Cleveland Solicitation of a Minor Defense Lawyer

What Prosecutors Must Prove

The state must prove each element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. While the exact elements depend on the charge, prosecutors often must prove:

• The accused knowingly engaged in the communication or conduct
• The communication involved sexual activity or unlawful sexual intent
• The alleged victim was underage, or the accused believed they were underage
• In attempt cases, the accused took a substantial step toward committing the offense
• The evidence presented is authentic, complete, and tied to the accused

A key point in many cases is proof of identity and intent. A username, phone number, or device does not automatically prove who was communicating or what their intent was.

Related Charges We Frequently Defend

Solicitation of a minor allegations often overlap with other Ohio sex crime charges, including:

• Importuning
• Sexual imposition
• Gross sexual imposition
• Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (statutory rape)
• Disseminating harmful materials to a minor
• Pandering obscenity involving a minor
• Illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material
• Online sex crimes and internet-based investigations
• Failure to register as a sex offender

These cases also frequently involve related non-sex offenses such as obstruction allegations, probation violations, or bond violations.

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