What is the Crime of Luring?

Luring or enticing a minor is a serious crime that involves the act of persuading, enticing, or luring a minor to engage in sexual activities or participate in child pornography. This offense is considered illegal in all states, including California, and carries severe penalties.

Understanding Luring Laws in California

In California, it is illegal to seduce a minor to engage in sexual conduct or distribute “harmful matter” such as pornography with the intent to arouse sexual feelings in either the defendant or the child. It is important to note that this law does not differentiate between physical meetings or online and telephone communications.

Additionally, it is unlawful for an adult to contact a child, arrange a meeting, or encourage the child to expose their genitals. If a physical meeting occurs as a result of these actions, the penalties increase significantly.

Kidnapping and Extending Illegal Offers

Kidnapping a minor or persuading them to leave their home with the intention of meeting an adult for illegal purposes is a criminal offense. This includes using threats or intimidation to force a child into submission. Furthermore, California law prohibits adults from offering employment to minors for the purpose of committing crimes, such as participating in sexual acts or filming them. If the minor is under the age of 14, the penalties for these offenses are even more severe.

Penalties for Luring and Enticing

The penalties for luring or enticing a minor vary depending on the specific offense and the defendant’s criminal history. The initial offense of seducing a minor is considered a misdemeanor, with fines of up to $1,000 and a maximum of six months in jail. Subsequent arrests for similar offenses are classified as felonies, resulting in fines of up to $10,000 and a maximum of three years in prison. Repeat offenders or those with a history of similar crimes may face even longer prison sentences.

Contacting a Minor with Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense

If an individual is found guilty of contacting a minor with the intent to lure them into committing a sexual offense, they may face a fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum of one year in jail. Subsequent convictions carry even harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences, within California’s state penal system.

While there is ongoing effort to increase punishments for these crimes, it is important to recognize the lifelong impact and negative consequences they have on the victims. Child luring and enticing can lead to addiction issues, mental health challenges, and other long-term effects.

It is crucial to understand that no family is immune from the danger posed by individuals seeking to harm children. Predators do not discriminate based on wealth, race, or gender, and they often target vulnerable children. The FBI is dedicated to investigating and convicting those who commit sex crimes in California, but prevention starts at home through proper education and guidance.

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Seppi Esfandi is an Expert Attorney who has over 22 years of practice defending a variety of cases.