Enticing a minor is considered a sex crime in the state of Connecticut. This crime is governed by Connecticut General Statute § 53a-90a, and on this page, you can learn more about it. Find out more about the statute, how the crime is defined, penalties for this crime, and how to protect yourself.

What is Enticing a Minor?

The statute defines enticing a minor as a situation where a person uses some sort of computer service to knowingly persuade, entice, or coerce any person under the age of 18 years old to engage in prostitution or another sexual activity that the person knows is a crime.

It is important to note that in order to commit the crime of enticing a minor, a person must know that the other party is under the age of 18, and knowingly coerce them into a sexual act anyway. If, for example, you asked a person over an online chat how old they were, and they told you 21, you could use this as a defense to the crime. You were under the impression that the other party was over the age of 18, and therefore did not knowingly commit this crime.

Penalties of Enticing a Minor

The crime of enticing a minor is considered a Class D felony for the first offense. If a person is convicted of enticing a minor a second time, it is a Class C felony. Finally, if a person is convicted of enticing a minor a third or more times, it is a Class B felony.

A Class D felony carries the penalties of a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000 according to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-35a (2019); Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-41 (2019). A Class C felony carries penalties including a prison term of 1-10 years and fine of up to $10,000. Finally, a Class B felony carries penalties including a prison term of 1-20 years and a fine of up to $15,000.

If a person entices a minor who is under the age of thirteen years old, the crime is a Class B felony. It is punished by a term of imprisonment of which five years cannot be suspended or reduced.

Getting Help

If you have been charged with such a crime or have suspicions that you might be charged with enticing a minor, you should contact an attorney for help. An attorney can answer your questions, guide you through the legal process, and ensure that your rights are protected. We are happy to assist with your sex crime defense. You can contact our office for more information.