Boca Raton Attorney Fighting Traveling To Meet A Minor Charges
Last updated on January 22, 2026
Charges for traveling to meet a minor carry devastating consequences that can permanently alter your life, freedom and reputation. These serious felony allegations require immediate, aggressive legal representation.
At The Rudman Law Group in Boca Raton, Florida, former criminal prosecutor Douglas Rudman and his legal team provide rigorous criminal defense for individuals facing life-altering accusations. Attorney Rudman’s background as a prosecutor gives him unique insight into how law enforcement builds these cases and what weaknesses exist in the state’s evidence.
What Is Traveling To Meet A Minor Under Florida Law?
Florida Statute 847.0135 criminalizes the act of traveling to meet a minor when specific elements are present. The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you used electronic communication to solicit or lure someone you believed to be a minor, that you intended to engage in illegal sexual conduct with that person and that you took an overt action by traveling to meet them. The statute requires an age difference where the defendant is at least 18 years old and the alleged victim is under 18.
What Are The Florida Penalties For Traveling To Meet A Minor?
A conviction for traveling to meet a minor is typically a second-degree felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. In certain circumstances involving aggravating factors, prosecutors may pursue enhanced charges as a third-degree felony with up to five years imprisonment.
Beyond incarceration and fines, conviction triggers mandatory registration as a sex offender or sexual predator under Florida law. This registration creates permanent, devastating consequences including:
- Public listing on Florida’s sex offender registry accessible to employers, neighbors and anyone online
- Severe employment obstacles as most employers refuse to hire registered offenders
- Housing restrictions prohibiting residence near schools, parks and other locations where children gather
- Loss of fundamental rights including voting rights and firearm possession
- Travel limitations and reporting requirements that restrict where you can live and work
- Social stigma and isolation affecting family relationships and community standing
These collateral consequences often prove more punishing than the criminal sentence itself, following you for life and affecting every aspect of your existence.
Consult A Sex Offenses Lawyer Today
The Rudman Law Group offers a free initial consultation in Florida. To schedule an initial consultation to discuss your criminal charges, call 561-593-2366 or send an inquiry using the online contact form.