YOUR FUTURE IS ALL THAT MATTERS
Sex Crime Defense Attorney for Traveling to Meet a Minor Charges in Orlando, FL
Traveling to Meet a Minor
Orlando Traveling to Meet a Minor Defense Lawyer
Being accused of traveling to meet a minor is a serious and frightening experience. These cases often arise from online communications and undercover sting operations, and the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering. In Florida, traveling—or attempting to travel—to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a minor is a second-degree felony, punishable by lengthy prison sentences and lifelong consequences.
At Hanlon Law, Orlando criminal defense attorney Will Hanlon has decades of experience defending individuals accused of serious sex crimes. If you are facing allegations of traveling to meet a minor, or believe you are under investigation, it is critical to speak with an experienced defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and begin building a defense.
Understanding Traveling to Meet a Minor Charges in Florida
Under
Florida Statute § 847.0135(4), it is illegal to travel within Florida, travel into Florida, or travel out of Florida for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with a child. The law also criminalizes:
- Attempting to travel to meet a minor
- Causing or encouraging another person to travel to meet a minor
- Using electronic communications, such as text messages, social media, or online chats, in furtherance of the alleged travel
Importantly, the statute does not require that the person being communicated with is actually a minor. A defendant may still be charged if they believed they were communicating with a child based on information obtained online or through electronic messaging—even if the other party was an undercover law enforcement officer.
Common Scenarios Leading to Arrest in Orlando
Many traveling to meet a minor cases result from law enforcement sting operations designed to identify individuals seeking to engage in illegal conduct with minors. These investigations often involve undercover officers posing as minors in chat rooms, dating apps, or social media platforms.
While these operations are legal, they sometimes result in overreach, misinterpretation of intent, or aggressive tactics that raise serious legal concerns. Not every online conversation or travel plan amounts to a crime, and the State must still prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defenses to Traveling to Meet a Minor Allegations in Florida
A charge is not the same as a conviction. Depending on the facts, several defenses may be available, including:
- Lack of intent, where the evidence does not support that the defendant intended to engage in unlawful conduct
- Entrapment, if law enforcement induced conduct that the defendant was not otherwise predisposed to commit
- Insufficient evidence, including ambiguous communications or incomplete proof of travel
- Constitutional violations, such as unlawful searches, improper interrogation, or failure to advise of Miranda rights
- Credibility challenges, including inconsistencies in digital evidence or investigative procedures
Entrapment defenses may be either subjective or objective, depending on whether law enforcement conduct was improper or egregious. These defenses require a careful and strategic presentation of evidence, making early involvement of experienced counsel essential.
Penalties and Long-Term Consequences in Florida
Traveling to meet a minor is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in Florida state prison and fines of up to $10,000. Beyond incarceration, a conviction may require sex offender registration, which can severely restrict where you live, work, and travel.
Even individuals who never met a minor—or where no minor actually existed—may still face these penalties. The stigma and collateral consequences associated with a sex crime conviction can follow a person for the rest of their life.
Speak with an Experienced Orlando Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested, contacted by law enforcement, or believe you are under investigation for traveling to meet a minor, do not speak with police without legal counsel. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and resolved.
Will Hanlon, founder of Hanlon Law, has represented clients in complex and high-stakes criminal cases throughout Orlando and Central Florida for more than 30 years. He is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of the accused and aggressively challenging the State’s evidence.
To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Orlando sex crimes lawyer, contact Hanlon Law today by
phone or fill out our
online contact form. At Hanlon Law, we work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights, freedom, and reputation.
