The potential penalties for a child enticement sexual contact conviction vary according to state and federal law, as well as the facts of the case. Nonetheless, the penalties for child enticement can be quite severe, and may include periods of probation, counseling, fines, incarceration, and mandatory inclusion on the sex offender registry of the relevant jurisdiction.
Sentencing for Child Enticement
The range of sentencing for child enticement penalties depends primarily on whether the crime, as determined by state or federal law, is classified as a felony or misdemeanor. Child Enticement can come in many forms such as sexual contact child enticement, serving minors alcohol, or other forms of enticement of children into performing illegal activities against their will or understanding of what's right or wrong. Generally, felony convictions will carry much more substantial penalties than misdemeanors, although even misdemeanors may result in jail sentences and sex offender registry requirements. The federal child enticement law establishes the crime as a felony in all circumstances. All state laws, as well, have provisions for the crime of child enticement to be charged as a felony. However, in many states, there are situations that permit the crime to be charged as a misdemeanor.
Jail Sentences for Child Enticement
The length of any jail sentence for a child enticement conviction may vary according to whether the crime is charged as a felony or misdemeanor, as well as the presence of aggravating and/or mitigating circumstances. Plus, the facts surrounding the conviction will directly impact the level of incarceration; obviously, a person who is convicted of child enticement for unsuccessfully attempting to entice a child for sexual activity will tend to receive a more lenient sentence than a person who succeeds in enticing a child.
Fines for Child Enticement
Many state criminal child enticement laws provide for automatic ranges of fines that may be ordered as a result of a conviction. The amount of the fine varies in direct proportion with the level of the crime; thus, a misdemeanor crime would carry a smaller fine that a felony crime.
Other Penalties for Child Enticement
Other penalties for child enticement may differ according to the law of the relevant jurisdiction. Certain perpetrators may be required to attend counseling or other treatment as prescribed by the court or probation department. Additionally, the conviction may result in temporary or permanent designation as a sex offender, which subjects the perpetrator to the state sex offender registry, as well as to any state laws regarding the regulation of sex offenders.
Defense for Child Enticement Charges and Lawyer Help
If you or a loved one is charged with child enticement, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for assistance in defending yourself against these charges. Due to the public attention and advocates that pursue Chidl Enticement cases to maximum sentence, it is imperative you immediately consult with an attorney to build a strong defense case. These cases can be complex and difficult to prove as testimonys from children can be misconstrued and used to benefit the plantiff. As a criminal conviction for child enticement can impact your future and your freedom in significant ways, an attorney can help assess your situation and minimize the potential penalties.
