What are common fines for child enticement?

Child enticement refers to the act of improperly contacting a minor child for sexual purposes and enticing or encouraging sexual conduct through the use of computer or Internet. A person facing a child enticement charge may be penalized with payment of hefty fines along with other forms of punishments such as probation, imprisonment, counseling, and sex offender registration. Since the penalties for this crime vary according to the state laws and federal laws and the circumstances of the case, amount of fines also differ. For example, in Texas both second- and third-degree felony would subject the defendant to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

In Kansas, the maximum payment for a level 6 felony is $100,000 while a level 5 felony imposes a maximum fine of $500,000. In Washington, meanwhile, child enticement is a gross misdemeanor, which subjects the defendant to a fine not exceeding $5,000. But if the defendant has had a previous similar case, the charge is raised to Class C felony with a maximum fine payment of $10,000. The gravity of sentencing lies on whether the offense is classified as a felony or misdemeanor. Felony convictions mean heavier penalties than misdemeanors but the latter can also land the defendant in jail and sex offender registry. Another factor that can affect the level of punishment is the result of the enticement. If a person convicted of this crime has successfully lured a child to perform sexual activities, the punishment will be more severe than for one who was unsuccessful.