Importuning charges can result when individuals are accused of having encouraged or solicited a minor to engage in some type of sexual activity. Allegations of importuning have increased in recent years, in large part due to the prevalence of technological communications. Many children under the age of 18 regularly use cell phones and computers on a daily basis, and this creates situations that may not otherwise have existed. Some common examples of a situation that may lead to importuning charges are:
· Texting a minor and requesting that he or she send you sexually explicit photos or other materials
· Exchanging emails, texts, or phone calls about sexually explicit materials or asking the minor to engage in sexual acts
· Using social media platforms to initiate a sexual relationship with a minor
What is Importuning?
Sexually-based criminal offenses, and especially those involving minors, can have very severe consequences, including prison time, high fines, and being forced to register as a sex offender. Fortunately, there are some potential defenses to importuning. Perhaps you were entrapped by an undercover police officer posing as a minor in a local sting by law enforcement officials. Maybe the alleged victim lied about her age and you had no reason to believe otherwise. You might also have been frequenting an “adults-only” online forum in which you didn’t expect to encounter a minor. Perhaps your communications with the minor were simply misunderstood.
Whatever the case may be, you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can ensure that you raise all of the relevant defenses. At Peek Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and defending you against any criminal charges that you may be facing. We are here to investigate the facts surrounding your case, consider your options, and help you develop the strategy that is best designed to achieve a successful outcome in your case. Do not waste time attempting to handle legal matters on your own; contact our office as soon as you are charged with a criminal offense so that we can provide you with the help that we need.