Florida law takes accusations of traveling to meet a minor for unlawful purposes extremely seriously. These cases often stem from highly orchestrated police sting operations where law enforcement officers pose as minors or as adults arranging meetings on behalf of minors. If you are accused of this type of offense, you may suddenly find yourself facing life-altering felony charges, public humiliation, and the threat of mandatory sex offender registration.
At the Law Offices of Anthony G. Ryan, we understand the unique challenges of defending these cases. Attorney Anthony G. Ryan is a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer who has successfully defended individuals accused in “traveling to meet a minor” prosecutions in Sarasota, Bradenton, and throughout the state. His decades of courtroom experience give clients a strong advocate against one of the most aggressive areas of Florida criminal law.
Florida’s Traveling to Meet a Minor Law
Under Florida Statute § 847.0135(4), it is a second-degree felony to use a computer, phone, or electronic device to:
- Solicit, lure, or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, or
- Travel to meet a minor (or a person believed to be a minor) for such purposes.
Convictions can carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison, significant fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Even without a conviction, being accused of attempting to meet a minor can cause irreparable harm to your reputation, career, and family life.
How Sting Operations Work
Most traveling-to-meet-a-minor cases in Sarasota and surrounding areas arise from online sting operations. Law enforcement agencies often use tactics such as:
- Creating fake online profiles on dating apps, chat rooms, or social media platforms.
- Beginning conversations as adults, only later claiming to be underage.
- Steering conversations toward sexual topics to establish alleged intent.
- Arranging meetings in public places where law enforcement can make immediate arrests.
These operations can be controversial. Officers may blur the line between legitimate law enforcement and entrapment, raising significant legal issues. Many people caught in these stings never intended to meet a minor but were pushed or manipulated into conversations by undercover officers.
Common Defenses in Traveling to Meet a Minor Cases
Because these cases rely heavily on digital communications and undercover operations, there are multiple avenues of defense an experienced attorney can pursue. Some of the most effective include:
- Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit an act you would not have otherwise committed, entrapment may apply. Courts scrutinize whether police tactics crossed the line into coercion or manipulation.
- Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove you had the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity. Casual conversation, role-playing, or misunderstandings may not meet this burden.
- No Actual Minor Involved: Many sting cases do not involve real minors. This fact can be used to challenge the state’s evidence and weaken its case.
- Illegal Search or Seizure: Evidence obtained without proper warrants or in violation of your rights may be suppressed.
- Questionable Evidence: Digital evidence, such as chat logs, can be incomplete, altered, or taken out of context. A strong defense often involves challenging the authenticity of these records.
Attorney Anthony G. Ryan carefully examines the state’s evidence, cross-references communication logs, and collaborates with investigators and digital experts as needed to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
The earlier you involve an attorney in your defense, the more opportunities there are to protect your rights. In some cases, Mr. Ryan can intervene before charges are formally filed, presenting evidence or arguments to the State Attorney’s Office to prevent prosecution altogether.
If charges have already been filed, an early defense allows time to preserve critical digital evidence, identify potential entrapment issues, and prepare a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
Board Certification and Proven Trial Experience
Not all criminal defense attorneys are the same. Anthony G. Ryan is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction held by only a small percentage of attorneys statewide. This certification recognizes extensive trial experience, tested legal knowledge, and peer-reviewed professional standing. For clients facing allegations as serious as traveling to meet a minor, this level of training and courtroom skill provides reassurance that your case is being handled with precision and dedication.
Protect Your Future Today
A charge of traveling to meet a minor is one of the most serious allegations you can face in Florida. The consequences extend beyond prison and fines—these cases can follow you for life. If you or someone you love has been contacted by law enforcement or arrested in connection with an online sting, do not wait to seek legal help.
Contact the Law Offices of Anthony G. Ryan today for a confidential consultation. Attorney Ryan will review your case, explain your options, and begin building the strongest defense possible.
Anthony G. Ryan, P.A., serves clients throughout Sarasota, Sarasota County, and Manatee County.