What is the Solicitation of a Minor?

Solicitation of a minor refers to the act of enticing, soliciting, or luring a minor to commit sexual acts. In Florida, this offense falls under the umbrella of "lewd or lascivious conduct" (Florida Statute § 800.04).

Under this law, solicitation of a minor involves the act of requesting, enticing, or encouraging a person who is under 16 years old to participate in lewd or lascivious conduct. The solicitation itself is considered an offense, irrespective of whether the targeted individual complies with the request.

Here are common examples of solicitation of a minor:

• Solicitation for Sexual Activity: This involves an adult seeking or inviting a minor to participate in sexual activities, either in person or through electronic communication. This could include explicit messages, requests for nude photos, or attempts to arrange a meeting for sexual encounters.
• Online Grooming: Adults may use online platforms to build a relationship with a minor, often pretending to be someone of a similar age. Over time, they may gradually introduce sexual content into the conversation, attempting to desensitize the minor to inappropriate discussions or actions.
• Prostitution or Sex Trafficking: Adults may solicit minors for prostitution or engage in human trafficking for sexual exploitation. This can involve luring minors into the commercial sex trade through promises, manipulation, or coercion.
• Drug or Alcohol Solicitation: Encouraging a minor to consume drugs or alcohol is another form of solicitation. This can involve attempting to provide substances to the minor or enticing them to participate in activities involving substance abuse.
• Illegal Business Activities: Soliciting minors for involvement in illegal business activities, such as drug distribution or theft, is a form of criminal solicitation. The adult may try to recruit minors to participate in unlawful enterprises.
• Harassment or Bullying: Solicitation can also manifest in the form of online harassment or bullying, where an adult coerces a minor into engaging in harmful or inappropriate activities, either by threatening harm or using other forms of coercion.

A person may be charged with solicitation of a minor even if:

• The act of solicitation was a joke or a prank
• The person never intended to engage in sexual conduct with the minor
• The person never actually met with the minor

What Are the Penalties for Solicitation of a Minor in Florida?

According to Florida law, soliciting a child for unlawful sex is a second-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

If an individual contacts and solicits a minor through different devices or services, each one will count as a separate offense.

What Are the Defenses to Solicitation of a Minor in Florida?

If you have been charged with solicitation of a minor, some defenses may be available to you. The defenses that may be available to you depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.

Some possible defenses to solicitation of a minor may include:

• Lack of intent
• Mistaken identity
• False accusations
• Entrapment
• Consent

A solicitation of a minor defense lawyer in Jacksonville can review the specific facts and circumstances of your case and determine what defenses may be available to you. They can also help you understand your legal rights and options.

Why Choose First Coast Criminal Defense?

Our team at First Coast Criminal Defense has a proven track record of success and a long list of satisfied clients. We have represented hundreds of clients in a wide variety of criminal cases, and we have achieved numerous favorable results. We are committed to providing every client with the aggressive and effective representation they need and deserve.

When you choose us to handle your solicitation of a minor case, you can expect:

• Personalized service and attention
• An open and honest assessment of your case
• Regular updates about the progress of your case
• Aggressive and effective representation in court
• A team of skilled negotiators and trial lawyers on your side
• A law firm that is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns

Contact us today at (904) 474-3115 for a free case evaluation.