It is a serious offense and situation if you or someone you know is accused of soliciting a minor or of indecent contact with a minor. Both crimes are serious and could negatively impact the remainder of your life. Being accused of soliciting a minor or having indecent contact with a minor is bad, but being found guilty of either offense could be horrible with penalties making it difficult to live a normal life or retain your freedom. Understanding solicitation of a minor and indecent contact fully can help you to better prepare to fight the charges should they be leveled against you or a person close to you.
Solicitation of a Minor
The solicitation of a minor is any attempt to get a minor to do something illegally. It is also the request, plea, enticing, asking or otherwise persuading a minor to commit an illegal act. A minor in these situations is defined as anyone under the age of 18 years old. The solicitation can occur anywhere but it often takes place online with an adult using the Internet to communicate with a minor and attempt to get the minor to engage in an illegal activity. Regardless of where the solicitation occurs the legal consequences are the same and can negatively impact the remainder of a person's life.
Indecent Contact With a Minor
Indecency with a minor is defined as touching a minor's genitals, anus, or breasts with the intent to gratify or arouse the sexual desire of the person who is initiating the touching. This includes touching over the clothes and the gender of the individual does not matter. In Texas, a minor for the purposes of indecent contact is defined as anyone 17 years of age or younger. This charge can be placed against a person regardless of whether or not they knew the person they were engaging in indecent contact with was a minor.
Both Charges Are Extremely Serious
Any person who is charged with solicitation of a minor or indecent contact with a minor must understand that these charges are extremely serious. Solicitation of a minor can result in fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years. An individual can face serving 10 years to life in prison if the minor is under 12 years of age or the individual is a repeat offender. Indecent contact with a minor is a second degree felony that is punishable with two to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Contact a Lawyer Today
Being charged with indecent contact with a minor or solicitation of a minor can be a life altering event. It not only threatens to rob you of your freedom, it puts your entire future at risk by labeling you as a person who has inappropriate contact with minors. If you or someone you know is facing these charges it is important that you contact a lawyer immediately. Our trained legal team can help you fight your charges and help you to salvage your life and reputation.