Entrapment and Solicitation of a Minor
Solicitation of a minor is defined by Minnesota law as “A person 18 years of age or older who solicits a child or someone the person reasonably believes is a child to engage in sexual conduct with intent to engage in sexual conduct.”
Often times individuals charged with this crime were talking online to undercover agents and claim they cannot be charged because the agent was over 18. This is not the case however as the law states that they only need to reasonably believe the person they are talking to is under 18. A defense that can be used is entrapment.
What is Entrapment?
Entrapment occurs when government agents manipulate someone who is otherwise law-abiding to commit criminal acts. It is not valid when the defendant was already going to commit the act and the agent simply provided an opportunity to the defendant.
In the context of solicitation of a minor this could occur when a person ceases contact with an agent once the agent reveals they are underage, yet the agent repeatedly contacts them in order to get them to engage in inappropriate conversation.
Get The Defense You Need
The criminal defense attorneys at Groshek Law PA have extensive experience defending individuals accused of soliciting a minor and are well-versed about when entrapment might be a viable defense strategy. Call 612-426-7047 or send us an email to schedule your confidential consultation today.
