A computer solicitation charge can change your life in an instant. One moment you are going about your daily routine, and the next you are facing serious criminal charges that carry severe consequences. If you live in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, or anywhere in the Treasure Coast region, you need a skilled defense attorney by your side immediately.
These charges are prosecuted aggressively in Florida. Therefore, every hour you wait without legal representation puts your future at greater risk. The right attorney can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.
At Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., & Associates, LLC, we understand how frightening this experience can be. Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to defend your rights and fight for your freedom. Contact JKJ today to discuss your situation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
What Is Computer Solicitation in Florida?
Computer solicitation is a serious internet crime under Florida law. It generally involves using a computer, smartphone, or other electronic device to solicit a minor for unlawful sexual activity. Because of this, prosecutors and law enforcement treat these cases with the highest level of priority.
Florida law targets individuals who use online platforms, messaging apps, or chat services to initiate illegal contact with minors. Moreover, undercover operations are extremely common in these cases. Law enforcement officers often pose as minors to catch potential offenders.
How Florida Law Defines the Offense
Florida statute broadly defines this crime to cover a wide range of electronic communications. For example, it includes text messages, emails, social media messages, and online chat communications. Furthermore, the law does not require that any physical contact occur for charges to be filed.
Simply sending a message that solicits a minor can result in felony charges. As a result, even individuals who claim they did not intend to follow through with any meeting can face prosecution. This makes having an experienced defense attorney absolutely essential.
Potential Penalties You Could Face
The penalties for computer solicitation in Florida are severe. A conviction can result in significant prison time, heavy fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Additionally, a conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, affecting employment, housing, and personal relationships.
In many cases, computer solicitation is charged as a second or third-degree felony. However, aggravating factors can elevate the charge to a first-degree felony. Therefore, understanding the full scope of what you are facing is critical from day one.
Why You Need a Defense Attorney Immediately
Time is your most valuable resource after an arrest. Law enforcement begins building their case the moment an investigation starts. Meanwhile, without legal counsel, you may unknowingly say or do things that harm your defense.
An experienced computer solicitation defense attorney can review the evidence against you right away. Additionally, your attorney can identify procedural errors, constitutional violations, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. These findings can be the foundation of a strong defense strategy.
Common Defense Strategies in Computer Solicitation Cases
Every case is unique, and a skilled attorney will tailor your defense to the specific facts and circumstances. However, there are several common defense approaches that may apply to your situation.
- Entrapment: Law enforcement may have improperly induced you to commit an act you would not have otherwise committed.
- Lack of intent: The prosecution must prove that you intended to solicit a minor for unlawful activity.
- Identity challenges: In online cases, it can be difficult to prove who actually sent the communications.
- Illegal search and seizure: Evidence obtained without a proper warrant may be inadmissible in court.
- Violations of due process: Procedural errors during the investigation or arrest can affect the case significantly.
Furthermore, our attorneys may file motions to suppress illegally gathered evidence. This can sometimes result in key evidence being excluded from trial. As a result, charges may be reduced or even dismissed in some cases.
The JKJ Approach to Computer Solicitation Defense
At Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., & Associates, LLC, we bring more than 30 years of criminal defense experience to every case. Our attorneys know the local courts, prosecutors, and judges throughout St. Lucie County, Martin County, and the surrounding Treasure Coast area. This local knowledge gives our clients a meaningful advantage.
We take a comprehensive and compassionate approach to every case. First, we sit down with you to fully explain the charges you are facing and the potential consequences. Next, we carefully review all of the evidence, communications, and investigation records. Then, we develop a customized defense strategy designed to protect your freedom and your future.
We Are With You Every Step of the Way
Facing criminal charges is an overwhelming experience. However, you do not have to face it alone. Our team works closely with investigators and digital forensics experts to challenge the state’s evidence. Moreover, we communicate with you regularly so you always know where your case stands.
We also understand that people make mistakes. On the other hand, some clients have been wrongly accused or ensnared in an undercover sting operation. In either situation, we believe that every person deserves the strongest possible defense. Our attorneys will fight aggressively and tirelessly for your rights.
Serving Stuart, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and Beyond
Our firm proudly serves clients throughout the Treasure Coast region. Whether you live in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Vero Beach, or Fort Pierce, our legal team is ready to help. We are familiar with the courts and legal procedures in Martin County and St. Lucie County.
Additionally, we understand the communities and lifestyles of the people we represent. This local insight helps us build more effective, personalized defense strategies for each client we serve. No matter where you are on the Treasure Coast, we are available to take your call 24/7.
What to Do If You Are Arrested or Under Investigation
If you believe you are under investigation for computer solicitation, act quickly. First, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Even well-intentioned statements can be misinterpreted and used against you.
Second, do not attempt to delete messages, emails, or other electronic data. Doing so could result in additional charges for tampering with evidence. Instead, contact a criminal defense attorney right away and let your legal team guide your next steps.
Third, write down everything you remember about the investigation or arrest as soon as possible. Details fade over time, and your recollection of events can be important to your defense. Therefore, preserving this information early is essential.
Do Not Talk to Law Enforcement Alone
Law enforcement officers are trained to gather information and build cases. Moreover, they are not required to be truthful with you during questioning. As a result, speaking without an attorney present is almost never in your best interest.
You have a constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. Exercise these rights immediately. Then, call the JKJ team so we can begin protecting your interests right away. Request a consultation with our team today to take the first step toward your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Solicitation in Florida
What is the difference between computer solicitation and other internet sex crimes?
Computer solicitation specifically involves using an electronic device to solicit a minor for unlawful sexual activity. Other internet crimes, such as possession of child pornography, involve different elements and charges. However, many of these offenses are often charged together, making experienced defense counsel essential.
Can I be charged even if I never met the person?
Yes. Florida law does not require physical contact for a computer solicitation charge. Simply sending a soliciting message to someone you believe to be a minor is enough to trigger criminal charges. Therefore, even an uncompleted attempt can result in serious felony charges.
What if the person I was communicating with was actually an adult law enforcement officer?
This is extremely common in undercover sting operations. Florida law still allows prosecution even when the alleged minor was actually an officer posing as one. However, entrapment defenses and other legal arguments may still apply. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether law enforcement crossed legal boundaries.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
In many computer solicitation cases, a conviction does require registration as a sex offender or sexual predator. This can have long-lasting consequences for your employment, housing, and personal life. Additionally, registration requirements can last for many years or even a lifetime. This makes fighting the charges with skilled legal representation critically important.
How soon should I contact an attorney after being charged?
You should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, ideally before speaking to law enforcement at all. The earlier you have legal representation, the better positioned your attorney is to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Furthermore, critical evidence and witness memories can fade quickly, so acting fast is always in your best interest.
Contact the JKJ Team for a Consultation
A computer solicitation charge is one of the most serious criminal allegations you can face in Florida. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. However, a charge is not a conviction, and with the right legal team on your side, you have options.
Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., & Associates, LLC, has more than 30 years of experience defending people throughout Stuart, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, and the entire Treasure Coast region. We are ready to fight for you with the skill, dedication, and compassion you deserve.
Do not wait another day. Talk with a legal expert at JKJ and take the first step toward protecting your freedom and your future. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. Contact JKJ now to schedule your consultation.
