Sexual Exploitation Defense in Pensacola

Focused Defense for Online Solicitation & Exploitation Allegations

Online solicitation allegations require close attention to the conduct charged, the wording of Florida Statute 847.0135, and evidence obtained from communications or electronic devices. Crawford Law represents people facing criminal charges and investigations in Pensacola, providing clear explanations of their legal options at each stage.

We have handled more than 10,000 cases, and Chris Crawford was selected to Rising Stars each year from 2019 through 2022. We prioritize confidentiality, direct communication, and client education so each person can make informed decisions about a sensitive and potentially life-changing case.

Call (850) 220-2098 to discuss the allegations with our criminal defense team.

Florida Computer Solicitation & Exploitation Charges

Sexual exploitation isn’t a single catchall charge under Florida law. The alleged conduct and the particular subsection cited determine the nature and degree of the offense. Florida Statute 847.0135 addresses conduct involving computers, online services, solicitation, and travel connected to alleged unlawful sexual activity with a child.

Solicitation Through a Computer or Online Service
Under Florida Statute 847.0135(3), knowingly using a computer or online service to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child to engage in unlawful sexual conduct is a third-degree felony. The provision also applies when the person contacted is believed to be a child, even if that person is an undercover operative or law enforcement officer.

Travel Following Solicitation
Florida Statute 847.0135(4) addresses traveling within, to, or from Florida, attempting to travel, or causing another person to travel for unlawful sexual conduct with a child. The provision classifies this conduct as a second-degree felony.

The statute substantially limits certain arguments about age and consent. Ignorance of a minor’s age, the age a minor claimed, a bona fide belief about age, and consent may not be raised as defenses to covered solicitation or exploitation offenses. Law enforcement participation in detecting or investigating the alleged offense also isn’t, by itself, a defense to prosecution.

Potential Consequences Under Florida Law

The possible consequences depend on the subsection charged, the evidence, and whether a statutory enhancement applies. Florida Statute 775.0847 can reclassify certain qualifying violations of Florida Statute 847.0135 to the next higher felony degree when its image-count and aggravating criteria are satisfied. Determining whether that reclassification applies requires examining the specific allegations.

Florida’s broader sex crime laws can also require public sex offender registration after a sentence has been completed. Registration isn’t an automatic consequence of every allegation described as sexual exploitation, so the statute charged and the disposition matter.

State & Federal Court Paths in Pensacola

Felony sex crime charges filed by Florida authorities generally proceed in circuit court. In Pensacola, proceedings may be held at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, the primary seat of the local circuit court. Florida courts may also retain jurisdiction over certain conduct outside the state when the case involves a child, guardian, or person believed to be a child or guardian connected to Florida.

Some child exploitation or internet-based allegations may instead lead to federal criminal charges. Those cases can proceed in the federal district serving Pensacola, with proceedings potentially held in the city. The court path depends on the alleged conduct, investigating agencies, available evidence, and charging authority.

What Happens After an Arrest or Charge

A criminal charge is an accusation that begins the formal court process, while a conviction requires a guilty plea or finding of guilt. Charging decisions and later proceedings depend on the allegations, available evidence, and whether prosecutors pursue the case in state or federal court.

People arrested on sex crime charges in the Pensacola area are typically booked into the Escambia County Jail. Arraignment is the first court appearance at which defendants hear the charges and are advised of their rights. Later proceedings can involve bail decisions, pretrial negotiations, evidentiary issues, and preparation for further hearings or trial.

Electronic Evidence

Communications, devices, and online activity may become central evidence when allegations involve a computer or online service. The content, context, participants, and way investigators collected the information can shape the issues in the case. We explain the prosecution’s allegations and the available procedural choices without promising a particular result.

Early Legal Involvement

Early representation can affect decisions involving bail and pretrial negotiations. Depending on the allegations and evidence, it may also affect whether prosecutors consider reductions or dismissals before the case advances. These possibilities are case-specific and aren’t guaranteed.

Arrange a Free, Confidential Case Discussion

We offer a free, confidential consultation for people facing Florida sexual exploitation charges or related investigations in Pensacola. Use our contact form to provide basic information about the allegations and the current status of the case.

After developing an initial understanding of the allegations and likely scope of work, we discuss legal fees in the context of the specific case.

Call (850) 220-2098 to arrange a confidential consultation with Crawford Law and discuss your next steps.