Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act

847.0135 Computer pornography; prohibited computer usage; traveling to meet minor

Fort Lauderdale Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

 Talking about engaging in sex acts with a children over the internet might seem harmless to some but to law enforcement this an activity that is taken very seriously and may lead to dire consequences to those that are prosecuted for such activity. Using a webcam while committing a sexual performance can also result in serious charges. Law enforcement stings have caught many  people unknowing to what’s going on or even believing that they are engaging with adults while role playing. Traveling to meet a minor in Florida can result in very serious prison time. All activity on the internet that led up to the meeting of the minor may be  individual charges themselves. Once any of these activities  lead to an interaction with law enforcement  you need to get legal representation with lawyers experienced in such matters. The lawyers at Benjamin, Aaronson, Edinger and Patanzo are there to help you deal with this legal predicament.

 Those that can be charged under this statute subsection allegedly performed prohibited acts using a computer.

• A person may not knowingly disseminate, by use of a computer, information that may facilitate sexual conduct of or with any minor, or the visual depiction of such conduct.
• A person may not knowingly use a computer online service or any other device capable of electronic data storage or transmission to engage in or attempt to engage a person to commit against a child
  • SEXUAL BATTERY¹
  • LEWDNESS; INDECENT EXPOSURE¹
  • ABUSE OF CHILDREN¹
  • Any unlawful sexual conduct with a child or with another person believed by the person to be a child

  1 (as defined by Florida Statute)

• A person that  travels any distance either within this state, to this state, or from this state by any means, who attempts to do so, or who causes another to do so or to attempt to do so for the purpose of engaging in
  • SEXUAL BATTERY¹
  • LEWDNESS; INDECENT EXPOSURE¹
  • ABUSE OF CHILDREN¹
  • Any unlawful sexual conduct with a child or with another person believed by the person to be a child

  1 (as defined by Florida Statute)

 after using a  computer online service or any other device capable of electronic data storage or transmission to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice or attempt to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child or get or attempt to get the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child or a person believed to be a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of such child in any act described above.

• A person who:

1. Intentionally masturbates;
2. Intentionally exposes the genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner; or
3. Intentionally commits any other sexual act that does not involve actual physical or sexual contact with the victim, including, but not limited to, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, or the simulation of any act involving sexual activity

live over a computer online service, Internet service, or local bulletin board service and who knows or should know or has reason to believe that the transmission is viewed on a computer or television monitor by a victim who is less than 16 years of age, commits lewd or lascivious exhibition in violation of this statute.

See full statute subsection here

Definitions for this statute

What to do

Sex offenses, especially those involving children, can result in harsh penalties if you are convicted of the crime.  If you or someone you know has or may be charged with a sex crime a qualified sex crimes lawyer should be contacted immediately.  No information should ever be given out to anybody without the presence of a lawyer. Speaking with law enforcement before consulting a lawyer can be a huge mistake even if you think it is the right thing to do.

There are many directions a case can go. To protect your rights and fight in your defense, a sex crimes lawyer is a necessary part of the process to ensure  the best outcome for your future.

Contact our offices for a complimentary consultation. Let us help you through this stressful and life altering event and seek justice on your behalf.