South Carolina Child Enticement Laws

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South Carolina child enticement laws will make certain communications with minor children criminal. In order for a person to be able to be convicted of the crime of child enticement , he or she must be over the age of 18 and will have to be found to have committed the following acts:

• Knowingly contacts or communicates with
• A person under the age of 18 or whom he or she reasonably believes to be under the age of 18
• For the purpose or the intent to
• Engage or participate in illegal sexual activity.

Penalties for Child Enticement South Carolina

A defendant that is convicted of child enticement will be guilty of a felony offense.   A felony offense will result in a fine of no more than $5000 or imprisonment within state prison for a maximum sentence of 10 years.  A defendant will also have to register as a sex offender within the state.

Defense of Child Enticement in South Carolina

A defendant that has been charged with enticing a child may 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; or
• Mental disease, defect, or insanity

Attempted Child Enticement in South Carolina

A person is guilty of an attempt to commit a crime if, acting with the kind of intent required to be found guilty of the crime, he or she takes a substantial step to commit the crime.  The step must strongly show that the defendant would have completed the crime of child enticement if they could have.  A person convicted of attempt will face the same penalty as if he or she had completed the crime.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

A person charged with a crime should immediately seek the advice of an attorney.  A criminal defense attorney that is licensed to practice law in your state can provide you with expertise and knowledge needed to be able to properly defend your case.