By Carlos Gamino. Click here for audio version.
Online solicitation of a minor is a very serious crime in Wisconsin, and it’s one that could put you in prison for years. But what counts as solicitation of a minor, and what should you do if you’ve been accused of this crime? This guide explains.
Sex Crimes: Online Solicitation of a Minor in Wisconsin
Solicitation of a minor means making sexually related contact (not physical) with someone under the age of majority. The contact may include obvious things such as asking a minor to have sex with you, or it can be less-obvious, such as sending obscene photos or videos to a minor. If you have an intent to draw a minor into a sexual situation, you can be charged with and convicted of solicitation of a minor – and if your conduct takes place on the internet or through digital mediums, it’s considered online solicitation of a minor.
Related: How to deal with false allegations of sex crimes
What Happens if You’re Convicted of Online Solicitation of a Minor?
If you’re convicted of online solicitation of a minor, which can include various other types of crimes (such as enticement, solicitation of a child for prostitution and possession of child pornography), it’s important that you know these are felony offenses. With a conviction, you can expect to spend several years in jail. Further, you’ll have to register as a sex offender when you’re released from prison.
Sex offenses stay on your criminal record forever. You cannot erase them, which means that future employers and landlords, as well as anyone else who conducts a background check, will be able to see that you have been convicted of a sex crime.
What to Do if You’re Accused of Online Solicitation of a Minor
For most people accused of online solicitation of a minor, the best course of action is to get in contact with a Wisconsin sex crime defense attorney right away. Call us at 414-383-6700 to schedule a free consultation where we can answer your questions and begin developing a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.
