Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex: What You Need to Know
If you or someone you know has been accused of traveling to meet a minor for sex, it can be an incredibly stressful and confusing time. As a defense lawyer, I totally get it. Let’s break down what’s going on, the specific laws involved, and potential defenses so you can make an informed decision on how to move forward.
What does “traveling to meet a minor” mean legally?
Basically, it refers to someone 18 or older traveling for the purpose of meeting up with someone under 18 to hook up or engage in sexual activity of any kind.
The laws vary by state, but generally it’s some version of “traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sexual act” or “luring a child”. The key factors are:
- Traveling across state or county lines
- Intent to meet up with a minor
- Intent to commit illegal sexual acts with said minor
This crime can involve actual minors or undercover cops posing as minors online. It’s considered a type of “grooming” offense related to the intent behind the travel more than the act itself.
What are the typical penalties?
Penalties vary widely, but can include:
- Felony charges
- Multi-year prison sentences
- Extended probation
- Lifetime sex offender registration
- Fines up to $10,000+
In Florida, it’s a second-degree felony with up to 15 years in prison. California sets penalties at 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years imprisonment depending on the circumstances.
Bottom line – these charges are taken very seriously and can totally derail someone’s life if convicted.
What laws are used to charge this crime?
Prosecutors often use a patchwork of laws to put together the most serious charges possible:
- Child enticement laws – illegal to solicit minors online for sexual acts
- Traveling to meet a minor laws – illegal to travel to meet a minor for sex
- Child luring laws – illegal to lure minors with gifts, money, etc
- Solicitation of a minor laws – illegal to invite minors into sexual activity
- Child sex trafficking laws – illegal to recruit minors for sex
Conspiracy, attempt, and criminal intent laws also come into play. It creates a legal mess with multiple felonies stacked against the defendant.
What are some key defenses to fight these charges?
While traveling to meet a minor charges can seem intimidating, there are defenses available in many cases:
You Were Entrapped
If an undercover officer initiated contact and aggressively pushed you to meet up, you may have been illegally entrapped. This is a solid defense against intent and predisposition.
You Had No Intent to Have Sex
If you can show you intended to just hang out or never brought up sex, it weakens the prosecution’s case. You can’t be charged just for meeting up.
It Was All Roleplay/Fantasy
While taboo, roleplaying sex with a pretend minor or ageplay with consenting adults is not illegal. If it was all fantasy with no real plans, that’s a defense.
You Were Just “Sexting”
If the communication was limited to texts/calls with no plans to meet up, and you made no arrangements for sex, you may beat an attempt charge.
Misidentification
If you were mistakenly identified by the other person or evidence is lacking, the case can fall apart.