Penalties and Sentencing for Enticing a Minor by Computer in Connecticut

An allegation that you attempted to arrange or successfully had a sexual encounter with a minor over the internet can lead to different consequences in different situations, depending on whether you have been convicted of the offense one or more times before and on the age of the person you allegedly interacted with. Here is a brief overview of how penalties and sentencing for Enticing a Minor by computer in Connecticut typically work, as well as what an experienced defense attorney from Mark Sherman Law could do to help minimize the sanctions ultimately imposed on you.

Sentencing Ranges for Enticing a Minor Convictions

If you have never been convicted of violating Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-90a before, a first-time conviction for Enticing a Minor as defined by that statute will be categorized as a Class D felony. This means that upon pleading or being found guilty of this offense, you would be subject to a maximum prison term of five years as well as maximum fines of $5,000, plus a period of  probation after being released from incarceration.

If you have been convicted of Enticing a Minor once before, a second offense of the same nature would be considered a Class C felony punishable by between one and ten years of prison time plus a maximum of $10,000 in fines and a longer period of probation. . Third and subsequent convictions under C.G.S. §53a-90a are Class B felonies for which a judge could sentence you to between one and twenty years in prison, a maximum $15,000 in fines, and a term of probation.

Enhanced Penalties for Enticing a Minor Under 13

Notably, if you are convicted of Enticing a Minor by computer in Connecticut and the minor in question was under the age of 13 at the time, you would automatically face penalties commensurate with a Class B felony, regardless of your previous criminal history. Additionally, you would be subject to a mandatory minimum prison term upon conviction, meaning that the court would be required to impose at least that amount of prison time on you with no legal option for suspending or reducing the sentence.

First-time offenders convicted of Enticing a Minor under 13 must serve a mandatory minimum five-year prison term up to a maximum of twenty years, as per subsection (b)(2) of the relevant statute. Second and subsequent convictions for this variant of Enticing a Minor carry mandatory minimum ten-year prison terms up to maximum sentences of 20 years.

Is Sex Offender Registration Required After an Enticing a Minor Conviction?

Enticing a Minor is considered to be a “Crime Against Minors” for the purposes of sex offender registration in Connecticut. Accordingly, if you are convicted of either variant of this offense mentioned above, you would be required as part of your sentencing to register with the state as a sex offender for 10 years after your first conviction, and for life after any subsequent conviction for the same offense or for any other sex crime requiring registration.

Contact a Connecticut Attorney for Further Guidance About Penalties and Sentencing for Enticing a Minor by Computer

It is worth emphasizing that the figures listed above are sentencing ranges and maximums, not—with the exception of mandatory minimums where applicable—guaranteed outcomes from convictions. Criminal judges may use their own discretion to decide what approach they take to penalties and sentencing for Enticing a Minor by computer in Connecticut within the aforementioned guidelines.

With that in mind, a member of our team can help you understand what consequences may be associated with your charge(s) and work proactively to minimize the sanctions you may face in the event of a conviction. Call Mark Sherman Law today to learn more, or see what past clients have said about working with us by visiting our Avvo.com profile.