TRAVELING TO MEET A MINOR FLORIDA
Aggressively Fighting for the Best Possible Outcome
Experienced Defense From a Tampa Traveling to Meet a Minor Lawyer
For traveling to meet a minor, Florida courts can issue felony-level penalties. Even just the accusation of such a crime can severely impact your life, which is why you should immediately seek representation from Buda Law. Prosecutors treat this illegal act as a priority, and they build cases quickly. A person believed to be guilty by law enforcement often faces an uphill battle from day one.
Buda Law stands between clients and the full weight of Florida’s criminal justice system. We understand Florida sex crime law, including crimes related to using the internet and computers, and our committed criminal defense attorneys in Tampa are ready to help you fight these charges.
Call us at (813) 322-2832 or contact our team online for defense against traveling to meet a minor and other crimes.
What is a Traveling to Meet a Minor Charge?
Using computer services or an internet service to solicit sexual conduct with a minor qualifies as a crime. After such soliciting, traveling to meet that minor with the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual contact or conduct is a second-degree felony in Florida. The charge does not require the meeting to actually happen or conduct involving actual physical contact. Florida prosecutors can file charges based on the travel combined with prior online communication.
Traveling to Meet a Minor Florida Statute
Florida Statute § 847.0135 covers a wide range of conduct tied to online communication and physical travel. Travel within, into, or out of the state to meet a minor after using certain communications to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice that minor is forbidden. This includes using computer online services, internet services, local bulletin board services, or any other device capable of electronic data storage or transmission. The law also covers travel to a minor facilitated by a parent, legal guardian, or custodian. In such cases, a perpetrator obtains the guardian’s permission to gain access to a child for the purpose of unlawful conduct. This statute outlines forbidden conduct as any act described in chapter 794, 800, or 827 of the Florida statutes, or any other unlawful sexual conduct.
Even attempting to travel is enough to trigger charges under this law. Proving intent beyond a reasonable doubt is where the state focuses much of its energy. Communication serves as both a key factor of the crime itself and evidence of intent. Buda Law examines every part of the case for gaps, inconsistencies, and constitutional problems that could weaken the state’s argument.
How Prosecutors Prove a Traveling to Meet a Minor Charge
Digital evidence is central to these cases. Prosecutors can pull chat logs, emails, and records of prohibited computer usage to establish the intent of sexual contact or other such conduct. Computer pornography or explicit messages can become key exhibits at trial.
Many charges come directly from undercover sting operations. During these operations, an undercover operative or law enforcement officer will pose as a minor or a child’s guardian and gather information or recordings. Florida investigators track movement, document locations, and record activity before an arrest. Our Tampa, FL sex crime attorneys review how law enforcement gathered that evidence. If there are any procedural mistakes or constitutional violations, it can give the defense a foundation.
What are the Penalties for Traveling to Meet a Minor in Florida?
Attempting to meet minors after online solicitation is a serious offense under the Florida Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act. A person who intentionally commits this second-degree felony can face:
- Up to 15 years in state prison
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Fines up to $10,000
- Extended probation with strict conditions
- Restrictions on internet and computer access
- Prohibited contact with minors
Penalties can quickly enhance, especially if the defendant faces multiple charges. Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors may pursue this charge alongside sexual exploitation, sexual battery, or other crimes. The prosecution may argue that during prior conversations, the defendant solicited sexual performance of a minor or intentionally exposed themselves in a lewd or lascivious manner. Furthermore, a separate offense can be charged for each separate use of computer transmissions prohibited under Florida law. State criminal jurisdiction is limited to crimes within the state. If either communication or travel crosses state lines, the defendant can face federal charges.
Employers run background checks, and a felony of this nature can end many career paths immediately. Those convicted have to register as a sex offender as part of their punishment. Registered offenders must report regularly, disclose their addresses, and comply with residency restrictions. The Tampa, FL criminal defense attorneys at Buda Law have the experience to take on these cases and advocate on your behalf.
What to Do if You are Accused of Traveling to Meet a Minor in Florida
Do not talk to police officers about any aspect of your case on your own. Prosecutors often attempt to use these interviews as proof that a person committed a crime. Preserve any evidence that can prove your case. Text messages, account logs, and timestamps can support the defense just as much as the prosecution.
The right time to contact an attorney when facing sex crime accusations is immediately. The earlier you involve a legal professional, the more room there is to challenge how the investigation was handled. Our solicitation of a minor defense lawyers in Tampa will carefully review your case to determine the best defense.
Why You Need an Experienced Tampa, Florida Traveling to Meet a Minor Lawyer at Buda Law
The accusation alone that a person engaged in unlawful sexual activity can be enough to affect their reputation. To avoid the worst consequences, you need an experienced lawyer. Early representation changes the outcome of these cases.
Buda Law can provide you with support during every stage of the legal process. Your rights do not pause during an investigation. Law enforcement can overstep, cut corners, and collect evidence unconstitutionally. Our team protects your rights by identifying and challenging these issues. If the case comes to trial, we’re prepared to advocate on your behalf.
A Tampa attorney for lewd and lascivious charges who knows this area of law catches those problems early. Buda Law works with clients from the first call through every stage of the case.
Defending Against FL Traveling to Meet a Minor Charges
Intent-related defenses are common in these cases, since conviction hinges on this element. Communication evidence may also support a defense. This includes both evidence supporting your story as well as any questionable evidence that the prosecution presents. For example, the defense may examine how evidence displayed on a computer or television monitor was captured and preserved. Illegal searches, improper warrant applications, and mishandled digital evidence can all be challenged.
Entrapment defenses apply to cases involving sting operations and undercover officers. State law prohibits prosecution from convicting unless they can prove the defendant was traveling to meet a child, or someone they believed was a child. If no such child is involved and the defendant never believed they were communicating with a child, no crime exists. Additionally, the state must show that the conduct proscribed under the statute aligns with the defendant’s actual actions.
If you’ve been accused of using computer services and other devices to engage in conduct prohibited by state law, speak with our felony criminal defense attorneys in Tampa, FL, today.
Speak With a Tampa Traveling to Meet a Minor Attorney Today
Florida courts consider travel to meet a minor to be a serious crime, punishing perpetrators severely. Reaching out to a Tampa traveling to meet a minor attorney at Buda Law can be the most important step taken after an arrest. Our team has experience defending against third-degree, second-degree, and first-degree felonies. We carefully consider whether the circumstances constitute the charges, then develop your defense accordingly.
Buda law also provides professional representation for other sex crimes. Whether you’ve been accused of committing lewd or lascivious exhibition, voyerism, or other sexual acts prohibited under the law, we can help. Our attorneys handle these cases with discretion. Conversations stay confidential, and there is no judgment attached to making that first call.
Do not let uncertainty make you hesitate to reach out. Call Buda Law today at (813) 322-2832 or contact the firm online to schedule a consultation.
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