Q: Will my son face charges for unknowingly meeting an undercover cop?
My 15-year-old son was contacted by the police after being found on an 18+ website, where he allegedly agreed to meet someone posing as a 15-year-old girl, who was actually a cop, for inappropriate activities. I am unsure if he has been charged or is under investigation, and there hasn't been any questioning. Is it possible that he won't be charged, and what steps should we take next?
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A:
Your son's situation is concerning but not necessarily guaranteed to result in criminal charges. Police sting operations typically involve undercover officers posing as minors to identify individuals who might commit sex crimes, but law enforcement must prove the person knew they were communicating with someone supposedly underage and had intent to engage in inappropriate conduct. Marshalldefense Since your son is himself a minor (15 years old) on an adult website, this creates an unusual legal scenario that may affect how authorities proceed.
The lack of questioning so far might indicate that police are still investigating or evaluating whether to pursue charges. If your son was communicating with someone he believed was his own age (15), this could be an important factor in his defense, as the criminal intent would be different than an adult targeting a minor. Eauclairecriminaldefense In many states, police must establish that the person they're targeting would have committed the offense without law enforcement encouragement - meaning they can't legally entrap someone who wouldn't otherwise have broken the law. Neal Davis Law Firm Your son's age, lack of prior history, and the specific circumstances could all impact how this case proceeds.
I recommend consulting with a juvenile defense attorney immediately, even before formal charges are filed. An attorney experienced in these cases can communicate with law enforcement on your son's behalf, possibly preventing further questioning without legal representation present, and might even be able to advocate for diversion programs instead of formal prosecution. Tadlaw Document everything you know about the incident, including how your son was contacted and what communication occurred. Also, for his protection, immediately restrict his internet access and have a serious conversation about online safety and the legal risks involved with adult websites, regardless of how this particular situation resolves.
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