Pennsylvania Child Enticement Laws

In order to be convicted of the crime of child enticement an individual over the age of 18 must be shown beyond a reasonable doubt to have committed the following acts:

• Intentionally has contact with a minor child under the age of 16
• Or a law enforcement officer posing as a minor under the age of 16;
• For the purpose of engaging in lewdness, rape, prostitution, sexual abuse or to view obscene materials, or sexual exploitation
• With said minor child.

Penalties for Child Enticement Pennsylvania

If a defendant is convicted of child enticement he or she will be guilty of a felony.  The prison term for the conviction has a maximum term of no more than 40 years.  Also, defendant must register as a sex offender with the state

Defense of Child Enticement in Pennsylvania

A defendant that has been charged with enticing a child will have available a number of defenses.  These defenses if asserted correctly could absolve the defendant of any criminal liability:

• Duress or compulsion where a person engages in criminal conduct due to threat of imminent death, or seriously bodily injury, or force.
• Ignorance to or mistake as a mater of fact that negates the element of intent to commit the crime
• Involuntary intoxication that results in lack of capacity to appreciate right from wrong
• Mental disease, defect, or insanity

Attempted Child Enticement in Pennsylvania

A person can be found guilty of attempted online child enticement if they take a step to commit the crime with the intent of committing the crime of online child enticement.  The step must strongly show that the defendant would have completed the crime of child enticement if they could have.  This most often will occur in the situation where a defendant acts with intent to entice a minor that actually is a law enforcement officer.  If a defendant actually voluntary abandons his or her intent and action to commit a crime, then he will not be convicted of attempt. 

When to Talk to a Lawyer

An attorney should be contacted as soon as you find out that you’ve been charged with a crime.  Only a licensed attorney in your state can advise you as to your rights and defenses in regard to the charges you are facing.