Arkansas Child Enticement Laws

Arkansas child enticement laws focus on illegal use digital technology in regards to a minor child.  A person will be found guilty of child enticement or computer child pornography if they with knowledge of the age of the child or a reason to have knowledge of the age of a child does the following:

• Utilizes a computer online service, internet service, or local bulletin board service
• To seduce, solicit, lure, or entice
• A child or another individual believed by the person to be a child
• To engage in sexually explicit conduct.

Penalties for Child Enticement in Arkansas

Arkansas criminal penalty for the crime of child enticement or computer child pornography is that of a Class B felony which carries a fine of up to $15,000 and a prison term of a minimum of five years and a maximum of twenty.  If the defendant gained any monetary benefit restitution consisting of twice the benefit will be assessed.   Also, Defendants will have to register as sex offenders. 

Defense of Child Enticement in Arkansas

Defenses that are available to an individual charged with child enticement will include the following: 

• Intoxication that is not self induced if the intoxication leads to the incapacity to abide by the law or to understand that the conduct complained of is illegal or
• Duress or being compelled to engage in the illegal conduct because of threat or use of unlawful force that can’t be resisted
• Mental disease or defect that rises to the level of insanity

Attempted Child Enticement in Arkansas

The criminal penalty for attempted child enticement is the same as the penalty for actual child enticement.  A person can be convicted for attempted child enticement if:

• A person intentionally seduces, solicits, lures, or entices someone he or she believes to be a minor even if they are not; or
• A person actually takes any action towards their planned enticement of a minor that can be viewed as trying to fulfill a criminal purpose.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

Having an attorney with criminal law experience that is licensed to practice law in your state is a must.  Felony cases are serious and require the expertise knowledge of an attorney.  Only an attorney can adequately advise you on your rights and defenses.