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

Traveling to meet a minor is a serious criminal offense in Illinois, with severe consequences that can include long-term imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing charges of traveling to meet a minor in Chicago, it is essential to have an experienced and aggressive defense attorney like Andrew M. Weisberg on your side to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

Understanding Traveling to Meet a Minor in Illinois

Under Illinois law, specifically 720 ILCS 5/11-6.6, traveling to meet a minor is a crime that occurs when an adult travels any distance within, to, or from the state of Illinois for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act with a person under the age of 17. The crime typically involves the use of communication technologies, such as the internet, social media, or mobile devices, to arrange a meeting with the minor. This offense is often associated with undercover sting operations where law enforcement officers pose as minors to apprehend individuals seeking to engage in illegal activities with minors.

Key elements of this crime include:

• Use of Communication to Arrange a Meeting: The charge applies if an adult communicates with a minor, or someone believed to be a minor, and arranges to meet them with the intent to engage in sexual conduct or other illegal activities.
• Travel to Meet the Minor: The offense is complete when the individual travels to meet the minor, regardless of whether any physical contact or sexual act occurs.
• Intent: The prosecution must prove that the adult intended to engage in sexual activity or other criminal conduct with the minor upon meeting.

Because the crime involves minors and often premeditated actions, it is treated with the utmost seriousness by law enforcement and prosecutors.

Penalties for Traveling to Meet a Minor in Chicago

The penalties for traveling to meet a minor in Illinois are severe and reflect the serious nature of the offense:

• Class 3 Felony: Traveling to meet a minor is typically charged as a Class 3 felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of 2 to 5 years and fines of up to $25,000.
• Class 2 Felony: If the intent was to engage in a sexual act with a minor, the charge can be elevated to a Class 2 felony, with penalties including 3 to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction for traveling to meet a minor requires mandatory registration as a sex offender, which can severely impact your personal and professional life for many years, if not permanently.
• Restitution: The court may order you to pay restitution to the victim or their family for any damages or losses resulting from the offense.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, affecting your ability to secure employment, housing, and other opportunities in the future.

Given these penalties, it is crucial to have a skilled and experienced defense attorney who can challenge the prosecution’s case and work to protect your future.

Why Choose Andrew M. Weisberg as Your Defense Attorney?

Andrew M. Weisberg is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling serious sex crime cases, including charges related to traveling to meet a minor. His background as a former Cook County prosecutor gives him unique insights into how these cases are built and prosecuted, allowing him to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and develop a robust defense on your behalf.

When you choose Andrew as your defense attorney, you benefit from:

• Comprehensive Legal Knowledge: Andrew’s thorough understanding of Illinois sex crime laws ensures that your case will be handled with the utmost competence and care.
• Aggressive Defense Strategies: Andrew is known for his relentless and proactive defense tactics, exploring every possible angle to protect your rights.
• Personalized Attention: Andrew provides each client with individualized attention, ensuring that your specific circumstances and needs are fully addressed.

Defending Against Charges of Traveling to Meet a Minor in Chicago

Successfully defending against charges of traveling to meet a minor requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Andrew M. Weisberg will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, scrutinizing every piece of evidence and questioning the validity of the prosecution’s claims. Some potential defense strategies may include:

• Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove that you intended to engage in illegal activity with the minor upon meeting. If there is doubt about your intent, this could be a significant defense.
• Entrapment: Many charges of traveling to meet a minor arise from sting operations where law enforcement officers pose as minors. If you were induced by law enforcement to commit the alleged offense, Andrew may argue that you were entrapped, which could lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
• Mistaken Identity: If you were wrongly identified as the person responsible for the communication and travel, Andrew will work to uncover evidence that points to your innocence.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: If your rights were violated during the investigation, arrest, or interrogation—such as through unlawful search, seizure, or coercion—Andrew may be able to have key evidence suppressed, weakening the prosecution’s case.

Andrew will work tirelessly to build a strong defense, aiming to reduce the charges, negotiate a favorable plea, or secure an acquittal.

The Importance of Early Legal Intervention

If you have been charged with traveling to meet a minor, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Early intervention by a skilled attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Andrew M. Weisberg will take immediate action to protect your rights, gather evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Andrew M. Weisberg: Committed to Your Defense

Facing charges of traveling to meet a minor can be overwhelming and stressful. Andrew M. Weisberg is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation throughout the entire process. He will keep you informed at every stage, answer all your questions, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.

Contact the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg Today

If you have been arrested or charged with traveling to meet a minor in Chicago, don’t delay in seeking legal representation. Andrew M. Weisberg is available 24/7 to discuss your case and provide the immediate assistance you need.

Contact Andrew today for a free, confidential consultation:

• Phone: Call (773) 908-9811 anytime, day or night.
• Online: Fill out the Case Review form on our website, and we will get back to you promptly.

Remember, the sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Let Andrew M. Weisberg put his expertise to work for you.