Federal child enticement is one of the most aggressively prosecuted sex crimes in the country. If you’ve been accused of using a phone, computer, or messaging app to communicate with a minor—or someone posing as one—you could be facing a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison, even if you never had any physical contact.
That’s because under Federal Law 18 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 2422(b), such conduct is not about whether anything actually happened. It’s about what the government says you intended to do. And if they believe you took any meaningful step toward persuading a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, they can bring serious federal charges.
These are high-stakes cases with long sentences and lifelong consequences. At Mike G Law, we understand how federal child enticement cases work, and we fight hard to protect your rights from day one.
What Federal Child Enticement Law Says
Federal prosecutors rely on 18 U.S.C. § 2422, which criminalizes using any form of interstate communication (like the internet, email, or phone) to entice someone into illegal sexual activity under the jurisdiction of the United States.
There are two key subsections of the Federal Statutes, which may also intersect with various state laws :
- § 2422(a) applies when an adult is encouraged to travel across state or international lines for unlawful sex or prostitution. Even if the act never takes place, the attempt alone can result in up to 20 years in prison.
- § 2422(b) is the primary source of federal child enticement cases. It targets those who attempt to knowingly entice, persuade, induce, or coerce a minor under 18 into criminal, sexually explicit conduct using an electronic communication device. The punishment? A mandatory minimum of 10 years, and up to life imprisonment in federal prison.
The law is written so that even attempts at enticement are enough to be charged with a federal crime. Courts have upheld convictions based solely on online messages—even when the “minor” was an undercover officer.
Intent is everything. The government must prove that you believed you were talking to a minor and took steps to entice them. That could be as simple as scheduling a meeting, sending explicit messages, or asking for photos.
Did You Know You Can Be Charged with a Criminal Offense Without Ever Leaving Your Home?
Federal child enticement doesn’t require travel, physical meetings, or sexual contact. If the coercion and enticement communication crosses state lines—or uses any tool of interstate or foreign commerce, like a website, app, or text message—it becomes a federal matter.
Many clients are shocked to learn they’ve been charged with an alleged crime for messages alone. But under § 2422(b), that’s enough for child enticement charges. Federal agents routinely run sting operations, posing as minors in chat rooms, on dating apps, or through social media. If they believe they’ve caught you taking a “substantial step” toward meeting or exploiting a minor, they’ll build a case.
What the Government Has to Prove Under Federal Statutes
To convict under § 2422(b), the prosecution must prove that you:
- Knowingly used interstate communication (like phone, internet, or text),
- Believed the alleged victim was under 18, and
- Took a substantial step toward enticing or persuading them into illegal sexual activity.
A “substantial step” might be agreeing to meet, continuing the conversation in a sexual direction, or making travel plans. The physical act, or any sexual act, doesn’t have to occur. The mere intention—paired with action—can be enough.
Federal Charges Often Come With Other Sexual Exploitation Charges
In addition to § 2422, prosecutors may stack a broad range of related sexual abuse charges, such as:
- 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a) – Transporting a minor across state lines for illegal sex acts
- 18 U.S.C. § 2425 – Sending obscene material to a minor using interstate communication
- 18 U.S.C. § 2251 & § 2252 – Involving the creation or possession of child pornography
When multiple charges are filed together, the stakes go even higher. Federal sentencing guidelines permit stacked penalties, which can transform a 10-year minimum into decades of incarceration.
Possible Defenses in Child Enticement Cases
Just because you’re charged doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. There are valid defenses that can challenge the government’s case, and with the right legal strategy, some charges may be reduced or even dismissed. This is where an experienced sex crimes defense attorney like Mike G can make all the difference.
Lack of Intent
Intent isn’t always so clear-cut. If the communication was taken out of context or never showed a clear plan or purpose to entice a minor, that undermines the core of the prosecution’s case. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your goal was to initiate illegal sexual contact with someone you believed was underage.
Mistaken Age
In some cases, a person may have genuinely believed they were communicating with an adult. If there’s evidence—like profiles, language used, or what the other party said—that supports your belief, that can be a strong argument against conviction.
Entrapment
If law enforcement crossed the line and pushed you into something you weren’t predisposed to do, that’s entrapment. The defense must show that the idea didn’t originate with you and that you wouldn’t have pursued the conduct without heavy government pressure.
Improper Search or Seizure
If the government violated your Fourth Amendment rights during its investigation—by seizing your devices without a valid warrant, for example—some or all of their evidence may be inadmissible in court.
Why You Need an Aggressive Defense in Child Coercion and Enticement Cases
Federal sex crime charges are among the toughest you can face. These cases, often involving serious criminal sexual activity, are built with teams of agents, digital forensics experts, and aggressive prosecutors. You need someone just as experienced and determined in your corner.
Mike G brings the background and the mindset for this fight. As a former state prosecutor, he knows exactly how these cases are structured—and how to dismantle them. He understands what federal agents look for, how they investigate, and where they make mistakes. Mike G Law is proud to have achieved the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer rating standard. According to Martindale-Hubbell, this rating is given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers.
Mike G fights aggressively to protect your rights from day one, examines every piece of evidence, and prepares for trial from the start—even if he ends up negotiating the best possible plea. He fights to hold the government accountable and keep the burden of proof where it belongs—on them.
If You Face Child Enticement Charges, Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help
Call Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Mike G Law Today
Federal investigators don’t arrest first and investigate later. By the time you hear from them, they may have months of digital records and surveillance. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, you need a defense attorney immediately. Not after charges are filed, not after your first court date. Now.
If you’ve been accused of federal child enticement—or suspect you’re being investigated—don’t wait for the knock on your door. Mike G Law is a respected sex crimes defense attorney who has represented numerous clients across the Tampa Bay area and is ready to step in, assess your case, and start protecting your future. There’s no judgment, only an experienced defense strategy focused on getting you through the storm.
Call Mike G Law for a free consultation now. He’ll review your case to help you get a clear answer and a solid plan for a strong defense.
