Charged with Child Enticement or Indecent Solicitation in Rhode Island?
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Understanding Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Enticement of a Child Charges
Indecent solicitation of a child is a serious crime in Rhode Island, separate from enticement of a child. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 11-37-8.8, it is illegal for any person to solicit, invite, or persuade a child under the age of 18 to engage in any sexual activity that would constitute a criminal offense. The penalties for this crime can be severe, including imprisonment and significant fines.
Enticement of a child, as defined in Rhode Island General Laws § 11-26-1.5, involves attempting to lure, entice, or persuade a child under the age of 16 to enter a vehicle, dwelling, or other secluded place for the purpose of committing a sexual assault or abduction. While both crimes involve similar actions, the main difference between the two is the specific criminal intent and the age of the child.
Potential Penalties and Consequences for Enticement and Indecent Solicitation of a Child Charges
The penalties for both enticement of a child and indecent solicitation of a child in Rhode Island can be severe. A conviction can lead to imprisonment, fines, and registration as a sex offender, which can have long-lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. The specific penalties for each offense are:
- Enticement of a child (Rhode Island General Laws § 11-26-1.5):
- Imprisonment for up to 5 years
- Fine of up to $5,000
- Indecent solicitation of a child (Rhode Island General Laws § 11-37-8.8):
- Minimum of 5 years in prison
- Fine of up to $5,000
Why Choose Our Child Enticement and Indecent Solicitation Defense Attorneys
The Marin & Murphy Law Firm is committed to offering aggressive and personalized legal representation for individuals facing serious charges like child enticement and indecent solicitation in Rhode Island. We understand that these charges can have a significant impact on your life, and our experienced attorneys will leverage their knowledge and skill to build a strong defense tailored to your case. When you choose us to represent you, you can trust that we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your charges, leaving no stone unturned in discovering favorable evidence.
- Examine the legality of the arrest and the procedures followed by law enforcement, ensuring that your constitutional rights were not violated.
- Challenge the prosecution’s evidence and seek to suppress any improperly obtained or unreliable evidence.
- Craft a strategic defense plan based on the specific facts of your case and explore potential defenses such as mistaken identity, entrapment, or lack of criminal intent.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges where possible, while always preparing to go to trial to protect your rights.
- Provide compassionate and clear communication throughout the process, ensuring you are informed and supported every step of the way.
Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for your case, whether that means reducing charges, securing a dismissal, or achieving an acquittal at trial. We know what’s at stake, and we are ready to fight for you with dedication and expertise.
Relevant Rhode Island Laws
§ 11-26-1.5 Enticement of Children
A person shall be guilty of a felony if they attempt to persuade, or persuade a minor child under the age of sixteen (16) years, whether by words or actions or both, with intent to engage in felonious conduct against that child to either:
- Leave the child’s home or school
- Enter a vehicle or building
- Enter an area, with the intent that the child shall be concealed from public view
Every person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.
§ 11-37-8.8 Indecent Solicitation of a Child
A person is guilty of indecent solicitation of a child if they knowingly solicit a person under eighteen (18) years of age for the purpose of engaging in an act of prostitution or in any act in violation of chapter 9, 34, or 37 of this title.
"Solicitation" means to command, authorize, urge, incite, request, or advise another to perform an act by any means, including in person, over the phone, in writing, by computer, through the Internet, or by advertisement of any kind.
