Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Internet Chat Room Attorney
Local, state, and federal investigators are now entering chat rooms and posing as minors in an effort to crack down on child pornography. In most cases, an online conversation begins and eventually turns sexual in nature. Sometimes, images of child pornography are exchanged after one person requests them or indicates an interest in sending them.
In other cases, a conversation leads to an online solicitation for sexual favors with what is believed to be a minor. Investigators then track the ISP address of the chat room participant, obtain his or her home address, and begin an investigation. At the Law Offices of Gary E. Gerson, we represent people indicted or under investigation for chat room luring and the online solicitation of a minor. We intercede immediately for our clients to limit and restrict an investigation and ensure a "rush to judgment" doesn't result in the carte-blanche approval of over-reaching search warrants, property seizures, and intrusive surveillance.
If you're facing charges for the online solicitation of a minor, contact sex crimes criminal defense attorney Gary E. Gerson. We provide free, confidential consultations fully protected by the attorney-client privilege.
Investigation of Internet Chat Room Crimes
In federal investigations involving Internet chat room luring and other Internet sex crimes, the evidence is typically collected over several months. Typically, warrants will be obtained in order to monitor e-mail accounts and the online activity of a suspect. Transcripts of online conversations are archived in order to be used as evidence at trial.
If a suspect attempts to set up a meeting with what he or she believes to be a minor, law enforcement will stake out the agreed-upon meeting place and photographically record the suspect's arrival. Eventually, when investigators believe they have enough evidence, a search warrant is used to seize a suspect's computer hard drive and any other evidence investigators believe are pertinent to their investigation, including cell phones, CD ROMs, and flash drives.
Defending Those Charged With Internet Chat Room Crimes
Since Internet chat room crimes usually involve law enforcement officers pretending to be minors, the issue of entrapment can arise. While the courts have typically upheld the constitutionality of police officers posing as criminals in order to conduct sting operations, investigators often walk a fine line between attracting criminal activity and actually promoting or encouraging it. Additionally, prosecutors must prove intent: Is there enough evidence to prove that a suspect intended to have sex with a minor?
Lastly, people who are victims of sexual abuse themselves may have psychological and medical reasons for their behavior. While this alone may not be enough to have the charges against you dismissed, it may play a role in convincing prosecutors to reduce the charges or sentence against you. As your attorney, Gary E. Gerson consults psychologists and psychiatrists in developing defenses for his clients.
Fighting for the Best Outcome for Our Clients
Internet chat room crimes are considered serious criminal offenses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While it may not be possible to avoid a conviction, reducing the sentence or charges against you is essential. As your attorney, Gary E. Gerson explains the best options available to you in order to fight for the best outcome in your case.
To schedule a confidential, free consultation, contact Internet chat room crimes attorney Gary E. Gerson today.
