Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex in Coral Gables: What to Know
Overview of the Crime
Florida law makes it a second-degree felony to travel within the state to meet a minor after using an electronic device to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice that minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct[1]. This charge often arises after police sting operations on apps and websites. A conviction can lead to 15 years in prison, 15 years probation, and placement on the sex offender registry with severe limits on where you can live and work[1].
Working with a Coral Gables Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
The first thing you should do after an arrest is exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to the police can be used against you, so wait to share your side of the story with your lawyer present. Resist the temptation to explain yourself or make excuses. You will have the chance to give your version of events later during an investigation.
Next, hire an experienced sex crimes attorney in the Coral Gables area. Look for someone with a proven track record of getting charges reduced or dismissed in traveling to meet minor cases. Understand the specific defenses that apply. Pay attention to client reviews and choose a lawyer you feel comfortable opening up to.
An attorney from our firm will handle your case from start to finish, from the initial investigation and bail hearing through any appeals. We know how to poke holes in the prosecution’s case by demanding access to their evidence and conducting our own investigation. Police often use deceptive tactics in these stings, and an aggressive lawyer can highlight those issues[2].
Common Defenses in Traveling to Meet Minor Cases
Several effective legal defenses apply in many of these cases:
You were entrapped. Police cannot implant criminal intent where none existed. If their persuasive tactics caused you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, that is entrapment. Undercover officers often initiate conversations and introduce illegal topics to push targets into incriminating themselves[3].
You made no substantial steps. Simply talking about meeting a minor is not enough for this charge. The state must prove you took real, tangible steps like traveling to the planned location. Just making plans does not cross the line into an attempt[3].
You did not believe the person was a minor. Police frequently pretend to be underage online. If you had a reasonable, good faith belief the person was over 18 based on their profile or your conversations, you lacked criminal intent[4].
You were misidentified. Stings often happen quickly in crowded areas like hotels. Mistaken identification is common when police rely on blurry surveillance footage. They may have the wrong person.
The evidence is weak. Without strong digital, video, or eyewitness proof, these cases fall apart quickly[4]. An attorney can undermine shaky evidence through cross-examination and expert testimony.
Smart Steps if Facing Charges
To protect yourself, take these steps if accused:
- Remain silent and politely decline to answer police questions.
- Avoid speaking about the case on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer.
- Follow your bail conditions closely and do not pick up any new charges.
- Be honest with your lawyer so they can build the best defense.
- Seek counseling and treatment if chatting online has become a compulsion.
- Ask about diversion programs that could lead to dismissed charges.
- Consider using phone and computer monitoring software to show you have nothing to hide.
Get experienced legal help immediately. The lawyers in our Coral Gables firm have seen every variation of this charge. We know the mistakes police make and how to create reasonable doubt. With an aggressive defense focused on the flaws in the state’s case, many of these allegations fall apart.
What a Conviction Means
The penalties for even an attempt or conspiracy to travel to meet a minor are severe:
- Up to 15 years in state prison.
- 15 years of sex offender probation.
- Lifetime registration as a sex offender, limiting where you can live and work.
- Possible civil commitment as a sexually violent predator after prison.
A conviction also leads to public shame and humiliation. Your mugshot, charges, and address may be published online. You will carry the label of sex offender forever.
That’s why fighting these allegations vigorously from day one gives you the best chance of avoiding a conviction and moving on with your life. An experienced lawyer understands what’s at stake and will work tirelessly to protect your rights, freedom, and reputation.