Tampa Internet Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
Protect Yourself From Serious Federal Charges With Our Tampa Sex Crimes Lawyer
When you’re facing federal charges for sex crimes, you need a strong legal advocate to protect your rights and your freedom. Our Tampa internet sex crimes defense lawyer is here to help you when you need it most.
At Stechschulte Nell, we handle all types of internet sex crime charges at both the state and federal level. From arguing in your defense in federal court to supporting you when you when it feels like everyone else has turned their backs, our legal team is on your side at every step. Don’t risk your freedom by trying to defend yourself alone. Call us today for a confidential consultation.
Our Attorneys Defend Your Case, No Matter How Serious The Charges
Internet sex crimes often refers to adults using the internet to connect with minors for the purpose of sexual activity. However, this is just one of the serious types of internet sex crime charges our firm defends. Advances in technology make it easier for people to commit sex crimes against children, but not everyone who is charged with these serious crimes is a predator. In fact, many innocent people are caught in stings conducted by federal and state law enforcement. These unfortunate victims may face decades behind bars simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Without the advice and protection of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you could be in jail for years, have to pay thousands of dollars in fines, end up on a sex offender registry, and live the rest of your life under a cloud of disgrace. If you hope to see your charges reduced, avoid prison, or even have the case dismissed, a strong, vigorous defense is your only option. With decades of combined experience and a passion for defending the innocent, our skilled attorneys are prepared to advocate for your rights, whatever the circumstances.
Mitigating The Consequences of Florida Internet Sex Crimes
Internet sex crimes cover a wide range of ground. We’ve found that many people may not realize they were doing anything wrong, may have been mistakenly charged, or were even victims in a sting. Even if you suspect the charges against you weren’t a mistake, you deserve a strong defense; it’s your right, and we firmly support your civil rights and the right to a fair hearing in court.
Some of the most common types of computer sex crimes we handle include:
- Child exploitation
- Child molestation
- Procuring a minor for prostitution
- Traveling to meet a minor for sex
- Lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor
- Internet solicitation of a minor for sex
- Distribution or possession of child pornography
If you are found guilty, and it’s not your first offense, the penalties can be even steeper. And if the minor in question is under 12 years old, you could face enhanced penalties. We work to mitigate these penalties as part of our aggressive approach to your defense.
Your Future Is Too Important To Risk. Call Our Firm Today
Just being accused of internet sex crimes can ruin your life. Your career, relationships, and freedom are at stake, and you can’t afford to take chances. Our Tampa internet sex crimes defense lawyer protects you from the moment you become our client. Call Stechschulte Nell today for a personalized consultation.
When Your Freedom Is At Stake, Only The Best Tampa Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Will Do
Internet sex crimes are often difficult for police to identify because the privacy and sanctity of our homes (and what people do on the internet inside them) are protected by law. Therefore, one of the most common methods that law enforcement in Tampa, Florida, and the U.S. use to catch internet sex offenders is to conduct sting operations. These stings are highly sophisticated and often lead to serious criminal charges, making it essential for anyone accused to understand their rights and potential defenses.
Our Tampa internet sex crimes lawyer is very familiar with these types of operations and how police use internet stings.
What Is An Internet Sting Operation?
An internet sting operation is a law enforcement tactic in which officers pose as minors or other individuals online to identify and apprehend those suspected of committing sex crimes. These operations often involve undercover officers creating fake profiles on social media, dating sites, chat rooms, or other online platforms where illegal activities may occur. The goal is to catch individuals attempting to engage in unlawful sexual communication or arrange in-person meetings with minors.
Common Internet Sex Crimes Targeted By Stings
Internet stings typically focus on offenses such as:
- Solicitation of a Minor – Attempting to engage in sexual conversation or arrange a meeting with someone believed to be a minor.
- Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography – Sharing, downloading, or possessing sexually explicit images of minors.
- Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sexual Activity – Arranging and attempting to meet a minor for illegal sexual purposes.
- Sextortion or Online Enticement – Coercing minors into sending explicit content or engaging in unlawful acts.
How Police Set Up These Stings
Law enforcement officers typically begin an internet sting by assuming a false identity, often pretending to be a minor or a vulnerable individual. They may:
- Post deceptive ads or create fake profiles on social media and chat apps
- Enter online forums where illicit activity is suspected
- Engage in conversations designed to lure potential suspects into making incriminating statements
- Use leading language to escalate discussions toward illegal topics
Often, an officer guides the conversation toward an unlawful exchange, ensuring they gather enough evidence to justify an arrest. Once the suspect agrees to meet or engage in illegal activity, law enforcement may proceed with an arrest.
Problems With Internet Stings And Possible Defenses
While internet sting operations are designed to catch those committing crimes, they can also result in wrongful arrests and questionable tactics. Some key issues our Tampa internet sex crimes defense lawyer regularly encounters include:
- Entrapment—If law enforcement induces an individual to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t have, an entrapment defense may apply.
- Lack of Intent—The accused may not have had criminal intent or disengaged from the conversation.
- Mistaken Identity – Some stings rely on IP addresses or usernames, which could belong to multiple users or be used without permission.
Protecting Your Rights
If you have been arrested in an internet sting operation, it’s critical to consult our experienced Tampa internet sex crimes defense lawyer. A strong defense strategy can challenge law enforcement tactics and protect your future. Contact our firm today to discuss your case confidentially.
Types Of Internet Sex Crimes Defense Cases We Handle
Being accused of an internet sex crime can immediately change the course of a person’s life. These charges often come with serious consequences, including loss of reputation, employment, and future opportunities. At Stechschulte Nell, we represent individuals facing these accusations by focusing on facts, context, and fair legal process. Internet-based offenses often involve misunderstandings, misidentification, or overreach in how digital evidence is collected and interpreted. Our team works to challenge the assumptions that often drive these cases.
Possession Or Distribution Of Illegal Content
One of the most serious allegations we handle involves the possession or distribution of illegal material online. These cases often result from searches of personal computers, phones, or cloud-based accounts. Authorities use IP addresses, download records, and digital files to build their case. We carefully evaluate how that evidence was obtained, whether proper search procedures were followed, and if the material in question can be clearly connected to our client. In some cases, others may have had access to the device or network, which we take seriously when reviewing the facts.
Online Solicitation Or Communication Charges
These cases usually involve allegations of inappropriate messages or interactions with someone the government claims is a minor. Often, law enforcement poses as an underage person in online chatrooms or social media apps. The charges may include intent to solicit, send explicit content, or arrange a meeting. Our defense in these cases focuses on how the conversation started, what was actually said, and whether our client had any real intent to act. Law enforcement may exaggerate or misinterpret the tone and purpose of the messages, which makes reviewing every part of the record essential.
Unlawful Use Of Social Media Or Messaging Apps
Some individuals face charges for using apps or websites to communicate in ways that violate terms of use or laws around age and consent. These platforms often record messages, photos, and login data, and the government may claim those records prove intent to commit a crime. We look at whether the platform flagged content automatically, whether any communication was unsolicited, and how the situation developed. Not every digital interaction is criminal, and our goal is to highlight when intent or conduct has been wrongly interpreted.
Internet-Based Entrapment Investigations
Entrapment cases can arise when law enforcement sets up scenarios that draw people into behavior they would not otherwise initiate. These often involve fake profiles, misleading conversations, or staged opportunities. We examine whether our client was pressured or led into the situation by an officer or informant acting under official direction. These types of cases raise important questions about fairness and conduct by investigators, and we work to hold the government accountable to the limits of lawful investigation.
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Investigations
Many cases we handle involve investigations led by specialized task forces that focus on online behavior involving minors. These groups use advanced tools and undercover tactics, often across multiple states. Our defense strategy involves reviewing every stage of the investigation, from the warrant to how evidence was handled and shared. We look for errors, overreach, or false assumptions, especially when digital evidence is central to the case.
Internet sex crime charges can have immediate and lasting consequences, even before a case goes to trial. We work to protect our clients’ rights from the very beginning and focus on a defense strategy grounded in facts and fair process. If you’re seeking our Tampa, FL white collar crime lawyer with experience defending digital and internet-related offenses, contact Stechschulte Nell today to discuss your situation and next steps.
What You Should Expect During An Internet Sex Crimes Defense Case
Facing internet-based sex crime charges in Tampa, FL can put your reputation, career, and freedom in jeopardy. You’re likely overwhelmed and unsure how to protect yourself. At Stechschulte Nell, we understand how frightening this moment is. Our Tampa, FL internet sex crimes defense lawyer team draws on extensive courtroom trial experience and board-certified criminal defense status under Florida law to guide you through this fight with respect for your dignity and rights.
Understanding The Investigation Process
When law enforcement focuses on an internet sex crime, investigations can advance swiftly through digital evidence and sting operations. You may face serious state or federal charges involving solicitation, possession of illicit content, or even entrapment claims. We methodically review how authorities obtained evidence, assess whether procedures were lawful, and look for gaps that may allow us to challenge your case effectively.
Challenging Sting Operations And Entrapment Claims
We know that many innocent people become ensnared in undercover internet operations—in some instances thanks to aggressive law enforcement tactics or miscommunication. If a sting crosses into inducement rather than detection, we’ll explore entrapment as a powerful defense. We build the case by tracing your intent and actions, not just the outcome of a charged operation.
Questioning Digital Evidence And Attribution
Online evidence often hinges on IP logs, metadata, or file timestamps. We scrutinize whether that information really belongs to you or may result from shared devices, compromised accounts, or misattribution. We work with digital forensic experts to trace origin, rule out alternate explanations, and shine a light on overreliance on purely technical markers.
Weaving Human Context Into Your Defense
Digital cases can feel dehumanizing. Our approach starts with your story: your intent, your background, your context. Even technical cases become clearer when grounded in the person behind the screen. By investing time to understand your perspective, we craft a defense that recognizes both factual and human elements.
Navigating State And Federal Court Paths
Whether your case remains in state court or escalates to federal prosecution, each path has wide differences in procedure and penalties. We plan strategically from day one. That planning includes tailoring motions, timing suppressions, and managing evidence to position you for the best outcome—either early dismissal or a strong plea path that respects your situation.
As we move forward in defending you, our strategy will align with the broader case goals—addressing both legal demands and your peace of mind. Our team ties the technical investigation, evidence review, and human story back into a cohesive defense that reflects both your rights and personal stakes.
Trust Stechschulte Nell’s Tampa, internet sex crimes defense lawyer team to bring clarity, resolve, and respect to your case when it matters most. Let us talk through your case—submit our web form or call today to schedule a consultation.
