Solicitation to Meet Child

Tougher Enforcement Under the New Cook County State’s Attorney

Cook County’s newly elected State’s Attorney has made clear that solicitation-related offenses—especially those involving minors—will be prosecuted aggressively. What used to be a more predictable landscape of plea negotiations has now shifted toward:

• tougher charging decisions
• more detention requests
• increased focus on digital-communication cases
• stricter expectations on judicial outcomes

In other words, solicitation to meet a child cases are receiving more scrutiny than ever, and prosecutors are pushing hard from the start. Having an experienced Chicago defense lawyer is no longer just helpful—it’s essential.

Understanding Solicitation to Meet a Child in Illinois

Under 720 ILCS 5/11-6.6, solicitation to meet a child occurs when an adult uses any form of communication—texting, social media, messaging apps, email, or online platforms—to arrange a meeting with someone who is under 17, or who the person believes is under 17, for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct or any related criminal act.

Illinois takes these cases extremely seriously, and law enforcement frequently conducts undercover operations specifically designed to detect and arrest those believed to be targeting minors.

Key elements include:

• Communication With a Minor or Believed Minor – The offense applies even when the “minor” is actually an undercover officer.
• Intent to Engage in Sexual Conduct – Prosecutors must show that the purpose of the communication was sexual in nature.
• Actual Meeting Not Required – The crime is complete the moment the solicitation and intent are established.

Because these cases rely so heavily on digital evidence, intent, and law-enforcement conduct, they are often far more complicated than they appear.

Penalties for Solicitation to Meet a Child in Chicago

A conviction carries severe and life-altering consequences:

• Class 4 Felony – Typically punishable by 1–3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
• Class 3 Felony – Charged when intent to engage in a sexual act is alleged, or when the accused has prior sex-related convictions. Punishable by 2–5 years in prison.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration – Perhaps the most devastating consequence, affecting employment, housing, travel, and personal relationships.
• Restitution Orders – Courts may impose substantial financial obligations.
• Permanent Criminal Record – Even one conviction can permanently restrict opportunities throughout life.

Because the penalties are so severe—and because prosecutors, judges, and detectives devote special attention to these cases—you need a defense lawyer who understands every angle of these complex prosecutions.

Defending Against Solicitation to Meet a Child Charges in Chicago

A strong defense requires a meticulous investigation and an experienced attorney who can dissect digital communications, law-enforcement tactics, and the evidence gathered during undercover operations.

Potential defenses include:

• Lack of Intent – Misinterpreted messages, sarcasm, unclear language, or conversations taken out of context may undermine the prosecution’s claim of sexual intent.
• Entrapment – A major issue in these cases. If law enforcement initiated or pressured the conduct, entrapment may apply.
• Mistaken Identity – Online accounts can be hacked, borrowed, or spoofed; digital identity errors are more common than people realize.
• Constitutional Violations – Illegal searches, seizures, or interrogation practices may result in suppression of critical evidence.
• Insufficient Evidence – The State must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt; weak or ambiguous digital messages may not meet that burden.

Every case is different, and a tailored defense strategy is essential.

The Importance of Early Legal Intervention

These cases move quickly. Detectives, forensic analysts, and prosecutors often begin building their case long before an arrest occurs, meaning you may already be behind if you wait to hire a lawyer.

Immediate action can:

• prevent damaging statements
• protect digital evidence
• shape early negotiations
• reduce exposure to harsher outcomes
• design a proactive defense before charges progress

If you have been contacted by law enforcement—or even suspect you are under investigation—contacting Andrew M. Weisberg immediately is the smartest decision you can make.

Andrew M. Weisberg: A Trusted Chicago Defense Attorney

In solicitation to meet a child cases, experience matters more than almost anything else. Andrew M. Weisberg has spent his career handling serious felony matters, including digital-communication sex offenses, undercover sting cases, and complex internet-based prosecutions. His background as a former Cook County prosecutor allows him to anticipate how these cases are built from the inside out.

What sets Andrew apart:

• Years of courtroom and trial experience in Chicago and Cook County
• Insider understanding of how these cases are charged, negotiated, and tried
• Strategic, aggressive defense methods tailored to the unique facts of each case
• Clear communication, direct access, and personal attention from start to finish

Andrew approaches every solicitation-related case with urgency, precision, and an unwavering commitment to his clients’ rights and future.

Contact the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with solicitation to meet a child in Chicago—or if you believe you may be under investigation—do not wait. Early intervention can make the difference between a conviction and a much more favorable outcome.

Andrew M. Weisberg is available 24/7 to help.

Phone: Call (773) 908-9811 anytime.
Online: Submit the Case Review form on our website for a prompt response.

The sooner you have experienced legal protection, the stronger your defense will be. Contact Andrew M. Weisberg today for a free consultation.