Online Solicitation of a Minor | Denton County

If you’ve been charged with online solicitation of a minor in Denton County, you’re facing one of the most serious and life-altering criminal allegations in Texas. A conviction can mean years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your career, relationships, and reputation. You need an experienced defense lawyer who understands these cases and knows how to fight back.

Denton County law enforcement has made internet sex crimes a top priority. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office conducts “Prostitution Demand Suppression Operations” multiple times per year, and their Human Trafficking Unit actively investigates online solicitation cases. Over just a three-year period from 2023 through 2025, documented sting operations in Denton County produced at least 63 arrests, including specific online solicitation of a minor charges. If you’ve been caught up in one of these operations, the time to act is now.

Why Clients Trust Varghese Summersett for Sex Crime Defense

At Varghese Summersett, our Denton County criminal defense attorneys have defended hundreds of clients against sex crime allegations. We understand the fear and uncertainty you’re experiencing right now. The prosecution will have substantial resources working against you, but you don’t have to face this alone.

Our sex crimes defense team brings over 100 years of combined experience to every case we handle. Several of our attorneys are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by fewer than 10 percent of Texas criminal defense attorneys. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand exactly how the state builds these cases.

Across our Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake offices, we have secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions for our clients. In one recent case involving sexual assault allegations against a child in Tarrant County, our defense team secured a grand jury no-bill after presenting evidence that undermined the prosecution’s timeline and witness credibility. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our commitment to aggressive, thorough defense work.

Our 70-member team has the resources to investigate your case thoroughly, challenge digital evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that other firms might miss.

What Is Online Solicitation of a Minor Under Texas Law?

Under Texas Penal Code § 33.021, online solicitation of a minor occurs when a person uses the internet, text messages, or other electronic communications to knowingly solicit someone they believe to be a minor to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact or sexual conduct. The law also criminalizes sending sexually explicit communications to a minor with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The defendant used electronic communications (texts, social media, dating apps, email, chat platforms)
• The defendant knowingly communicated with someone they believed to be a minor (under 17 years old)
• The communication was intended to commit a sexual offense, induce the minor to meet, or the content was sexually explicit
• The defendant intended to arouse or gratify sexual desire

One critical aspect of these cases: the alleged “minor” does not have to be an actual child. Many online solicitation arrests in Denton County result from undercover sting operations where law enforcement officers pose as minors online. If you believed you were communicating with a minor, you can still face charges even if no real child was ever involved.

Penalties for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas

The penalties for online solicitation charges depend on the nature of the alleged conduct and the age of the purported victim. These are serious felonies that carry prison time and lifelong consequences.

Second Degree Felony (Texas Penal Code § 33.021(c)): If the alleged solicitation involved explicit sexual communications or requests for the minor to meet, the offense is a second degree felony. This carries 2 to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.

First Degree Felony (Texas Penal Code § 33.021(f)): If the alleged victim was under 14 years old, the charge is elevated to a first degree felony. This means 5 to 99 years or life in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Beyond prison time, a conviction brings devastating collateral consequences:

• Mandatory registration as a sex offender (often for life)
• Restrictions on where you can live and work
• Loss of professional licenses
• Prohibition from contact with minors, including your own children
• Permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and the public
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

Bond Amounts for Online Solicitation Cases in Denton County

If you or a loved one has been arrested for online solicitation of a minor in Denton County, understanding what bond to expect is crucial for planning your next steps. Based on our analysis of bond data from Denton County cases, bond amounts for online solicitation charges are substantial.

For charges under Texas Penal Code § 33.021(b), the most common bond amount set in Denton County is $50,000, with an average bond around $35,000. Cases involving alleged sexual conduct under § 33.021(c) have seen bonds averaging approximately $32,500. When the alleged victim is under 14 years old, making the charge a first degree felony under § 33.021(f), bonds can reach $100,000 or higher.

Several factors influence the bond amount a judge will set, including your criminal history, the specific allegations, whether you have ties to the community, and whether the court considers you a flight risk or danger. An experienced attorney can advocate for a reasonable bond and argue against excessive conditions that could keep you in custody unnecessarily.

Denton County’s Aggressive Approach to Online Solicitation Enforcement

The Denton County Sheriff’s Office has made combating online solicitation and human trafficking a central focus of its operations. The DCSO conducts multiple sting operations each year, typically branded as “Prostitution Demand Suppression Operations,” targeting individuals who attempt to arrange sexual encounters online. The Human Trafficking Unit leads many of these investigations, and operations frequently involve coordination with federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, Texas Department of Public Safety, and neighboring county sheriff’s offices.

The arrest numbers from recent years demonstrate just how active Denton County law enforcement has become:

• April 2023: A joint multi-agency operation resulted in 17 arrests, with suspects from communities throughout the county including Argyle and Lantana.
• December 2023: A two-day human trafficking operation produced 11 arrests. During this operation, investigators also identified 12 potential trafficking victims through outreach efforts.
• June 2024: A Prostitution Demand Suppression Operation led to 14 arrests.
• August 2024: Another demand suppression sting resulted in 18 arrests.
• May 2025: The most recent documented operation produced 3 arrests, including 1 specifically for online solicitation of a minor and 2 for solicitation of prostitution.

In total, these five documented operations alone account for at least 63 arrests over roughly a three-year window. At least 3 of those arrests were explicitly for online solicitation of a minor under Texas Penal Code § 33.021, with the remainder primarily charged under the solicitation of prostitution statute (Texas Penal Code § 43.021). Additional individual arrests by the DCSO Human Trafficking Unit for online solicitation of a minor have occurred outside of these larger sting operations, including cases in February 2024 and February 2025.

These statistics only reflect publicly documented operations. The actual number of investigations and arrests is likely higher. If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement or arrested in connection with an online solicitation investigation in Denton County, assume the prosecution will have substantial evidence and resources at their disposal.

Facing charges from a sting operation? Talk to a lawyer before you speak to police.

How These Sting Operations Work

Understanding how Denton County builds online solicitation cases is essential for mounting an effective defense. These operations follow a predictable pattern, though the details vary by case.

Officers create fake profiles on dating apps, social media platforms, escort advertisement websites, and online chat rooms. They pose as minors or as individuals offering sexual services for money. Once contact is established, undercover officers engage in text-based or chat-based conversations, often steering discussions toward sexual topics and arrangements to meet.

Throughout these conversations, officers preserve all digital evidence: chat logs, screenshots, IP addresses, phone numbers, and any images exchanged. In cases involving alleged minors, officers will typically state an age under 17 at some point in the conversation and document whether the target continued the conversation after learning this information.

Arrests often happen in one of two ways. In many operations, suspects are arrested when they arrive at a predetermined meeting location expecting to engage in sexual activity. In other cases, charges are filed based solely on the online communications, with arrests made later at the suspect’s home or workplace.

Multi-agency coordination is common. The April 2023 operation, for example, involved the Denton County Sheriff’s Office working alongside the Department of Homeland Security, Texas DPS, and the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. This coordination means investigations may span multiple jurisdictions and involve federal oversight.

Because these operations are designed to produce arrests and are conducted by trained investigators, the digital evidence is typically extensive. However, that does not mean it is bulletproof. A skilled defense attorney will examine how initial contact was made, whether officers improperly induced criminal conduct, how evidence was collected and preserved, and whether constitutional rights were violated at any stage.

Defense Strategies for Online Solicitation Charges

Every online solicitation case has unique facts, and no single defense approach works for every situation. However, several defense strategies have proven effective depending on the circumstances.

Lack of Intent: Prosecutors must prove you intended to engage in sexual conduct with a minor or that your communications were designed to arouse sexual desire. If the communications were ambiguous or non-sexual in nature, establishing intent becomes difficult.

Entrapment: Texas law recognizes entrapment as a defense when law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you would not otherwise have committed. Given the aggressive nature of Denton County’s sting operations, this defense is particularly relevant. If undercover officers initiated sexual topics, pressured you to continue, or manipulated the conversation toward criminal conduct, entrapment may apply.

Age Verification Issues: If you reasonably believed you were communicating with an adult, the prosecution’s case may be weakened. Evidence that the “minor” claimed to be of legal age, that the platform was age-restricted, or that nothing in the conversation suggested the person was underage can support this defense.

Constitutional Violations: If police obtained evidence through illegal searches, violated your Miranda rights, or conducted their investigation improperly, that evidence may be excluded from trial.

Challenging Digital Evidence: Chat logs and digital records can be altered, taken out of context, or misattributed. Forensic analysis may reveal problems with how evidence was collected, preserved, or presented.

At Varghese Summersett, we examine every detail of your case to identify the strongest possible defense. Our firm has the resources to hire digital forensics experts, private investigators, and other specialists when needed.

What to Do If You’re Arrested for Online Solicitation in Denton County

The decisions you make immediately after an arrest can significantly impact your case. If you’ve been arrested or believe you’re under investigation for online solicitation of a minor, follow these steps to protect your rights.

Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not try to explain yourself to police or investigators. Anything you say will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until you have an attorney present.

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Time is critical in sex crime cases. Evidence can disappear, and early intervention by your lawyer can sometimes prevent charges from being filed or influence how the case proceeds.

Do not discuss your case with anyone. Conversations with friends, family members, or cellmates are not protected and can be used as evidence. Only communicate about your case with your attorney.

Do not delete anything from your devices. Destroying potential evidence can result in additional criminal charges and will be used against you at trial. Let your attorney advise you on how to handle electronic evidence.

Document everything you remember. Write down the details of your arrest, including the officers involved, what was said, and what you observed. This information can be valuable for your defense.

The Criminal Court Process in Denton County

Understanding what lies ahead can help reduce anxiety as you prepare your defense. Online solicitation cases in Denton County typically follow this path through the criminal justice system.

Arrest and Booking: After arrest, you’ll be transported to the Denton County Jail, where you’ll be processed and held until bond is posted or a magistrate sets conditions for release.

Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate who will inform you of the charges, advise you of your rights, and set bond. Having an attorney at this stage can influence bond conditions.

Grand Jury Proceedings: In felony cases, prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment. Your attorney may present favorable evidence or seek to have the case rejected at this stage.

Arraignment: After indictment, you’ll be formally arraigned and enter a plea. Most defendants plead not guilty at this stage while the defense investigates the case.

Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to obtain evidence, challenge improper procedures, and suppress illegally obtained evidence. This phase is critical for building your defense.

Plea Negotiations or Trial: Depending on the evidence and circumstances, your case may be resolved through negotiations with prosecutors or proceed to trial. Some defendants in Denton County sting operations have successfully negotiated pleas to lesser charges, while others have fought their cases at trial. Your attorney will advise you on the best approach based on your specific situation.

Denton County criminal cases are heard at the Denton County Courts Building in downtown Denton. The county has multiple district courts that handle felony matters, and the specific judge assigned to your case can impact how proceedings unfold.

Related Charges That Often Accompany Online Solicitation

Prosecutors frequently file additional charges alongside online solicitation allegations, increasing the potential penalties you face. In Denton County sting operations, it’s common to see defendants charged with multiple offenses arising from the same investigation. Related offenses include:

• Criminal solicitation of a minor
• Solicitation of prostitution (Texas Penal Code § 43.021), a state jail felony
• Possession or promotion of child pornography
• Indecency with a child
• Sexual assault of a child
• Improper relationship with a student (in cases involving educators)

Each additional charge carries its own penalties and consequences. An effective defense strategy must address all allegations comprehensively.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire our firm to defend you against online solicitation charges, you’re not just getting a lawyer. You’re getting a team of experienced professionals dedicated to protecting your future.

From your first consultation, we’ll listen to your side of the story without judgment. We understand that good people can find themselves in terrible situations, and we’re here to help. Our attorneys will explain the charges against you, the potential consequences, and the realistic options available.

Throughout your case, we’ll keep you informed at every step. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, and we’ll respond to your questions promptly. We know that uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of facing criminal charges, and we work to eliminate surprises whenever possible.

Our defense approach is thorough and aggressive. We investigate every aspect of your case, challenge questionable evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome. Whether that means getting charges dismissed, negotiating reduced charges, or taking your case to trial, we’re prepared to do whatever it takes.

Have more questions? Watch our video series where our attorneys answer common questions: Denton County Criminal Defense FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Solicitation Charges

Can I be charged with online solicitation if no actual minor was involved?

Yes. Texas law allows prosecution when you communicate with someone you believe to be a minor, even if that person is actually an adult undercover officer. The majority of online solicitation of a minor arrests in Denton County result from sting operations where law enforcement officers pose as minors. No real child needs to be involved for prosecutors to pursue charges.

How common are online solicitation stings in Denton County?

Very common. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office conducts multiple sting operations each year. Over a recent three-year period, at least five major operations produced 63 documented arrests, with individual operations yielding anywhere from 3 to 18 arrests each. The DCSO Human Trafficking Unit also conducts ongoing investigations outside of these larger operations.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?

Yes. A conviction for online solicitation of a minor under Texas Penal Code § 33.021 requires registration as a sex offender. Depending on the specific offense, this registration may be for 10 years, 25 years, or life.

Can online solicitation charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, depending on the circumstances. Charges may be reduced through plea negotiations, dismissed due to insufficient evidence, or thrown out if police violated your constitutional rights. Some defendants in Denton County cases have successfully negotiated pleas to lesser offenses. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate your case and identify the best strategy for your situation.

What’s the difference between online solicitation of a minor and solicitation of prostitution?

Online solicitation of a minor under Texas Penal Code § 33.021 involves communicating with someone you believe to be under 17 for sexual purposes and is a second or first degree felony. Solicitation of prostitution under Texas Penal Code § 43.021 involves offering to pay for sex with an adult and is typically a state jail felony. In Denton County operations, solicitation of prostitution arrests far outnumber online solicitation of a minor charges. Of the 63 documented arrests over a three-year period, at least 61 were for solicitation of prostitution while at least 3 were specifically for online solicitation of a minor.

How long will my case take to resolve?

The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the evidence involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take a year or longer. Your attorney can provide a more specific estimate after reviewing your case.

Online solicitation charges can feel overwhelming, but you have options. The prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and aggressive defense advocacy can make all the difference. If you’re facing charges in Denton County, schedule a free consultation with our team today. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.

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