Children under the age of 18 receive special protections under state and federal law. For example, Pennsylvania law prohibits the sex trafficking of minors. Federal law adds another protection by prohibiting anyone from taking an individual under the age of 18 across state lines or out of the country for the purpose of sexual activity. Anyone who commits this offense faces immense fines and serious prison time, including the possibility of a life sentence.

If you are under investigation or facing charges for taking a minor across state lines or out of the country for sexual activity, you need strong legal representation. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is ready to advocate on your behalf. Reach out to our office at 888-535-3686 or use this online form to contact us.

Federal Law on the Transportation of Minors

The federal statute found at 18 U.S.C. § 2423 discusses the transportation of minors and illegal situations involving adults and their travel. The first section of this law says it is a crime to knowingly transport a minor out of state or out of the country with the intent that the child participate in prostitution or any illegal sexual activity. Anyone found guilty of violating this section faces a significant fine and a term of imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life.

The second section of the law says it is illegal to travel between states or into or out of the United States for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Anyone who violates this section faces a serious fine and a term of imprisonment running up to 30 years.

The law's third section prohibits travel to or residence in, whether temporary or permanent, a foreign country to engage in any illicit sexual activity with a minor. A violation of this section carries a significant fine and a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

The fourth section of the statute says it is a criminal offense to knowingly arrange, induce, procure, or facilitate, for financial gain, the interstate or foreign travel of someone who intends to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Anyone found guilty of violating this section faces a serious fine and up to 30 years in prison.

Examples of the Illegal Transportation of Minors

The law against taking minors across state lines or out of the country is complicated, and it needs to be to protect children under the age of 18. Here are some examples of prohibited conduct:

• An adult chats with a minor online and travels to another state to the minor's home to engage in sexual activity.
• An adult chats with a minor online, travels out of state to pick up the minor, and drives the child back to his home for sex.
• An adult sends a minor a plane ticket so the minor can travel to the adult's home in another state for sexual activity.
• An adult travels overseas to solicit sexual activity from a minor.

If You Are Facing Federal Sex Crime Charges You Need a Strong Advocate in Your Corner

If you are facing sex crime charges involving a minor or any other type of federal sex crime charges, you need an experienced attorney. There are defenses, and the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team knows these defenses. The LLF Law Firm has experience with federal criminal law and can help. Call us at 888-535-3686 or reach out using this online form.