Hawaii Child Enticement Laws

In the state of Hawaii child enticement laws will center on illegal contact with minors via electronic means.  To uphold a conviction of child enticement in the second degree a person must be found to have committed the following acts:

• Using a computer or any other electronic device
• to knowingly or intentionally communicate
• with a minor child that is under the age of eighteen, and
• agrees to meet with said minor child with the intent or for the purpose of committing a felony, and
• actually shows up at the meeting place

To uphold a conviction of child enticement in the first degree a person must be found to have committed the following acts:

• Using a computer or any other electronic device
• to knowingly or intentionally communicate
• with a minor child that is under the age of eighteen, and
• agrees to meet with said minor child with the intent or for the purpose of committing a felony of murder, rape, sexual abuse or any other serious felony, and
• actually shows up at the meeting place

Penalties for Child Enticement in Hawaii

Child enticement in the second degree is a class C felony and will be sentenced to maximum of five years in prison.  Child enticement in the first degree is a class B felony that carries a maximum sentence of ten years. The defendant will also have to register as a sex offender. 

Defense of Child Enticement in Hawaii

There are a number of defenses that may be asserted by the defendant that is being charged with online child enticement:

• Involuntary intoxication
• Mental disease or defect that has the effect of rendering the person unable to exercise sound judgment
• Duress due to the threat of or use of unlawful force.

Attempted Child Enticement in Hawaii

Individuals that intentionally engage in conduct that would consist of online child enticement, but with an individual that is not actually a minor (more than often an undercover law enforcement officer) will be convicted of attempted child enticement.  Also an individual that engages in conduct that strongly suggests a major step towards completion of the crime of online enticement will be guilty of attempted child enticement. Punishment of attempt is on the same level as punishment for the actual crime.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

When you are charged with the crime of child enticement you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.  Only a licensed attorney can provide you with the advice, expertise and knowledge required to guide you through the criminal law process.