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Internet Sting Operations, Lewd Acts & Penal Code 288

While surfing an internet chat room, you encounter a user claiming to be a 13-year-old girl looking to meet older men. The person on the other computer is probably a decoy: a police detective seeking to bust people on charges of Penal Code 288: Lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14.

These internet sting operations happen regularly on sites such as myspace.com, AOL and Craigslist. The decoy will generate a discussion that ultimately leads to an arrangement to meet up for sex.

At some point the decoy mentions being age 13. The decoy may even email over what purports to be a photograph of herself (the photograph usually depicts a young lady who looks much older than 13).

The age of "13" is significant. California's "lewd act with a child" law is much stricter when the victim (or intended victim) is under the age of 14. In fact, a lewd act with a minor under 14 carries a penalty of up to 8 years state prison. If the minor is 14 or older, the penalty is up to 3 years state prison.

The decoy and the suspect will agree to meet up at a certain location. When the suspect arrives at the location, he will be greeted by police officers and arrested for attempted lewd behavior with a child.

Advise for the Unwary

Further Internet Resources:

If you are facing lewd act charges in California, contact Criminal Defense Partners to set up a free consultation. One of our experienced lewd act defense attorneys will provide you with outstanding legal advice and information. If our firm takes your case, we will fight aggressively to protect you and your record.