FREE Case Review (866) 588-0600

What is Solicitation of a Minor? What Qualifies as It?

“Solicitation of a minor” refers to any attempt to get a minor to do something illegally, most often sexual in nature. This is a crime that can be punished by fines, up to 1 year in jail, and up to 5 years of probation.
Awards & recognition
C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
Free Confidential Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help. Please click the button below for a Free Case Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.

Start My Free Case Review

What Qualifies as Solicitation of a Minor?

Solicitation is asking, encouraging, causing, or coercing a person to engage in a sexual act. When that person is under the age of 16, it qualifies as solicitation of a minor. There is no requirement that any act actually occurred, merely that the adult solicited the minor.

What's the Difference Between Solicitation and Prostitution?

Legally speaking, solicitation refers to offering something of value in exchange for a sexual or lewd favor, whereas prostitution is the act of providing sexual or lewd favors in exchange for something of value, most often money.

Is it Illegal to Talk to a Minor Online?

Talking to a minor online isn't automatically illegal. It all depends on why you are contacting the other person. Suggestive language or sexual requests can result in a criminal charge. Using the Internet to arrange a meeting with a minor for lewd and lascivious acts can be charged as a felony and is punishable by up to 3 years in state prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Read Also: What if a Minor Lies About Their Age Online?

What is the Federal Sentence for Online Solicitation of a Minor?

Under U.S. Code 18 Sections 2422 and 2423, punishment for solicitation of a minor over the Internet can result in fines of up to $250,000, 10 years in jail for a misdemeanor charge, and a maximum sentence of life in prison for a felony charge.

What is the Defense for Solicitation of a Minor?

Criminal defense attorneys draw upon certain legal strategies to challenge the solicitation of minor charges. These strategies include attempting to demonstrate that the accused:

  • Had no intent or purpose to engage in a sexual act with the minor
  • Did not know or believe that the alleged “victim” was a minor, and/or
  • Was entrapped.

Related Articles:

See the other sexual abuse lawsuits we've taken on.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

Verified 100% Secure SiteTo contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 588-0600.