What is Solicitation of a Minor in Minnesota?

A single message can lead to a solicitation charge in Minnesota. No meeting is required—just perceived intent. Law enforcement conducts sting operations, posing as minors to catch individuals before any real interaction happens. Maybe you thought you were chatting with an adult. Maybe your words were misinterpreted. But once accused, the legal system moves fast. Penalties include prison time, fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. Your reputation and future are at stake.

Don’t try to explain your way out—every word can be used against you. Protect yourself with a strong legal defense. Contact our Minneapolis, Minnesota criminal defense attorneys at Wolfgram Law Firm to discuss your options.

Understanding Solicitation of a Minor in Minnesota

Under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.352, it is illegal for an adult (18 or older) to communicate with a minor—or someone they believe to be a minor—with the intent of soliciting sexual activity. Solicitation can involve:

• Sending messages with explicit content
• Suggesting a meeting for sexual purposes
• Offering money, gifts, or incentives in exchange for sexual conduct
• Engaging in explicit conversations online or through text messages

Key aspects of the law include:

• A person can be charged even if the minor never responds or rejects the communication.
• Intent matters more than whether the act was completed.
• Both verbal and written communication are covered.
• Law enforcement sting operations are legal, and charges still apply even if no actual minor was involved.

Minneapolis, Minnesota takes solicitation charges seriously, and the penalties can be severe, even for first-time offenders.

Common Scenarios Leading to Charges

• Online sting operations – Law enforcement officers pretend to be minors in chat rooms, social media platforms, or dating apps, waiting for an adult to make an inappropriate advance.
• Text message or email exchanges – Sending explicit content or requests for a sexual encounter to someone believed to be a minor.
• Social media messages – Direct messages or comments that suggest meeting for sexual activity.
• Accidental or misinterpreted messages – In some cases, innocent messages can be taken out of context, leading to false accusations.

Penalties and Consequences

Depending on the details of the case, a conviction can result in:

• Up to three years in prison for soliciting a minor under 16 years old
• Up to one year in jail for soliciting a minor between 16 and 17 years old
• Fines of up to $5,000
• Mandatory sex offender registration, which can have lasting effects on employment, housing, and personal relationships.

Defenses Against Solicitation Charges

• Lack of intent – The prosecution must prove that you knowingly and intentionally solicited a minor for sexual purposes. If the communication was misinterpreted or lacked criminal intent, this could be a defense.
• Entrapment – If law enforcement induced or pressured you into committing a crime that you otherwise would not have committed, you may have an entrapment defense.
• Mistaken identity – In some cases, messages or emails can be attributed to the wrong person. A skilled Minneapolis, MN criminal defense lawyer can investigate whether someone else used your device or if you were falsely accused.
• Lack of evidence – The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, circumstantial, or relies solely on an unverified online conversation, its credibility can be challenged.

Strengthen Your Case with a Minneapolis, Minnesota Criminal Lawyer

A solicitation charge can turn your life upside down. Even before a conviction, your reputation, career, and relationships may suffer. At Wolfgram Law Firm, we know that every case has two sides. We challenge weak evidence, expose police tactics that violate your rights, and build a defense to protect your freedom.

The prosecution is working against you—now it’s time to fight back. Speak with a knowledgeable defense attorney at (612) -584-3675 or connect with us through our online consultation form.