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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.
