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Posted on May 30, 2025 in Criminal Defense
In today’s digital age, crimes that once seemed improbable have become not only possible but increasingly common. One of the most serious and heavily prosecuted internet crimes in Arizona is the online solicitation of a minor. This offense involves an adult using the internet or electronic communication to engage a child in sexually explicit conversation or behavior.
Understanding what constitutes online solicitation, the behaviors it encompasses, and the associated legal consequences is crucial, especially if you or someone you know is under investigation or facing charges.
Online solicitation of a minor refers to the use of the internet, texting, apps, or other digital communication tools to persuade, entice, or coerce a person under 18 into engaging in sexual activity or sexually explicit behavior. Arizona law imposes even harsher penalties if the minor is under 15 years old.
Even if no physical contact occurs or no meeting takes place, just initiating sexually explicit conversations or attempting to set up a meeting can result in criminal charges. Arizona law makes it a crime for an adult to use electronic communication to try to exploit a child for sexual purposes. It does not matter whether the child is real or fictitious.
Law enforcement officers often conduct sting operations posing as minors to catch potential offenders.
Online solicitation can take many forms, often depending on the communication platform being used. Here are some examples of behaviors that could lead to solicitation charges:
These interactions can occur on social media apps, such as Snapchat or Instagram, online forums, video game chats (like those on Roblox, Minecraft, or Fortnite), and through text messaging.
Because solicitation can occur through various online platforms, many people are caught off guard when they find themselves under investigation.
Online solicitation of a minor is a felony offense in Arizona. The specific penalties depend on several factors, including the age of the minor involved, the nature of the communication, whether the offender has prior convictions, and whether a meeting was attempted or occurred.
Potential consequences may include:
Unlike many other criminal offenses, sex crimes like online solicitation often carry little to no possibility of expungement. This means that a conviction for online solicitation of a minor will likely remain on your record permanently, affecting every aspect of your life long after you serve any prison sentence.
Online solicitation of a minor is a grave charge in Arizona with serious and lasting consequences. Even an accusation can carry a heavy social and emotional burden. Conviction may lead to prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, loss of employment opportunities, and permanent damage to your reputation and relationships.
Law enforcement agencies often conduct undercover sting operations online, and even seemingly innocent conversations can be misconstrued. Arizona law defines solicitation broadly, meaning that the intent and language used in digital communication, such as text messages, social media, gaming chats, or other chat rooms, can all be used as evidence. Penalties are severe, even for first-time offenders.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
