Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex in Florida: Laws, Penalties and Criminal Defense

Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex in Florida: Laws, Penalties and Criminal Defense

Hey there, reader! If you’re looking into the laws in Florida regarding traveling to hook up with a minor, then you’ve come to the right place. This stuff can be real confusing, with lots of legal mumbo jumbo, but I’m gonna break it down for you in simple terms. Let’s chat about it together, okay?

What’s the Law Say?

In Florida, it’s illegal to travel within or outside of the state to meet up with a minor under 18 years old to engage in any sexual conduct with them. This law falls under Florida Statute 847.0135(4). Even if you don’t end up doing anything sexual with the minor, just traveling or attempting to travel to meet them is against the law. Bummer!

This law applies to both residents of Florida and folks visiting from out of state. So if you’re thinking about driving across state lines to hook up with a minor, don’t! You’d be breaking the law in Florida and could face some steep penalties.

What’s Considered “Traveling”?

When it comes to the law, “traveling” doesn’t just mean hopping on a plane or taking a road trip. Even a short drive across town could count. The law says going “any distance within this state” or entering/leaving the state counts as traveling. So you don’t have to go far at all to break the law here.

Penalties and Punishment

Breaking this law is a second-degree felony in Florida, which is pretty dang serious. If convicted, you could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Yikes! You could also get probation or house arrest for up to 15 years.

On top of that, you’d end up with a felony record, which makes life way harder when it comes to getting jobs, housing, loans, and other stuff. People with felonies can even lose their right to vote and own a gun. So these charges really stick with you.

Defenses That Can Help

Now, before you freak out, there are some defenses that a good lawyer could use to help you out if you end up getting charged:

• You lacked criminal intent – For example, maybe you were just trying to mentor the minor and nothing more.
• It was entrapment – This means law enforcement tricked or coerced you into committing a crime you wouldn’t normally do.
• Misidentification – You got the wrong person!
• The minor lied about their age.

A skilled defense attorney will dig into the details of your case to figure out the best defense strategies. Don’t go it alone here – get a lawyer on your side!

What If the Minor Lied About Their Age?

Sometimes minors will lie online about being 18 or older. But even if you meet up with someone you think is legal, and they turn out to be under 18, you could still be charged under this law. It’s a strict liability crime, meaning intent doesn’t matter. Yikes!

The best thing is to be super careful about who you meet online and make darn sure they are who they say they are. Ask for ID and proof of age before meeting up! It’s awkward but could save you big time.

What About Sexting?

Trading sexy messages and photos online with a minor can also get you in legal trouble in Florida. That’s considered “computer pornography,” and it’s illegal if the minor is under 16 years old. You could get 5 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000 just for sexting, even if you never meet them. Crazy!

So think twice before hitting send, folks. Don’t put yourself at risk here. Stick to sexting with adults you know for sure are 18+ until the law changes here.

Can I Go to Jail Just for Chatting?

If you use the internet to seduce or solicit a child under 18 for sex, you could be charged with “unlawful use of a two-way communications device” under Florida Statute 847.0135. This is a third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison. Yep, just chatting online can land you behind bars if the conversation turns sexual.

The cops often go undercover online as minors to catch potential predators. So beware who you chat with! Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want used against you in court later.

Can I Still Travel to Florida?

Look, I don’t wanna scare you away from visiting our beautiful state! Just use common sense and avoid any sketchy situations. Don’t chat online with anyone who claims to be under 18. Make sure any dating partners are unmistakably adults. Be smart and you’ll be fine!

We want you to come soak up the Florida sun and enjoy our theme parks. Just leave the minors alone and stick to legal fun. Capeesh?

Get a Lawyer ASAP if Charged

If you or someone you know ends up getting charged with traveling to meet a minor or any other sex crime in Florida, get a criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately. Don’t wait! An experienced attorney can help get charges reduced or even dismissed.

A good lawyer will also guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and make sure you get fair treatment. This is scary stuff, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Lean on your lawyer so you can get the best possible outcome.

And hey, everyone makes mistakes, you know? Don’t beat yourself up! Just learn from this experience and make better choices moving forward. You got this.

Whelp, that about covers the basics on traveling to meet minors for sex in Florida. Let me know if you have any other legal questions! I’m happy to chat. Stay safe out there, friends.

References

• https://criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com/sexually-motivated-crimes/traveling-to-meet-a-minor/
• https://defensehelp.com/felony-criminal-charges-lawyer/traveling-to-meet-a-minor-florida/
• https://www.goldmanwetzel.com/traveling-to-meet-a-minor-florida/
• https://www.hornsby.com/crimes/children/traveling-to-meet-a-minor.html
• https://www.coreycohen.com/articles/traveling-to-meet-a-minor-in-florida-carries-steep-penalties/
• https://www.rpfoley.com/traveling-to-meet-a-minor-for-the-purpose-of-sexual-conduct-flor.html