Yorba Linda Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer

About The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman

With more than 20 years of experience as a trial lawyer and a board-certified criminal law professional, The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman practices in the defense of serious criminal cases. She has been admitted to practice before California’s federal and state courts, the Ninth Circuit, and the US Supreme Court.

Ready to defend your rights? Schedule your consultation with our child pornography attorney in Orange County at (657) 571-2266!

Renowned Success Rate

Criminal cases are often complicated. There are two sides to every story, and it is important that the court sees the situation clearly. We can help defend you in your criminal case and make sure your perspective is heard.

Solicitation of a Minor Laws

California Penal Code § 288.4 defines solicitation of a minor as setting up a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes. California and the nation are tough on crimes against children. The recent federal campaign Operation Restore Justice led to the arrest of 205 child sexual abuse offenders throughout the United States, while rescuing 115 children, and included four arrests in California.

A person in California may be found guilty of a crime if they arrange to meet with someone who is younger than 18 or whom the defendant suspects of being younger than 18 for the following reasons: 

• Revealing their genitalia to the other individual
• Having sexually suggestive or obscene interactions with the other individual
• Causing the other individual to reveal their genitalia

Remember that even if the act is not performed, you may still face charges. To be charged, one only needs to make an arrangement. ​​Texting, social media, chat rooms, or even approaching someone in public to ask for, solicit, or arrange a meeting for the purpose of engaging in lewd or lascivious behavior can all be used to establish contact.

Defending Against Solicitation of a Minor Charges

In general, there are often three different potential strategies that can be used to mount a successful defense to solicitation of a minor charges in Yorba Linda. The defenses that are available in your case will depend on the specific facts of your situation.

• You did not intend to have sex with a minor. In some situations, an adult may set up a meeting with a minor for a legitimate non-sexual reason.
• The person you planned to meet was a minor, and you were not aware of their age. The prosecution will find it challenging to prove that you knew you were meeting a minor if they lied about their age or used images to appear older.
• You were entrapped. The term entrapment describes situations where an individual is manipulated into committing a crime they would not have otherwise engaged in. Entrapment can happen if a police officer, who is pretending to be a minor, persistently badgers or coerces you into setting up a meeting.

A Yorba Linda solicitation of a minor attorney can look at the facts of your case to determine what defense would be most appropriate for your situation.

Penalties for Solicitation of a Minor

Serious repercussions may result from being accused of soliciting a minor. Convicted individuals may be sentenced to years in prison and heavy fines. Penalties may be further increased by enhancements, particularly if the minor is under 14, if the defendant shows up for the scheduled meeting, or if the defendant has a history of sex offense convictions.

Criminal sentencing is followed by collateral penalties. Convictions may lead to serious family court problems, immigration repercussions, loss of housing, professional licenses, and employment. The most severe penalty of all is frequently the stigma of lifetime registration and public exposure.