Internet Sting Operation Defense Attorney
Defending Against Accusations Stemming from Internet Sting Operations in Seattle
If you've been caught in an internet sting operation and are now facing serious criminal charges, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. These cases are especially challenging, as the police have orchestrated the events to make it difficult for you to mount a defense.
You don't have to face these accusations alone. The skilled attorneys at Marshall & Saunders have extensive experience defending clients targeted in internet sting operations. We understand the complexities of these cases and are ready to provide the aggressive, strategic representation you need to protect your rights.
Understanding Internet Sting Operations
The Essence of Internet Sting Operations
In recent years, law enforcement has increasingly relied on internet sting operations to target individuals willing to chat with police who are pretending to be minors and offering sex.
These stings typically involve an undercover officer posing as a minor or a parent offering their child for sex. The goal is to entice the target to agree to a meeting for a sexual encounter, at which point they’re taken into custody.
While no actual sexual contact occurs — or could occur, since police are in control of the scenario from the start — the persons arrested still face serious criminal charges and other consequences.
Washington's Laws on Internet Sting Operations
Those caught in internet sting operations usually face serious criminal charges such as these:
- Attempted rape of a child
- Communication with a minor for immoral purposes (CMIP)
- Commercial sexual abuse of a minor (CSAM), if the target agrees to pay money
Washington State classifies the following acts as Class B felonies:
- Providing anything of value to a minor for sexual conduct
- Agreeing to provide anything of value in exchange for sexual contact
- Soliciting or requesting sexual conduct with a minor in return for anything of value
Related offenses can also lead to stiff charges. Promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor is a Class A felony, while promoting travel for commercial sexual abuse of a minor is a Class C felony. Permitting the commercial sexual abuse of a minor (allowing your property to be used by juvenile prostitutes) is a gross misdemeanor.
While the age of consent for sexual activity in Washington is generally 16, these laws apply to anyone under 18 for commercial sexual activities.
Many professionals (but not attorneys!) are mandatory reporters. That means they are required by law to report suspected cases of commercial sexual abuse of minors. Have a conversation with us before you talk about these allegations with a therapist, doctor, or spiritual leader.
Penalties for Crimes Charged in Internet Sting Operations
Those arrested in internet sting operations face severe consequences in Washington State. Even though no actual minor was involved, convictions for attempted rape of a child or related charges can result in up to ten years in prison. Fines can reach $20,000, and courts mandate sex offender registration for a minimum of ten years. If you used a vehicle to travel to the meeting location, law enforcement can impound it and require substantial fees for release. The court will likely impose additional assessments and restrict you from certain geographic areas.
Other Consequences of an Internet Sting Operation Conviction
A conviction from an internet sting operation can devastate your future well beyond any prison sentence. Your criminal record will permanently affect employment opportunities, especially since these charges involve alleged crimes against minors. Housing becomes extremely difficult to secure, and professional licenses may be revoked. Non-citizens face potential deportation. Courts typically restrict where you can live and travel, particularly near schools, parks, or places children gather.
How Law Enforcement Conducts Internet Sting Operations
Typically, an undercover officer posts an offer to have sex on a website. If the post contains the age of the person supposedly making the offer, it will be an age above 18. After someone responds and a digital conversation about sex is underway, the officer will write that they are really a minor. Sometimes the officer will entice the target to continue the digital conversation even after they’ve said they are underage by writing something like, “I hope you’re not judgmental.” Eventually, the target agrees to meet for sex at a location specified by the undercover officer.
These conversations are carefully orchestrated to elicit incriminating statements of intention and to minimize potential defenses.
The Unfairness of Internet Sting Operations
Most internet sting operations begin with police placing ads that offer a sexual encounter without mentioning that it would involve a minor. Only after someone responds and a digital conversation about sex is underway are they told that the proposed encounter is with someone underage.
The phrase “bait and switch” fits these sting operations. The police bait is the ad offering sex with an adult. Once someone bites and is hooked into engaging in a conversation, the police switch the age, from legal age to underage. The police excuse for this tactic is that the sites where they post don’t allow ads offering sex with minors.
That may be true, but the bait-and-switch likely makes criminals of many persons who would never, without this police tactic, arrange to have sex with a minor. This is partly because sexual arousal reduces inhibition and a person will engage in riskier behavior when sexually aroused. By attracting persons to their ads and then arousing them further in sexual conversation, the police reduce a person’s normal reluctance to engage in risky behavior.
Also, online sexual interaction, which can start anonymously, is often the only kind that persons with meager social skills will engage in. These persons are likely to be especially vulnerable to a sexual invitation from anyone, regardless of age.
Police conduct is especially troubling when officers reach out to restart conversations with targets who have gone silent.
Discuss Your Case with a Compassionate Lawyer
It’s important to remember that there are people ready to stand up for you, ready to treat you like a real person, not a faceless villain. Contact Marshall & Saunders for a confidential consultation. Our team is here to listen and provide the guidance you need.
Key Challenges in Defending Against Internet Sting Cases
Defending against charges arising from an internet sting operation presents unique challenges due to the calculated nature of these operations. Here are some of the key issues we frequently encounter.
Disputing Evidence of the Defendant’s Intent
Usually, the prosecution must prove the person arrested intended to have sex with a minor, or at least that they believed they were communicating with a minor. The prosecution usually does this by showing that the undercover officer gave the defendant an age under 18 and the defendant acknowledged, in some fashion, receiving that age.
Overcoming the Orchestrated Nature of the Sting
Law enforcement carefully scripts these operations to neutralize potential defenses before the target realizes they’re being investigated. This usually includes eliciting acknowledgments from the target that they understand the fictional minor's age. The target may also be told by the "parent" to bring to the meeting a particular gift that the "child" would like to receive.
Mitigating the Impact of Arrest
The shock of being caught in a sting operation can lead targets to make statements or take actions that may further complicate their defense. It's crucial to involve an experienced attorney as soon as possible to prevent any additional missteps and start building a strategic defense.
Potential Defenses Against Internet Sting Charges
While the orchestrated nature of internet sting operations can make mounting a defense challenging, there are still a number of strategies a skilled attorney can employ to protect your rights.
Lack of Intent
Some individuals caught in these stings never intended to follow through with any illegal acts but instead aimed to rescue someone from a dangerous situation or were merely curious if it was a real sting operation.
Role Play
Many couples enjoy playing roles in sex. Some enjoy pretending to do things in sex that are legal only if done in role play, like ageplay or other kinks. Since the prosecution usually must prove that the defendant intended to have sex with a real minor, it must disprove any claim of age-based role play.
Rejection of the Age Assertion
The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant believed they were communicating with a minor. If the age of the fictional minor wasn’t clearly established, it could undermine the prosecution's case.
Violations of Constitutional Rights
If law enforcement officers violated the defendant's rights during the investigation or arrest, key evidence against them may be suppressed.
Entrapment
Washington law makes it difficult to present an entrapment defense. But if the evidence is especially strong that the police snared someone who had no predisposition to commit the crime, an entrapment defense can work.
Feedback from a Client We've Successfully Defended
Outstanding service.
I had the outmost respect to work with Josh Saunders on my case. He is a very attentive individual. He was available by phone it seems like 24/7 throughout the entire time he was representing me and beyond. Josh was very generous with his communication and made me feel comfortable to speak to him as he shares a great deal of empathy. Josh helped me understand my circumstance/resolutions every step of the way through his knowledge of the defense system. We were fortunate to to reach a very beneficial settlement!
Let Us Help You with your Internet Sting Charges
Being caught in an internet sting operation can be a stressful and isolating experience. You may feel like your life is falling apart and that there's nowhere to turn. Our seasoned attorneys are here to provide the empathetic support and aggressive legal representation you need to push back against your charges.
You'll Be Defended by the Most Experienced Attorneys
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David S. Marshall
Attorney- Focused on defending individuals accused of sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence for more than 25 years
- Lectures other attorneys on trial advocacy techniques
- Sought out by accused individuals up and down the West Coast
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Joshua R. Saunders
Attorney | Of Counsel- Impressive record of trial victories, including acquittals in cases of child molestation, child abuse, domestic violence, manslaughter, and others
- Over a decade of experience as a supervisor for other attorneys in public defense
- Has handled over 3,000 cases as a criminal defense lawyer
Our Process for Defending Against Internet Sting Charges
When you entrust your case to the team at Marshall & Saunders, we’ll immediately go to work investigating the circumstances of your case and developing a tailored defense strategy. Our process is characterized by:
Thorough ExaminationWe’ll start with an in-depth interview of you and a careful study of all available evidence, leaving no detail overlooked.
Detailed ScrutinyWe’ll meticulously analyze police records and communication logs to identify any inconsistencies or errors.
Incisive AnalysisOur forensic team will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the digital evidence to reveal any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Investigative VigilanceOur attorneys will review the sting operation for any signs of misconduct, entrapment, or violation of your rights.
Proactive NegotiationsWe can engage in skillful negotiations with prosecutors, aiming to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Strategic DefenseWe’ll develop a carefully crafted trial strategy designed to highlight weaknesses in the state's case.
Why Choose Marshall & Saunders for Your Internet Sting Operation Defense?
Selecting the right defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make when facing accusations stemming from an internet sting operation. At Marshall & Saunders, we offer:
- Specialized knowledge of the tactics law enforcement uses in these operations.
- Client-focused approach that prioritizes your unique needs and goals.
- Tireless advocacy, both in and out of the courtroom.
- Caring and nonjudgmental counsel to help you navigate this challenging time.
We understand what's at stake when you've been ensnared in an internet sting case, and we have the skill, resources, and determination to mount the effective defense you need.
Don't Let an Internet Sting Arrest Destroy Your Life
If you've been arrested in an internet sting operation, it may feel like there’s a shadow looming over your future. But with the right legal team on your side, you can challenge your charges and reach the best possible outcome.
Marshall & Saunders is ready to provide the skilled guidance and relentless advocacy you need. With our dedicated team in your corner, you can move forward with confidence.
Don't wait — call us today at (206) 826-1400 or fill out our online contact form. The sooner you do, the sooner we can start fighting for you.
901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800
Seattle, Washington 98164
You will receive a response from us within 1 - 2 business days.