SOUTHERN BORN
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© 2023 by Thornton Criminal Defense, PLLC.
Atascosa Office:
216 N Bryant St
Pleasanton, Texas 78064
FORMER CHIEF PROSECUTOR
PERSONALIZED ATTENTION TO YOUR CASE
NO HOURLY RATES, ALWAYS A FLAT FEE
CLIENT CENTERED APPROACH TO YOUR CASE
BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW
OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN CRIMINAL LAW
WHY HIRE THORNTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE?
Attorney Brad Thornton is a highly experienced and Board-Certified criminal defense lawyer. With his background as a former Chief Prosecutor, he has a unique understanding of the criminal justice system and is able to provide comprehensive and effective representation to his clients. He is also deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals receive fair treatment in court, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Brad Thornton is dedicated to helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case, whether it is in San Antonio or elsewhere in South Texas. He recognizes the stress and anxiety that can come with being accused of a crime, and approaches his clients with compassion while keeping them informed at every step of the process. His knowledge and experience make him a strong advocate for his clients.
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Texas Penal Code § 33.021 - ONLINE SOL MINOR-MEET W/INT SE
Online Solicitation of a Minor in San Antonio, Texas
The criminal offense of online solicitation of a minor in Texas is a serious crime that carries severe consequences. This offense involves the use of the internet or other electronic means to communicate with a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense or to engage in other inappropriate behavior.
Under Texas law, it is illegal for an adult to use the internet or other electronic means to communicate with a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense against the minor or to solicit the minor to engage in sexual conduct. This includes using the internet to send sexually explicit messages or images to a minor, to ask a minor to engage in sexual conduct, or to arrange a meeting with a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct.
Defenses to Online Solicitation of a Minor
There are several possible defenses to a charge of online solicitation of a minor in Texas. Some of these defenses include:
Lack of intent: To be convicted of online solicitation of a minor, the prosecution must prove that the defendant had the intent to commit a sexual offense or to solicit the minor to engage in sexual conduct. If the defendant can show that they did not have this intent, they may be able to avoid a conviction.
Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officials induce a person to commit a crime that they otherwise would not have committed. If the defendant can show that they were entrapped by law enforcement, they may be able to avoid a conviction.
Mistaken identity: If the defendant can show that they were misidentified as the person who engaged in online solicitation of a minor, they may be able to avoid a conviction.
Lack of evidence: To secure a conviction, the prosecution must present sufficient evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to meet this burden, the defendant may be able to avoid a conviction.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the possible defenses to a charge of online solicitation of a minor in Texas. The specific defenses that are available in a given case will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.
Potential Punishments for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas
The criminal offense of online solicitation of a minor in Texas is a serious crime that carries severe consequences. If you have been charged with this offense, it is important to understand the potential punishments you may face.
The potential punishments for online solicitation of a minor in Texas depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the age of the minor involved. If the minor is under 14 years of age, the offense is a second-degree felony and is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. If the minor is 14 to 16 years old, the offense is a third-degree felony and is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison.
In addition to these potential punishments, a person convicted of online solicitation of a minor may also face other consequences, such as a fine, probation, and a criminal record. These consequences can have a lasting impact on a person's life, making it difficult to find employment, housing, and other opportunities.
It is important to note that these potential punishments are just the legal consequences of a conviction. The social and personal consequences of being charged with online solicitation of a minor can be just as severe, as the stigma of being accused of such a crime can be damaging to a person's reputation and relationships.
Punishment Ranges
Level of Offense
Potential Incarceration
Potential Fine
First-degree Felony
Second-degree Felony
Third-degree Felony
State Jail Felony
Class A Misdemeanor
Class B Misdemeanor
2 - 10 years in prison
180 days - 2 years in jail
Up to 1 year in jail
Up to 180 days in jail
2 - 20 years in prison
5 - 99 years in prison
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $4,000
Up to $2,000
Sex Offender Registration for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas
if you are convicted of online solicitation of a minor in Texas, you will be required to register as a sex offender. This is true even if you plead guilty pursuant to a plea bargain and are placed on deferred adjudication probation. Under Texas law, a person convicted of online solicitation of a minor is required to register as a sex offender if the victim was under 17 years of age at the time of the offense.
The requirement to register as a sex offender is a serious consequence of a conviction for online solicitation of a minor. It means that your personal information, including your name, address, and photographs, will be included in a public database that is maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. This information is accessible to the public, including potential employers and landlords, and can have a significant impact on your ability to find housing and employment.
The requirement to register as a sex offender also imposes certain restrictions on your freedom. For example, you may be prohibited from living within a certain distance of schools, parks, and other places where children congregate. You may also be required to report any changes in your personal information to law enforcement, and to comply with other restrictions on your behavior.
If you have been charged with online solicitation of a minor in Texas, it is essential to seek the assistance of a skilled attorney who can help you understand the potential consequences of a conviction and develop a strategy to defend against the charges. An experienced lawyer can help you protect your rights and work towards a favorable outcome in your case.
San Antonio Online Solicitation of a Minor Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton
If you have been charged with the criminal offense of online solicitation of a minor in Texas, it is essential to have a skilled and experienced attorney to represent you. Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton is a highly qualified lawyer who has the knowledge and expertise to defend you against these serious charges.
Mr. Thornton is a board-certified criminal law specialist, which means that he has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as having a high level of expertise in criminal law.
One of the key advantages of working with Mr. Thornton is that he is a former prosecutor. This means that he has a deep understanding of how the prosecution builds cases and what it takes to successfully defend against criminal charges. He knows how to anticipate the strategies that the prosecution may use and how to counter them effectively.
In addition to his legal knowledge and experience, Mr. Thornton is also known for his compassion and dedication to his clients. He will work tirelessly to protect your rights and defend you against the charges you are facing. If you are facing a charge of online solicitation of a minor in Texas, it is in your best interest to contact Mr. Thornton as soon as possible to discuss your options and begin building your defense.
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court rooms fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader on cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the "other side" and has tried the toughest of cases out there. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
David I.
Seguin, Texas
Brad was great from the moment he looked at my case. Despite his busy schedule, he made himself easily available, walked us through every detail with care and professionalism, and worked out a great deal with the prosecutor that was much better than any outcome we could have imagined. I don’t plan on needing his assistance again, but if I’m ever unfortunate enough to find myself in another legal bind, Brad will be my first call.
Brian F.
San Antonio, Texas
I have had the opportunity to know Brad both personally and professionally for a while now. As a fellow attorney, I am consistently impressed by his passion and innovative approach to legal issues. He is exceptionally intelligent and is always willing to go above and beyond for his clients. When I refer clients to Brad, I have full confidence that they will receive top-quality representation.
Elaine B.
San Antonio, Texas
Brad is an amazing attorney, and I highly recommend him! He has deep knowledge and understanding how to navigate the law to support his clients. He has a way with people, and truly has his focus on client care and supporting them, during a time that’s usually stressful for clients. He was able to support in getting my case dismissed in less than 2 months and was attentive and personable during the whole process. You have a choice when deciding who’s going to represent you, and to have an attorney that genuinely cares for his clients should be an expectation anyone should set. Brad will meet that expectation 110%!
Kevin E.
Jourdanton, Texas
[Brad] made the process very easy for me, handling everything within a month, with a motion to dismiss all cases against me. I only had to attend court once! The portal he uses to make sure you are aware of everything going on in your case is awesome, I didn’t even have to worry everything got downloaded to the portal with email notifications. I would never use another attorney to represent me, he is the best at what he does.