Wyoming Child Enticement Laws

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Wyoming has child enticement laws that address general enticement of children and don’t specify that the enticement must occur in a digital setting.  In order for a person over the age of 18 to be convicted of child enticement it must be shown that:

• He or she solicited, procured or knowingly encouraged a child
• Under the age of 14 or whom he or she believes to be under the age of 14
• To engage in illegal sexual conduct. 

Penalties for Child Enticement Wyoming

An individual convicted of child enticement will be guilty of a felony.  The penalty will be imprisonment for a maximum of five years.  Defendants will also have to register with the state as sex offenders.

Defense of Child Enticement in Wyoming

A defendant that has been charged with soliciting a child by computer 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 Wyoming

A person can be found guilty of attempted child enticement if they take a step to commit the crime with the intent of committing the crime of 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

Seeking the advice of an attorney licensed to practice law in your state is absolutely crucial.  Only an attorney can advise you as to your rights and defenses available at law.  When your freedom is in jeopardy, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer.