There are a wide variety of crimes that fall under the umbrella of federal sex crimes. For instance, an individual may be charged with a crime for engaging in illegal sexual activity, and for coercing or enticing another person to partake in unlawful acts. A knowledgeable enticement lawyer can help you with this situation.
Federal Sex Crimes
Attempting to convince another person to commit an illegal sex act is a very serious crime and it carries heavy penalties. Therefore, it is wise for anyone charged with coercion and enticement to consult an attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at King, Campbell, Poretz, Mitchell can evaluate your case and advise you on your options for the most positive outcome.
Enticement
Federal law states that it is a crime to attempt to persuade other people to participate in unlawful behavior. It also states that anyone who knowingly induces or coerces another person to travel over state lines or out of the country to engage in any sexual activity that constitutes a criminal offense, such as prostitution, can be convicted of a crime. Furthermore, it is illegal for a person to attempt to engage in behavior barred by section 2422(a). These crimes could result in up to 20 years in prison, and a fine.
Under section 2422(b) it is unlawful to use the internet or mail system, or any other means of interstate commerce to intentionally persuade, coerce, or entice a minor to engage in illegal sex acts. This can result in a prison sentence of 10 years to life.
Criminal Defense Strategies Around Enticement
As with any criminal case, the prosecution is responsible for proving the defendant committed the alleged offense. This means the prosecution must show that the evidence is so compelling that no reasonable person could have any doubt that the defendant is guilty. To do this, the prosecution must prove each element of the charge crime.
For instance, if a defendant is allegedly committed enticement, the prosecutor must establish that the defendant persuaded someone to travel out of the state or the country, or that the defendant used a means of interstate commerce, with the intention of persuading the person to engage in an illicit act. Of course, if the prosecution is unable to prove an element of the crime, the defendant should not be found guilty.
[Related: Federal Criminal Defense]Entrapment
Sometimes, even if a defendant engaged in illegal acts, he/she may be able to avoid a conviction by establishing entrapment. Entrapment defense requires the defendant to show that he/she lacked a predisposition to commit the charged crime and that he/she was induced by a law enforcement agent to engage in the illegal acts that the charge is based on. If the defendant produces sufficient evidence to show that he/she was persuaded, the responsibility shifts back to the government to prove there was no entrapment.
Enticement and Entrapment Criminal Lawyer in Virginia
A federal sex crime conviction can have grave consequences and permanently alter your life. If you are being charged with enticement or coercion, it is crucial to hire an enticement lawyer immediately. The attorneys here at King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell will work zealously to help you achieve a just outcome. Contact us today to learn more.