Chat Rooms and Internet Solicitation of a Minor
Dallas Texas Lawyer
Local, state, and federal investigators are now entering chat rooms and posing as minors in an effort to crack down on child pornography. In most cases, an online conversation begins and eventually turns sexual in nature. Sometimes, pornographic pictures are exchanged after one person requests them or indicates an interest in sending them.
In other cases, a conversation leads to an online solicitation for sexual favors with what is believed to be a minor. Investigators then track the ISP address of the chat room participant, obtain his or her home address, and begin an investigation. At the Law Office of J. Michael Price II, we represent people indicted or under investigation for chat room luring and the online Internet solicitation of a minor. We intercede immediately for our clients to limit and restrict an investigation and ensure a "rush to judgment" doesn't result in the carte blanch approval of over-reaching search warrants, property seizures, and intrusive surveillance.
If you're facing charges for the online solicitation of a minor, contact sex crimes criminal defense attorney J. Michael Price II. We provide free, confidential consultations fully protected by the attorney-client privilege.
Investigation of Internet Chat Room Crimes
In state and federal investigations involving Internet chat room luring crimes, evidence is typically collected over several months. Typically, warrants will be obtained in order to monitor email accounts and the online activity of a suspect. Transcripts of online conversations are archived in order to be used as evidence at trial.
If a suspect attempts to set up a meeting with what he or she believes to be a minor, law enforcement will stake out the agreed upon meeting place and photographically record the suspect's arrival. Eventually, when investigators believe they have enough evidence, a search warrant is used to seize a suspect's computer hard drive and any other evidence investigators believe are pertinent to their investigation - including cell phones, CD ROMs, and flash drives.
Defending Those Charged with Internet Chat Room Crimes
Since Internet chat room crimes usually involve law enforcement officers pretending to be a minor, the issue of entrapment can arise. While the courts have typically upheld the constitutionality of police officers posing as criminals in order to conduct sting operations, investigators often walk a fine line between attracting criminal activity and actually promoting or encouraging it. In Texas, the law does not require that the prosecution prove intent to actually engage in the sex act itself. It also doesn't require that an actual meeting even take place. Lastly, people who are victims of sexual abuse themselves may have psychological and medical reasons for their behavior. While this alone may not be enough to have the charges against you dismissed, it may play a role in convincing prosecutors to reduce the charges or sentence against you. As your attorney, Mike consults psychologists and psychiatrists in developing defenses for his clients.
Fighting for the Best Outcome for Our Clients
Internet chat room crimes are serious criminal offenses in Texas and in Federal Court.While it may not always be possible to avoid a charge or conviction, reducing the sentence or charges against you is essential. I will always fully and effectively advise you at every step of the criminal process and inform you of all your options and the full consequences of each.
J. Michael Price II, has devoted his entire career to criminal and sex crime defense and has been recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine as a Texas Super Lawyer for 5 years running. As one of only 5 attorneys in the Dallas, Collin and Denton county area that are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification, Mr. Price has uniquely distinguished himself among his colleagues for the quality of his work and his personal dedication to his clients, especially those that have been charged with a sex offense.
We put more than 15 years of proven success behind your case, and work tirelessly to make sure the false allegations of sexual assault today do not lead to a conviction or registration as a sex offender tomorrow.
Call 214-651-1121 for a No Cost Consultation
Practicing exclusively in criminal and sex crime defense, and recognized by organizations including Martindale Hubbell, Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Monthly Magazine, we stand ready to provide reliable and effective representation for all sex abuse or assault crimes. Contact our office today or call us directly at 214-651-1121 to schedule an initial consultation.
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