Connecticut Child Enticement Laws

Connecticut child enticement laws are based on using a computer to improperly contact for sexual purposes a minor child or encourage improper sexual conduct in a minor child.  Specifically, it must be shown that an individual has done the following:

• Use a computer or digital service offered by a network (cell, text, instant message, etc)
• To persuade, induce, entice or coerce
• A person under 16
• To engage in prostitution or criminal sexual activity

Penalties for Child Enticement in Connecticut

Criminal penalties that will be assessed upon a conviction of child enticement are as follows:

• First offense a class D felony with a minimum one-year and maximum five-year prison sentence.
• Second offense a class C felony with a minimum one year and maximum ten year prison sentence
• Third and subsequent offenses a class B felony with a minimum of one year and maximum of twenty year prison sentence

If the minor is under 13 years old, then the penalty will be a class B felony, with a minimum of five years that must be served without eligibility for parole.  Anyone convicted of child enticement will be required to register as a sex offender with the state. A defendant will also have to register as a sex offender with the state.

Defense of Child Enticement in Connecticut

There are a number of defenses that may available to individuals facing child enticement charges. They are as follows:

• Involuntary intoxication
• Mental disease or defect
• Duress amounting to the use of force or violence that cannot be resisted.

Attempted Child Enticement in Connecticut

An individual will be found guilty of child enticement if he or she has the intent to commit the crime and engages in conduct that would be child enticement if the victim were actually a minor (usually applicable where a law enforcement officer is posing as a minor) or if he or she takes substantial steps towards committing the crime of child enticement that strongly suggests the mindset to complete the crime. The penalties for attempted child enticement are the same as the ones associated with the committing of the crime.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

Whenever you are charged with any crime you should immediately seek the counsel of a licensed attorney in your state.  Only an attorney can advise you on your rights and defenses and assist you in the criminal law process.