A computer solicitation charge is one of the most serious internet crimes a person can face in Florida. Law enforcement agencies actively pursue these cases, and a conviction can permanently alter your life. If you or someone you love has been accused of computer solicitation in South Beach, FL, you need a skilled defense attorney on your side immediately.
However, being charged is not the same as being convicted. Many of these cases involve aggressive sting operations, entrapment, and questionable evidence. Therefore, understanding your rights and securing strong legal representation right away is critical.
At Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., & Associates, LLC, our criminal defense team has more than 30 years of experience defending clients against serious internet crime charges. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you protect your freedom and your future.
What Is Computer Solicitation Under Florida Law?
Computer solicitation generally refers to using a computer, smartphone, or other electronic device to solicit or attempt to solicit a minor for sexual activity. Florida law treats these offenses with extreme severity. As a result, prosecutors pursue them aggressively, often relying on digital evidence and law enforcement sting operations.
Furthermore, a conviction can carry mandatory prison time, lifetime sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal record. These consequences affect every area of your life, including employment, housing, and family relationships.
How Florida Law Defines the Offense
Florida Statute §847.0135 governs computer solicitation charges. Under this law, it is illegal to use any electronic device to solicit, lure, or entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct. Additionally, traveling to meet a minor after such solicitation is a separate felony offense.
Even an attempt to commit this crime carries severe penalties. Therefore, even if no actual contact occurred, prosecutors can still charge you with a serious felony.
Penalties for Computer Solicitation in Florida
The penalties for a computer solicitation conviction in Florida are severe. They can include the following:
- Felony charges ranging from a third-degree to a second-degree felony
- Significant prison sentences, often mandatory in nature
- Mandatory sex offender or sexual predator registration
- Lifetime restrictions on residency and employment
- Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote or possess firearms
Moreover, a conviction follows you permanently. Because of this, fighting these charges with an experienced defense attorney is absolutely essential.
Common Defense Strategies in Computer Solicitation Cases
A strong defense can make a real difference in the outcome of your case. At JKJ, we carefully review every detail of the evidence against you. We then build a defense strategy tailored specifically to your situation.
Entrapment by Law Enforcement
Many computer solicitation arrests result from undercover police sting operations. In these cases, law enforcement officers pose as minors online and initiate contact with suspects. However, if officers induced or pressured you into committing an act you would not have otherwise committed, you may have a valid entrapment defense.
Entrapment is a recognized legal defense in Florida. Therefore, if the evidence shows that law enforcement crossed the line, we will aggressively raise this defense on your behalf.
Challenging the Digital Evidence
Computer solicitation cases rely heavily on digital evidence such as chat logs, emails, and device records. However, this type of evidence must be collected lawfully. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the investigation, we can file a motion to suppress that evidence.
Additionally, digital evidence can be misinterpreted or even fabricated. Our team works closely with experienced investigators and forensic experts to scrutinize every piece of evidence against you.
Lack of Intent or Mistaken Identity
Not every online conversation constitutes criminal solicitation. Intent is a critical element of this offense. For example, if the communication was misunderstood or if you were unaware you were communicating with a minor, this may support a strong defense.
Furthermore, in some cases, multiple people share devices or accounts. Mistaken identity is a real and legitimate defense that our attorneys will fully explore on your behalf.
Why You Need an Experienced Computer Solicitation Defense Attorney
These cases are complex. They involve specialized knowledge of both Florida criminal law and digital forensics. As a result, having an attorney with deep experience in internet crime defense is not just helpful — it is necessary.
Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., has successfully defended clients against criminal charges for more than 30 years. Our firm understands the local court systems, judges, and prosecutors throughout St. Lucie County and the surrounding region. This local knowledge gives our clients a meaningful advantage.
We Serve South Beach, Fort Pierce, and the Surrounding Communities
Our firm proudly serves clients in South Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, and Stuart. We understand the communities of the Treasure Coast and the pressures that come with facing a serious criminal charge in this area.
Additionally, we know that residents of South Beach and nearby areas deserve immediate, compassionate legal support. Because of this, we make ourselves available around the clock to answer your questions and begin building your defense.
Understanding the Local Court System
Computer solicitation cases in the South Beach area are typically prosecuted in St. Lucie County or Martin County courts, depending on where the alleged conduct occurred. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the procedures and expectations of these local courts.
Moreover, we know how local prosecutors approach internet crime cases. This allows us to anticipate their strategy and prepare an effective counter-defense on your behalf.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for Computer Solicitation
The moments after an arrest are critical. The decisions you make immediately can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Therefore, it is important to act wisely from the very start.
Follow these important steps if you are arrested:
- Remain silent. You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Do not answer questions without your attorney present.
- Do not consent to searches. Politely refuse consent to search your devices, vehicle, or home without a warrant.
- Contact an attorney immediately. Call JKJ as soon as possible. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone. Avoid talking about your case with friends, family, or on social media.
- Write down everything you remember. Document the details of your arrest while they are fresh in your mind.
In addition, avoid contacting the alleged victim or any witnesses in your case. Any such contact could result in additional charges or harm your defense.
How JKJ Builds a Strong Defense for You
At Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., & Associates, we take a comprehensive and strategic approach to every case. First, we conduct a thorough review of all evidence, including digital records, police reports, and witness statements. Next, we identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop targeted defense strategies.
Then, we work closely with forensic investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the state’s evidence. We also evaluate whether any of your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation or arrest. Finally, we advise you honestly about your options, including whether to negotiate a plea agreement or take your case to trial.
Our goal is always to secure the most favorable outcome possible for you. We fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your reputation, and your freedom. Contact JKJ today to schedule your confidential consultation with our experienced criminal defense team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Solicitation Charges in Florida
Can I be charged even if I never met the person in real life?
Yes. Under Florida law, the act of solicitation itself is the crime. Therefore, no physical meeting is required for prosecutors to bring charges. Even an online conversation can lead to a felony charge.
What if I did not know the other person was a minor?
In some cases, lack of knowledge about the other person’s age may be a defense. However, this depends heavily on the specific facts of your situation. Additionally, in undercover sting operations, officers typically claim to be minors early in the conversation. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether this defense applies to your case.
Is entrapment a common defense in these cases?
Yes, entrapment is one of the most frequently raised defenses in computer solicitation cases. However, proving entrapment requires showing that law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed. Our attorneys carefully review the details of each sting operation to identify entrapment arguments.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
In most computer solicitation cases, a conviction does require sex offender registration in Florida. This registration can be lifelong and carries significant restrictions. Because of this, fighting the charges aggressively from the very beginning is critically important.
How soon should I contact a defense attorney after an arrest?
You should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible — ideally before you speak to law enforcement at all. The earlier we get involved in your case, the more options we have to build a strong defense. Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you.
Talk to a Computer Solicitation Defense Attorney Today
Facing a computer solicitation charge is frightening. However, you do not have to face it alone. The experienced criminal defense team at Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., & Associates, LLC is ready to stand by your side and fight for your future.
We serve clients throughout South Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, and the surrounding Treasure Coast communities. Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of courtroom experience, compassionate counsel, and aggressive advocacy to every case we handle.
Do not wait. Every moment matters when your freedom is at stake. Talk with a legal expert on our team now and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.
