Internet Luring of a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-306, is often called a victimless crime. It is charged in Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Denver County whenever a person communicates with a child they believe to be under 15 years old, and in the course of communication, describe  “explicit sexual conduct.” In order to be convicted, the accused must also make a statement suggesting a meeting with the child. There are a few aspects which must be present in the case: The defendant must be more than 4 years older than the alleged victim, and the meeting can be for any purpose – it doesn't have to be for sexual purposes. It is called a victimless crime, because it is often charged as the result of a police sting. Because the “victim” was really an undercover police officer, there is no actual victim in the case. In reality, we rarely see real children involved. Let's look closer at how police stings work in Internet Luring situations.

Online Police Stings for Internet Luring of a Child

Police officers in Adams, Douglas, and El Paso County have found that police stings are the most effective ways to hunt and charge people with internet sex crimes like Internet Luring of a Child. Their goal is to capture alleged child predators before they harm any children. In reality, they create crimes which would not have occurred without the officer setting it up.

How Police Stings Work

While running sting operations, a police officer will pose as an underage child in adult chat rooms, social media sites, and online classified ads. Once a person responds to them online, they will begin a conversation. During this conversation, officers will try to establish a few key factors:

1. Establish the Age of the Child

The police officer will be sure to mention during the conversation that they are under 15 years old. They will also try to establish that the person they are communicating with is more than four years older than they say the “child” is.

2. Engage in Sexual Conversation

The police officer will then try to encourage conversation which includes “explicit sexual conduct.” The police officer won't directly initiate this discussion, but will try and move it in that direction.

3. Get an Invitation to Meet

The police officer will also try to get the person they are communicating with to issue an invitation to meet. This meeting can be for any purpose – it could be meeting at a library or other public place. Also, the meeting doesn't actually have to occur for a conviction of Internet Luring – the suggestion to meet is all that is required.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”100%”]Internet Luring is often charged after police sting operations.[/pullquote]

Entrapment Defense

If you have been charged with the victimless crime of Internet Luring of a Child, one possible defense we can use in El Paso and Lincoln County is the Entrapment defense. Put simply, if we can prove to the court that you would not have committed the crime without the inducement of law enforcement, your case may be dismissed. Police officers are very aware of the Entrapment defense, however, so they are careful to avoid initiating any of the contact – they only participate. If you believe you were led into committing a crime because of a police sting, give us a call. We will take a look at your case to determine whether or not we can use this defense in your situation.

Victimless Crimes: Work With an Experienced Criminal Lawyer

Here at the O'Malley Law Office, we have a passion for defending people and getting them the help they need to protect their future. We have defended people who have been charged with victimless crimes after a police sting operation. We know the District Attorneys throughout Colorado, and we know what they are looking for in each case. We will use many resources in your case, including expert witnesses like computer forensic examiners. If you are facing sex crime charges, don't stand alone in court. Your future is at stake – work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will be your advocate in court.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with a victimless crime like Internet Luring of a Child, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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