Enticement of a minor is the federal offense where you persuade a person under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution or an illegal sex act. Enticement is a crime that federal prosecutors often file in internet sex crime cases. The offense is a serious matter that can result in years in federal prison, including a life term. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney today if you are facing any allegations of a sex crime.
What is the Federal Crime of Enticement of a Minor?
18 USC 2422b is the federal law on enticement of a minor. You commit this offense if you:
- Use the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce, and
- Knowingly persuade, induce, entice, or coerce any person under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution or an illegal sex act.
Note that “interstate commerce” is the general term for transacting or transportation of products, services, or money across state borders. Enticement can involve such means of interstate commerce as:
- The mail,
- Phones, and/or
- The internet.
What are the Penalties?
Enticement of a minor is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment in a federal prison for not less than 10 years or for life.
Depending on the facts of the case, offenders may also have to register as a sex offender.
Can a Defendant Raise a Legal Defense?
Yes. Fortunately, you can challenge an enticement of a minor charge with a legal defense. A common defense is for a defendant to show that the “victim” was 18 years age or over. You can also contest a charge by showing that law enforcement somehow violated your rights. Maybe, for example, the police:
- Arrested you without probable cause,
- Coerced a confession, or
- Conducted an unlawful search and seizure.
If the authorities somehow violated your rights, you could move to have your case dismissed or your charges dropped.
Contact Black & Askerov for Help
While a defendant can raise a legal defense to challenge an enticement charge, it will take a skilled criminal defense attorney to raise the best defense. The experienced federal crime attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients on various sex charges. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Our attorneys will fight tooth and nail for you at every step of your case. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!
