, and the right defense depends on the unique facts of your case.

If you or someone you love has been accused of online solicitation in Dallas, you need a defense attorney who understands both the law and how to dismantle these sensitive cases.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer to Handle My Online Solicitation of a Minor Case?

Online solicitation cases need a strong defense. The attorneys at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer look closely at whether law enforcement overstepped during the investigation and whether you genuinely believed you were speaking with a minor. Our goal is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage—whether by filing suppression motions, negotiating a favorable plea, or preparing for trial.

We also work with seasoned digital forensic experts to analyze chat logs, metadata, device extractions, and online activity. Our team reviews how the messages were collected, preserved, and presented. We investigate whether police engaged in improper conduct, whether the accused was coerced or manipulated, and whether entrapment may be a viable argument.

From day one, we act quickly and decisively to protect your privacy, your reputation, and your future. Call us today to learn more about your charges, your legal options, and how we can help.

Types of Online Solicitation Cases We Handle

My Dallas Criminal Lawyer handles a variety of online solicitation of a minor cases, including:

Online Solicitation of a Minor

We defend clients accused of violating Texas Penal Code § 33.021, which prohibits sexually explicit communication with someone believed to be under 17. The law focuses on the intent behind the communication, not whether a real minor was involved.

Attempted Meeting or Physical Encounter

The penalties escalate in cases where someone offers or attempts to meet a person they believe is a minor. A solicitation charge tied to an attempted meeting may lead to serious felony charges, especially if travel was involved or if the evidence suggests an intent to engage in sexual activity.

Solicitation Through Apps and Social Media

We frequently see allegations involving communication over popular messaging apps and social platforms, including Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, and various dating apps. Law enforcement uses these platforms to pose as minors and initiate conversations. Even messages that were deleted or exchanged in disappearing formats can be retrieved, analyzed, and presented as evidence. We challenge the authenticity, context, and admissibility of any communications.

Related or Collateral Charges

Online solicitation cases can involve multiple charges. Common related offenses include possession or promotion of child pornography and indecency with a child. We can defend against complex indictments involving overlapping allegations.

Protect Your Future with My Dallas Criminal Lawyer Today

The earlier you involve a defense team, the more options you have. My Dallas Criminal Lawyer examines every detail of your case to develop a targeted strategy for your defense.

Our Dallas sex crime defense attorneys offer decades of courtroom experience. We can challenge digital evidence, negotiate favorable outcomes, and go to trial when necessary. Call 214-949-4117 for a confidential consultation with our online solicitation defense lawyers.