Given the popularity of shows like "To Catch a Predator," many state and federal law enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts to catch individuals who may be using computer chat rooms and other internet media to solicit minors to engage in various sexual acts for liaisons. Police officers will enter these chat rooms and websites posing as children for the purpose of catching individuals who are seeking to contact children.
These police officers are not required to identify themselves, even if asked to do so, and the will frequently set up meetings wherein the adult on the other end thinks he is going to meet with the child, but instead walks into a police sting.
In Virginia, soliciting a minor over the internet is a felony, with maximum punishments ranging from 5 to 40 years in the penitentiary, depending upon how the Commonwealth's Attorney decides to charge the case. In addition, any such conviction will result in registration as a sex offender.
If you or someone you know has been charged with this offense, you must contact an aggressive criminal lawyer right away. Time lost is opportunity lost, and you need an attorney who is ready to assist you in fighting this serious charge. Contact us right away, we are here to help!