Internet Sex Crimes: Chatrooms, Social Media and Criminal Consequences

Internet sex crimes have recently become more of an issue due to widespread availability of internet access to children and adults. Soliciting children, if you are adult, no matter the forum, is a crime and you can face jail terms, probation, fines and special penalties specific to sex crimes if your behavior is discovered by the authorities.

Internet Sex Crimes: Chatrooms

Chat rooms online have become a forum for lots of different kinds of activities, including sexual misconduct. If you solicit illegal sex online either with a minor or adult, there can be criminal consequences. In states where prostitution is illegal, offering or accepting payment for sexual acts is a crime. Soliciting children in chat rooms or preying on children by posing as a child on an on-line site can also result in criminal charges.

Because individuals are usually in the privacy of their own home when they are in a chat room, there is a false sense of security. You can perpetrate a sex crime in a chat room and you can face criminal charges if you do so. The evidence will often be recorded in your computer whether or not you have tried to erase it. The authorities have professionals who can find hidden information on electronic files.

Internet Sex Crimes: Social Media

Some states have laws now which prevent registered sex offenders from using social media. There is some question as to whether this is in violation of free speech rights, but the reality is the freedoms of a convicted offender have been restricted in other ways too. Social media sites like Facebook and MySpace have become increasingly popular over the past decade. As a result, so has the use of such sites for sexual misconduct, including but not limited to child solicitation.

Internet Sex Crimes: Criminal Consequences

Criminal consequences of being convicted of Internet sex crimes can include imprisonment, fines and probation. One of the most horrible penalties though is the requirement that sex offenders register with a state database which allows the general public to see where you live, who you are and in some cases see photos of you.

Getting Legal Help

If you are facing sex crime charges, hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who has a good trial record to help you fight your case. You will need a savvy negotiator to either reduce your charges or win your case if possible. An attorney will fight for your rights zealously no matter what the charges, the law guarantees this.