Texas Law Firm Represents Clients Accused of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor

Experienced San Antonio attorney defends individuals in Bexar County and other locations

A person who faces even a single charge of criminal solicitation of a minor in Texas can face life-altering consequences, from job loss and social isolation to years in prison. From the office of Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C. in San Antonio, I vigorously defend individuals accused of this serious crime. I opened my criminal defense firm in 2000 after nearly a decade of experience as a prosecutor, so I understand how law enforcement agencies attempt to prove guilt for criminal solicitation of a minor.

Diligent Texas attorney works to counter charges of criminal solicitation

Criminal solicitation of a minor is a crime in which a person requests, commands or attempts to induce a minor to commit a certain criminal offense or to be party to the commission of a certain criminal offense. The solicited offense may be a sex crime such as sexual assault, indecency with a child or sexual performance with a child, or another crime outlined in the Texas Penal Code. Crucially, a prosecutor must establish that the alleged offender intended for the minor to actually commit the crime.

In Texas, a minor is any person under the age of 17. However, a person may be charged with criminal solicitation of a minor even if the individual they solicit is in fact a police officer or another adult posing as a minor. Solicitation may occur in person, such as at a school or community event, or online. A communication made by an adult to a minor through social media, multi-player video games, text messages, email or another means may be used as evidence of unlawful solicitation.

My defense will be tailored to the specifics of your case. It may be possible to establish that clear intent was absent in your communication, that law enforcement officers obtained evidence unlawfully or that the wrong person was charged with a crime.

Aggressive defense lawyer works to help clients avoid severe punishments

Typically, criminal solicitation of a minor is charged as a crime one level lower than the solicited offense. Penalties for offenders depend on the charge for which an offender is convicted, which may be a:

• First degree felony — The offender will receive a prison sentence of at least five years, and may face life in prison.
• Second degree felony — The offender will receive a prison sentence between two years and 20 years.
• Third degree felony — The offender will be sentenced to between two years and 10 years in prison.
• State jail felony — The offender will be ordered to spend between 180 days and two years in state jail.

In addition to the above, the offender may be ordered to pay a fine of up to $10,000. Any person convicted of a sex offense involving a minor will be required to register as a sex offender after completing their prison term and, if granted, parole. The offender must maintain sex offender registration for at least 10 years and possibly for life, depending on the crime.

I handle criminal solicitation of a minor charges with the urgency and scrutiny they deserve. As your criminal defense attorney, I will assert your rights while challenging the actions of law enforcement officers and the evidence put forth by the prosecution. I have helped many clients avoid jail time.

Contact a dedicated Central Texas criminal solicitation of minors defense attorney today

At the office of Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C. in San Antonio, I utilize decades of legal experience to defend individuals charged with a Texas felony for criminal solicitation of a minor. To schedule your free and confidential consultation, call (210) 227-1500 or contact me online.