What Happens After an Arrest for Traveling To Meet a Minor in Florida?
Getting arrested for “traveling to meet a minor” in Florida can be an overwhelming and life-changing experience. Traveling to meet a minor is a serious crime in Florida that can have long-lasting consequences. When a person is arrested because the police believe they are guilty of travelling to meet a minor, they may feel confused, embarrassed, or scared about what will happen next. Understanding what to expect after an arrest can help you protect your future and make informed decisions.
Below, we walk you through what typically happens after an arrest for traveling to meet a minor.
Booking Process
After law enforcement takes you into custody, you will be transported and booked at a county jail. During the booking process, the police will take your fingerprints, photograph, and collect your personal details. Because traveling to meet a minor is a second-degree felony under Florida Statutes Section 847.0135, an arrest is treated quite seriously.
First Appearance
You will then be brought before a judge for a first appearance, where you will be informed of your charges, your legal rights, and the conditions of your detention. It is also during this first court appearance that a judge will decide whether to grant you bail. Because traveling to meet a minor is a serious sex offense, the judge may set a high bail or even deny it, especially if the prosecution argues you are a risk to public safety or a flight risk.
Pretrial Investigations
After you’ve been arraigned, your criminal defense attorney will begin building your case. Here are the steps involved during this stage:
- Discovery: This entails your attorney requesting all the evidence the state plans to use, including online messages and chat logs, audio or video surveillance, and forensic computer findings.
- Filing motions: Your attorney may file motions, including motions to suppress evidence, for example, if they believe your constitutional rights were violated.
- Negotiating: Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecution. Because being convicted of the offense of traveling to meet a minor in Florida can result in harsh consequences, many cases are resolved through plea agreements.
Trial
If you and your attorney decide to go to trial, the prosecution will be required to prove all elements of the crime “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is the highest standard of proof in the U.S. The prosecution must prove, among other things, that you intended to travel to engage in illegal sexual conduct and that you used an electronic device to entice someone you believed was a minor.
A skilled Florida sex crime lawyer can help you develop a strong defense strategy. Your lawyer may explore several defenses, including:
- Lack of criminal intent
- Entrapment
- Unlawful search or seizure
- Reasonable mistake of age
- Insufficient evidence
Sentencing
If you plead guilty or a jury finds you guilty, a sentencing hearing will be held, at which a judge will determine your sentence. If convicted, your attorney can argue for a lower sentence based on factors such as:
- Whether you accepted responsibility
- Whether there were mitigating factors, such as a mental health issue
If you’re arrested for traveling to meet a minor in Florida, it’s vital that you reach out to an attorney as soon as you can because these cases proceed quickly through the criminal justice system.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been arrested on suspicion of traveling to meet a minor, contact an experienced Orlando sex crime lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, P.A. for help protecting your rights and building a strong defense strategy.
