Dedicated And Experienced Defense Against Internet Sex Crime Charges
The internet has forever changed the way we live, work, learn and connect with others. But the web is also filled with danger, including legal danger. Under the illusion of anonymity, people do things online that they likely would never do “in person.” But the internet isn’t anonymous and is often being monitored by law enforcement agencies.
If you are facing an investigation or charges related to alleged sex crimes committed online, you cannot afford a wait-and-see approach to your own defense. You need to act quickly and decisively with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. In Toledo and throughout northwest Ohio, the firm to contact is Mahaffey & Associates, Attorneys & Counselors at Law. We’ve been providing high-quality legal representation and personalized attention to clients for decades. Our attorneys will set to work immediately, helping you understand your rights and legal options.
Assessing The Charges Against You
Internet sex crimes can take place entirely online or can involve in-person contact that was facilitated online. Our attorneys can help you fight or otherwise resolve charges related to:
- Solicitation to engage in sexual activity with a minor (known as importuning)
- Unlawful sexual contact with a minor
- Possessing and/or distributing child pornography (known as pandering obscenity)
- Sending pornography or other harmful materials to a minor
- Solicitation of prostitution through a website or other electronic means
- Sexting-related charges (sometimes involving two teenagers who are both minors)
- Any other charges under the umbrella of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
Many of these offenses are considered felonies, and convictions can result in years-long prison sentences and steep fines. In some cases, you would also be required to register as a sex offender. To give yourself the best chance at building a solid defense strategy, it is critical to contact us at the first sign of trouble.
Defense Options That May Be Available
Each case is unique, and the defense possibilities will depend on the facts and evidence. However, some common defense strategies in internet sex crimes cases include:
Assertions of entrapment: Did an undercover officer lure you into committing a crime that you wouldn’t have committed otherwise? This may be considered entrapment.
Ignorance of the alleged victim’s age: Much communication online is composed of innuendo or fantasy roleplay. People often misrepresent themselves, including their ages. If you had no way to know that you were communicating with a minor, you may be able to claim ignorance that what you were doing was illegal.
Shared access to the internet or computer: Sometimes neighbors obtain access to your home’s wifi network. Sometimes you are using a shared computer. Law enforcement may know that a computer hard drive has illegal content on it or that your unique ISP address accessed illegal content, but that alone doesn’t prove that you were responsible for seeking it out and obtaining it.
Discuss Your Legal Options During A Free Consultation
Mahaffey & Associates has an office in Sylvania, and we serve clients throughout northwest Ohio. To tell us your story and learn about your legal options in a free and confidential consultation, contact us online or call 419-741-0111.