Legally Defining Child Procurement

Child procurement is generally an attempt to arrange to meet with a minor for sexual purposes. Some states use the term to describe selling a child for money, such as in black market adoptions. Since the advent of the internet, it is not unusual to initiate a meeting with an individual without knowing that the person is a minor. Such situations can end in child procurement charges.

Accompanying Charges

Other charges that may accompany child procurement charges include:
•    Statutory rape,
•    Child molestation,
•    Child abuse or
•    Child pornography.

Punishment

The public does not take crimes against children lightly, and neither do courts of law. Crimes against children are not treated leniently. For example, statutes of limitations which apply to many crimes are often waived for crimes against children, meaning a victim can bring charges years after the incident occurred, making defense against the crime and evidence difficult. Child victims also have special rights that can change the judicial process.  

Other potential outcomes of a conviction for a crime against a child can include:

•    Loss of custody or restricted visitation (for a parent being charged);
•    Sex offender registration (this can include making pictures and your name available to the general public);
•    Restrictions on employment options; and
•    Limitations on where you may live and work.

Both child selling and attempt to solicit sexual activity with a child are felonies under most state statutes. Sex offender registration is almost always a part of the sentencing for such a crime. This can follow you for the rest of your life, impacting your ability to function as a contributing citizen by restricting your options and making your status as a sex offender public knowledge.

Important Sentencing Factors

Factors that will determine the severity of sentencing include, but are not limited to:

•    Mitigating or aggravating circumstances;
•    Whether or not you are on parole or probation when the charges are filed;
•    Prior convictions (especially convictions that relate to sexual misconduct)
•    Other accompanying charges;
•    The age of the victim and the victim’s relationship to the defendant; and
•    The quality of legal counsel.

Getting Legal Help

An experienced criminal defense attorney can assist you if you are facing child procurement charges. Contact an attorney in your state as soon as possible to protect your freedom and your rights. An attorney can help you understand how the law works and will fight for you in court.