18 U.S.C. § 2422(b) Online Enticement of a Minor
Orlando Child Pornography Lawyer
Online enticement under 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b) is one of the most aggressively prosecuted federal sex offenses. The statute criminalizes using the internet or any form of interstate communication to persuade, entice, induce, or coerce a minor into engaging in unlawful sexual activity. Federal agencies frequently conduct undercover sting operations, and individuals may face charges even if no actual minor was involved. A conviction under § 2422(b) carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence and life altering consequences. If you are under investigation or have been charged with online enticement, the attorneys at Joshi Law Firm, PA can provide the skilled federal representation you need.
What § 2422(b) criminalizes
Under § 2422(b), it is a federal crime to use the internet, social media, messaging apps, cell phones, or any interstate communication system to:
• Persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity
• Entice or attempt to entice a minor
• Induce or attempt to induce sexual activity
• Coerce or attempt to coerce a minor
Importantly, an actual minor does not need to be involved. The law applies when an individual communicates with someone they believe to be under the age of 18, including undercover federal agents.
How online enticement investigations begin
Most § 2422(b) cases originate from:
• Undercover sting operations
• Social media monitoring
• Reports from technology companies
• Messaging app investigations
• Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces
Law enforcement typically poses as minors or as adults claiming to speak on behalf of minors. Text messages, chats, and emails may be used as evidence even when the defendant never attempted to meet with anyone.
Evidence commonly used in § 2422(b) prosecutions
Federal investigators rely on digital communications to build their cases. Evidence may include:
• Chat logs and text messages
• Emails and screenshots
• Social media messages
• Recorded undercover conversations
• Device extractions from computers and phones
• IP address tracking
Prosecutors may also use statements made during interviews or seized digital media to support their claims.
Attempt charges and sting operations
Attempt is a central component of § 2422(b). A person may be convicted even if:
• No meeting occurred
• No sexual activity took place
• No real minor was involved
• The defendant backed out before taking further action
The government often argues that any communication showing intent is sufficient for conviction. Challenging the interpretation and context of these communications is critical.
Mandatory minimum penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b)
Convictions under § 2422(b) carry severe penalties, including:
• A mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison
• Up to life imprisonment
• Lifetime supervised release
• Heavy fines
• Restrictions on internet use
• Mandatory sex offender registration
Because of the mandatory minimum sentence, early intervention and strategic defense planning are essential.
Defending against § 2422(b) charges
Effective defense strategies may include:
• Challenging whether communications show criminal intent
• Presenting evidence of entrapment
• Demonstrating that the defendant did not believe they were speaking to a minor
• Identifying misleading or incomplete chat logs
• Contesting illegally obtained digital evidence
• Showing that the defendant attempted to disengage from the conversation
• Exposing flaws in forensic analysis
Joshi Law Firm, PA carefully reviews every message, device extraction, and investigative step to uncover weaknesses in the government’s case.
Why § 2422(b) charges require experienced defense
Online enticement cases are complex, highly technical, and aggressively prosecuted. Defending them requires deep understanding of:
• Digital forensics
• Undercover investigation procedures
• Federal sentencing guidelines
• Entrapment defenses
• Interpretation of online communications
The attorneys at Joshi Law Firm, PA have the experience needed to challenge these allegations and protect clients facing mandatory minimum sentences.
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 are facing allegations of online enticement under 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b), you need an experienced federal defense team immediately. The attorneys at Joshi Law Firm, PA will analyze the evidence, challenge improper investigative tactics, and work to protect your rights at every stage of the case. For a confidential consultation, call 407-661-1109 today.
