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Solicitation of a Minor

Solicitation of a Minor Defense in Jacksonville

Former Prosecutor-Led Defense for Computer Solicitation Allegations

Allegations of computer solicitation or traveling to meet a minor can begin with online communications, an undercover operation, or the seizure of an electronic device. McCormick Law represents people under investigation or charged with Computer Pornography/Travel to Meet a Minor offenses, focusing on the specific accusation and digital evidence.

Former prosecutor Russell B. McCormick leads our defense with 14 years of legal experience. We’ve handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases and prepare to represent clients before judges and juries. These cases concern child-related electronic communications, not solicitation of prostitution between adults.

Call (904) 353-0436 for a free consultation about a computer solicitation or travel allegation in Jacksonville.

How Florida Distinguishes Solicitation from Travel

Florida Statute 847.0135 separates computer solicitation from traveling after an alleged solicitation. The specific subsection filed affects the felony degree, potential sentence, and issues our attorneys examine when developing a defense.

Computer Solicitation Charges

Subsection (3) generally covers knowingly using an electronic service or device to seduce, solicit, lure, entice, or attempt to entice a child into unlawful sexual conduct or another prohibited act. It also applies when the other person is believed to be a child, including situations involving an undercover officer posing as a minor.

The offense is generally a third-degree felony. An accusation that a person misrepresented their age while committing computer solicitation can elevate the charge to a second-degree felony. Each separate use of an electronic service or device during which an alleged violation occurs may be charged as a separate offense.

Traveling-to-Meet-a-Minor Charges

Subsection (4) addresses travel or an attempt to travel after computer-based solicitation for alleged unlawful sexual conduct. A real child doesn’t have to be involved if the accused person allegedly believed they were communicating with one. Because the travel allegation builds on prior communications, their sequence and meaning can become central to the case.

Potential Felony Penalties & Registration

The potential consequences depend on the charge filed and whether an age-misrepresentation allegation applies. These are statutory maximums, not predictions about the sentence in a particular case.

Florida law provides the following maximum penalties:

  • Third-degree computer solicitation: Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
  • Second-degree traveling charge: Up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Age-misrepresentation enhancement: Second-degree felony exposure, with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

A conviction under Florida Statute 847.0135, apart from subsection (6), requires registration as a sexual offender under section 943.0435. This consequence makes careful review of the filed subsection, alleged conduct, and evidence critical.

Digital Evidence & Defense Issues

Computer Pornography/Travel to Meet a Minor cases often involve complex digital forensic evidence recovered from electronic devices and online accounts. Relevant material can include messages, account records, device data, and investigative records. Our attorneys develop a personalized strategy based on the evidence and each client’s circumstances.

A case-specific review may examine:

  • Account identity: Who created, accessed, or controlled the account connected to the communications.
  • Message context: The content, timing, and sequence of conversations rather than isolated statements.
  • Intent: Whether the evidence supports the intent required by the charged subsection.
  • Device handling: How electronic-device evidence was seized, preserved, searched, and analyzed.
  • Law-enforcement conduct: How an undercover operation began and how the communications developed.

Entrapment in Undercover Operations

An undercover officer’s involvement doesn’t by itself establish an entrapment defense. Entrapment means law enforcement induced an offense that the accused person wasn’t otherwise predisposed to commit. Whether it applies depends on the facts and the course of communication.

The accused must first establish inducement by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it was more likely than not. The State must then prove predisposition beyond a reasonable doubt. We examine the full interaction before determining whether to raise entrapment or another legal issue.

Our Results

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations might be.

  • Charges Dropped State v. A.S. 2013-MM-60XX (Duval)

    Mr. McCormick exposed to the prosecutor that the Client was, in fact, acting in self-defense. Charges dropped.

  • Charges Dropped State v. D.C. 2013-MM-71XX (Duval)

    Mr. McCormick exposed the alleged Victim’s lies to the prosecutor and charges were dropped.

  • Charges Dropped State v. D.P. 2013-CF-22XX (Duval)

    Mr. McCormick was able to negotiate with the State Attorney’s Office to allow Client's release from jail, avoid further prosecution or arrest, and all charges will be dropped in 6 months!

  • Charges Dropped State v. D.T. 2013-CF-72XX (Duval)

    Mr. McCormick negotiated with the State Attorney’s Office for the Client to be released from jail, avoid further prosecution, and all charges will be dropped in 8 months!

  • Charges Dropped State v. E.E. 2013-CF-73XX (Duval)

    Mr. McCormick exposed the alleged Victim’s lies to the prosecutor. All charges dropped.

  • Charges Dropped State v. J.P. 2013-CF-6XX (St. Johns)

    Mr. McCormick was able to expose some inconsistencies in the Victim’s allegations quickly and had the felony dropped. After a more thorough investigation was conducted, Mr. McCormick also had the misdemeanor dropped.

What Happens in a Jacksonville Felony Case

An investigation may involve interviews, search warrants, or the seizure and analysis of phones, computers, and other devices before prosecutors decide whether to file charges. The path depends on whether someone is under investigation, arrested, or formally charged.

A Jacksonville felony case may proceed through these stages:

  • Investigation and evidence collection
  • Prosecutorial review and filing of charges
  • First appearance after an arrest
  • Arraignment and entry of a plea
  • Pre-trial conferences
  • Motions and evidentiary hearings
  • Negotiations concerning a possible resolution
  • Judge or jury trial

Felony cases in Jacksonville are heard in the Circuit Court for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit. If a case proceeds to trial, a Jacksonville jury determines whether the State proved the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Clients work directly with our attorneys throughout the representation. We explain case developments, explore available legal avenues, and prepare for the possibility of trial. This direct communication allows us to shape the strategy around the filed charge, procedural posture, and evidence.

Discuss an Investigation or Charge Privately

We offer free initial consultations and payment plans. Virtual appointments are available, and Spanish-language assistance can be provided. You can submit our contact form to share information without committing to representation.

Call (904) 353-0436 to discuss a solicitation of a minor investigation or charge with McCormick Law.

FAQs

Stay in the Know
  • Common Defenses to Criminal Charges

    If you have been charged with a crime, you have the right to defend yourself against the charges. There are many different types of defenses that can be used to challenge the prosecution’s case and fight for a favorable outcome.

    Some of the most common types of criminal defenses include:

    • An alibi is a defense used to prove that the defendant was somewhere else when the crime was committed. Alibi defenses often rely on witness testimony, video surveillance, or other types of evidence.
    • Self-defense is a defense that is used to prove that the defendant used reasonable force to protect themselves from harm. Self-defense is a common defense in assault and battery cases.
    • Insanity is a defense that is used to prove that the defendant did not have the mental capacity to understand that their actions were wrong. Insanity defenses are relatively rare and can be difficult to prove.
    • Entrapment is a defense that is used to prove that the defendant was induced or coerced by law enforcement to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. Entrapment defenses are relatively rare and can be difficult to prove.
    • The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police obtained evidence against you through an illegal search and seizure, it may be possible to have that evidence suppressed.

    Our Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you determine the best defense strategy for your situation.

  • What Are My Rights Following an Arrest?

    If you find yourself under arrest, you must be aware of your rights to ensure your defense is as strong as possible. First and foremost, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so exerting your right to remain silent can protect you from inadvertently incriminating yourself.

    You also have the right to an attorney. This means you can request to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions from law enforcement. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be supplied. Using this right is crucial to ensure that your legal interests are represented from the outset.

    Another important right is protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement will need to have probable cause or a warrant to search or seize the property. Any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court if these rights are violated.

    You also have the right to be informed of the charges against you. This ensures that you understand the nature of the accusations and can prepare an appropriate defense. You are also entitled to a fair and speedy trial, ensuring your case is heard promptly.

    Understanding these rights can differentiate between a favorable outcome and a compromised defense. If you are unsure how to navigate the legal system following an arrest, seeking advice from our skilled Duval County criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights and interests.

  • Can a Criminal Case Be Dismissed Before Trial?

    Yes, a criminal case can potentially be dismissed before trial if there are issues such as insufficient evidence, violations of your rights, or procedural errors. A Jacksonville criminal defense attorney can file motions to dismiss or suppress evidence, increasing the chances of achieving a dismissal.

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