Criminal Sexual Misconduct With A Minor
If you have ever watched the news or Law & Order: SVU, you have probably noticed that any kind of criminal sexual conduct with a minor is a serious offense. These types of charges include:
- statutory rape,
- solicitation of a minor, including internet sex crimes,
- sexual assault,
- criminal sexual conduct/rape, or
- the possession or distribution of child pornography
These charges are a top priority for South Carolina, and in Columbia, SC, criminal solicitation of a minor is a charge that, if convicted, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Since the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force was created in 2005 (overseen by the Attorney General’s Office), it’s made 441 arrests, resulting in 303 being successfully convicted. This showcases just how seriously South Carolina pursues catching and convicting those who commit criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
So You Were Charged With Solicitation Of A Minor:
In today’s world, social media and chat rooms are very prominent, which has led to an increase in solicitation of a minor cases. Just as you or I can use these online sites, so can law enforcement (or the media) who pose as an minor. These people present themselves as an underage person, though not, for the purpose of conducting an online “sting.” If you communicate an intent to engage in sexual activity after learning their age–even if you never meet in person, you can be charged with criminal solicitation of a minor.
Under South Carolina law, you can be force to serve up to 10 years for online child solicitation, a sentence that may bear more jail time than someone convicted with child molestation. If convicted, you’ll be required to be listed on the national sex offender registry–for the rest of your life. You may also face a heavy fine.
Just because you were arrested for criminal sexual conduct with a minor or solicitation of a minor does not mean that you are guilty. It also does not mean that you don’t have the right to a defense. However, simply having these charges brought against you, may be damaging to your education, career, personal life, to name a few. Charges of this nature are personally and professionally damaging even if innocent, and discretion is of the utmost importance in handling this type of case to help you get the best disposition possible.
What Now?
If you or someone you know has been charged with solicitation of a minor, please contact an attorney immediately. South Carolina has many complex laws regarding criminal sexual conduct with a minor or solicitation of a minor. You will need attorney who knows how the system works to increase your chances of having your charges reduced or dismissed. Let us use our legal know-how to obtain and challenge all evidence, and help you.