Charged with Traveling to Meet a Minor in Chicago? Andrew M. Weisberg Can Defend Your Future

In Cook County, prosecutors have made crimes involving alleged contact with minors one of their top priorities. Traveling to meet a minor is among the most aggressively prosecuted charges in Illinois—and recent policies make these cases harder than ever to resolve through plea deals or reduced sentences.

A conviction carries devastating consequences: years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal record that can destroy your reputation, career, and future opportunities.

You need an attorney who knows how to fight these cases effectively. Andrew M. Weisberg, a former Cook County prosecutor, understands exactly how the State builds these charges—and how to dismantle them. He uses his inside knowledge and years of trial experience to protect your rights, your record, and your freedom.

Cook County’s Crackdown on “Traveling to Meet a Minor” Cases

In today’s prosecution climate, cases involving alleged contact with minors are treated with zero tolerance. Even first-time offenders face the same aggressive tactics once reserved for repeat offenders or violent crimes.

Under new Cook County policies:

• Prosecutors rarely offer plea deals, instead pushing for maximum penalties.

• Judges impose longer sentences, with fewer probation options.

• Bond conditions are stricter, often including high bail and electronic monitoring.

• Undercover “sting” operations are more frequent, increasing the risk of entrapment and wrongful arrests.

In this environment, your best defense is an experienced attorney who knows how to challenge the State’s evidence and expose investigative flaws.

What Illinois Law Says About Traveling to Meet a Minor

Under 720 ILCS 5/11-6.6, traveling to meet a minor occurs when an adult uses electronic communication to contact someone under 17 and then travels to meet that person for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity or any other illegal act.

The law does not require that sexual contact actually occur—the offense is considered complete as soon as the adult travels with the intent to meet.

Most cases arise from law enforcement sting operations, in which undercover officers pose as minors online. This means that many people are arrested after communicating with someone who was never a real minor at all.

Key elements the prosecution must prove:

• Use of electronic communication (e.g., social media, texting, or chat apps)

• Intent to engage in illegal or sexual activity upon meeting

• Actual travel or substantial steps taken to meet the alleged minor

Because these elements often rely on text messages or online chats, the context—and the conduct of the officers involved—can make all the difference.

Penalties for Traveling to Meet a Minor in Chicago

This offense is always treated as a felony in Illinois, and recent trends in Cook County show increasingly harsh outcomes.

• Class 3 Felony: Typically charged as a Class 3 felony, carrying 2 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

• Class 2 Felony: If the State proves intent to engage in sexual activity, the charge escalates to a Class 2 felony, punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison.

• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction requires lifetime registration, severely limiting where you can live, work, and travel.

• Restitution and Fees: Defendants may face restitution, court costs, and electronic monitoring expenses.

• Permanent Record: A felony sex conviction remains on your record forever, often destroying career and housing prospects.

How Andrew M. Weisberg Defends These Cases

With prosecutors taking a harder stance than ever, these cases demand a smart, strategic defense. As a former prosecutor, Andrew M. Weisberg knows where these cases are vulnerable—and he uses that insight to build strong, effective defenses.

He will:

• Challenge Intent – The prosecution must prove that you intended to commit an illegal act. If your communications were misunderstood or lacked criminal intent, that’s a powerful defense.

• Expose Entrapment – Many defendants are arrested in police sting operations. If officers induced or pressured you into conduct you wouldn’t have otherwise engaged in, entrapment may apply.

• Examine the Evidence – Text messages, chats, and emails are often taken out of context. Andrew scrutinizes every detail to uncover inconsistencies and errors.

• Fight Unlawful Police Tactics – If your rights were violated through an illegal search, seizure, or interrogation, the evidence can be suppressed—and your case dismissed.

• Pursue Reduced Charges or Diversion – When dismissal isn’t possible, Andrew negotiates for reduced charges or alternatives to prison that protect your future.

Andrew M. Weisberg has successfully defended numerous clients facing online sting and solicitation-related charges, often securing dismissals, acquittals, or outcomes that avoid conviction altogether.

Why Clients Choose Andrew M. Weisberg

• Former Cook County Prosecutor – Deep understanding of how the State builds its case—and how to dismantle it.

• Proven Experience in Sex Crimes Defense – Extensive record handling sensitive, high-stakes cases involving online investigations.

• Aggressive and Strategic – Combines courtroom skill with careful negotiation to achieve the best possible outcome.

• Personal Representation – You work directly with Andrew from start to finish; your case is never passed off.

• Available 24/7 – Immediate help when you need it most.

Take Action Now – Protect Your Rights and Your Future

Being accused of traveling to meet a minor can feel overwhelming, but you are not without options. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.

Call (773) 908-9811 now for a free, confidential consultation, or complete the Case Review Form on our website.
Andrew M. Weisberg is ready to stand by your side, fight the charges, and work tirelessly to protect your reputation and your freedom.