18 U.S.C. § 2423 Transportation of Minors for Illegal Sexual Activity
Orlando Child Pornography Lawyer
Under 18 U.S.C. § 2423, it is a federal crime to transport, attempt to transport, or cause the transportation of a minor across state or international borders for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity. These are among the most serious charges in federal court, carrying mandatory minimum sentences and requiring aggressive defense representation. Federal authorities often combine § 2423 with other charges such as enticement, exploitation, or child pornography offenses. If you are under investigation or have been charged under § 2423, the attorneys at Joshi Law Firm, PA can provide the experienced and strategic federal defense you need.
What § 2423 criminalizes
Section 2423 contains several subsections, each addressing different conduct involving minors:
• Transporting a minor across state or national borders for illegal sexual activity
• Attempting to transport a minor for unlawful sexual purposes
• Traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in illicit conduct
• Facilitating or aiding the travel of a minor to engage in sexual activity
• Engaging in commercial sex acts with minors through interstate or foreign travel
The statute applies whether the minor is transported physically by the defendant or by another person acting at the defendant’s direction.
When § 2423 is charged
Federal prosecutors use § 2423 in a range of situations, including:
• Arranging travel for a minor for sexual purposes
• Crossing state lines to meet a minor after online communication
• International travel involving minors
• Sting operations involving law enforcement posing as minors or guardians
• Travel arrangements made through messaging apps, websites, or social media
• Situations involving alleged trafficking or exploitation networks
Even if no sexual activity occurred, intent shown through communications or travel preparations may lead to prosecution.
Evidence used in § 2423 prosecutions
Because these cases often involve digital communication and travel data, investigators rely on:
• Airline, bus, or hotel reservations
• GPS and cell phone location records
• Online chats, texts, emails, and social media messages
• Device extractions from phones and computers
• Financial records showing purchase of tickets
• Undercover recordings or sting operations
Prosecutors may attempt to use the defendant’s words or actions to establish intent.
Penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 2423
Penalties for violating § 2423 depend on the subsection but are among the harshest in federal law. Sentences may include:
• Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for transportation of a minor
• Up to life imprisonment for aggravated cases
• Mandatory sex offender registration
• Lifetime supervised release
• Significant fines
• Restrictions on travel, employment, and internet use
If the case involves commercial sex acts or allegations of trafficking, sentencing exposure increases significantly.
Attempt charges under § 2423
As with other federal sex offenses, a defendant may be convicted of attempt even if:
• No travel occurred
• No minor was actually transported
• The minor was an undercover agent
• The defendant abandoned the plan
The government often argues that communications, ticket purchases, or travel arrangements constitute substantial steps toward committing the offense.
Defending against § 2423 allegations
Defending these cases requires careful analysis of the alleged intent, the communications involved, and the government’s investigative techniques. Effective defenses may include:
• Challenging the government’s interpretation of messages or travel plans
• Demonstrating lack of intent to engage in illegal conduct
• Entrapment by undercover officers
• Inaccurate or incomplete digital evidence
• Illegal searches or seizures of devices
• Mistaken identity or unauthorized use of accounts
• Evidence that the defendant withdrew from or rejected the alleged plan
Joshi Law Firm, PA conducts a detailed review of all evidence to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Why § 2423 charges require experienced defense counsel
These cases are high stakes, emotionally charged, and aggressively prosecuted. Defending them demands:
• Deep knowledge of federal sexual offense statutes
• Skill in analyzing digital evidence and communications
• Experience challenging undercover operations
• Strong understanding of federal sentencing guidelines
• Strategic representation during negotiations and trial
The attorneys at Joshi Law Firm, PA are equipped to address the complex legal and factual issues that arise in § 2423 cases.
Serving Orlando, Orlando neighborhoods and surrounding areas:
• Lake Nona
• College Park
• Thornton Park
• Conway
• Belle Isle
• Baldwin Park
• Dr. Phillips
• Winter Park
• Milk District
• SoDo
• Audubon Park
• Rosemont
• Pine Hills
• Mills 50
• Lake Eola Heights
The Orlando Child Pornography lawyers at Joshi Law Firm, PA can assist you
If you have been charged with transporting a minor under 18 U.S.C. § 2423 or believe you are under federal investigation, immediate legal action is critical. The attorneys at Joshi Law Firm, PA will examine the allegations, challenge the government’s evidence, and build a strong defense tailored to your circumstances. For a confidential consultation, call 407-661-1109 today.
