Internet Sex Crimes Involving Minors: Criminal Penalties

As more and more children use the computers and Internet in daily activities without any parental supervision, a notable increase in Internet sex crimes has been observed. Luring a minor to build trust and inducing him/her to involve in a sexual activity is a fast spreading criminal activity in the electronic media, which also helps the criminals to cover their identity. Such Internet sex crimes are often committed with minors as they look for a person to share their loneliness or dejection or any kind of worries. Pedophiles and predators frequently exploit innocent children for various sexual activities in order to obtain online sexual pleasure. Some of the common Internet sex crimes involving minors are discussed below.

Internet Solicitation of a Minor

When a person lures a minor over the Internet for sex, it is referred to as Internet solicitation of minor. Usually Internet chat rooms are used by such sexual offenders to trap innocent minors under the age of 16 years. This is one of the most targeted and investigated activity of the state and federal law enforcement officials. Lots of sting operations are done to capture habitual offenders red handed.

Child Pornography

When the indecent or nude pictures of a minor is transmitted or exchanged through e-mail, video or any other electronic media, it is regarded as a sexual crime of child pornography. Even viewing or possessing such child pornographic content is enough for you to be charged with child pornography. Such crimes are seriously handled and the penalties can be a long duration of jail term.

Internet Crime Against Identified Victims

When a person who has prior acquaintance or family relation with a minor uses the Internet to communicate sexually and further victimizes the minor for sexual activity, it is also regarded as the Internet sex crime with felony charges.

Criminal Charges

Laws for the prevention of child exploitation are harsher on the accused and the penalties for the convicts of such charges are too severe. It includes long-term imprisonment, hefty fines, cancellation of professional licenses, loss of family rights [cancellation of parental or visitation rights for their children] and registration with sexual offenders’ registry for life time.

Getting Legal Help

When you are accused of child solicitation or enticement for sex, then the legal consequences are much severe. You have to hire an Internet sex crime defense attorney who has a sound knowledge of the statutes, possible defenses and penalties in order to cancel the charges against you.