Many people mistakenly believe that using the internet grants them anonymity. However, law enforcement has implemented various strategies to identify computer crimes, including undercover sting operations that can last for months. Federal law enforcement agencies frequently investigate these cases, and federal penalties are generally more severe than those at the state level.
Penalty
Possession of child pornography, which encompasses any image of a minor engaged in sexual activity, is a grave offense in Michigan and under federal law. The consequences for this crime can be as harsh as:
- 20 years in prison.
- $100,000 fine.
Solicitation of a minor occurs when an adult communicates with someone under 18 with the intention of engaging in sexual activity. Both local law enforcement and federal agencies regularly conduct internet sting operations to address this issue. In Michigan, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for solicitation of a minor, and a conviction can occur even if no sexual activity actually took place.
Contact Kirsch Daskas Law Group
! If you or someone you know has been charged with an internet or computer crime, it’s crucial to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. If a misunderstanding, case of mistaken identity, or computer malfunction places a client in the middle of a police Internet sting operation, it could result in charges of criminal sexual conduct or Internet solicitation of a minor. In these cases, it is imperative to hire a law firm that protects your rights. Let us assist you today, call us on 248-792-3060.
