Crimes Involving Children

Pennsylvania treats crimes against children very seriously.  Any time a child is involved, especially if it involves a sexual offense, it usually means prison time and registration under Megan’s Law.  There are several crimes which involve children.  Usually, the definition of a child means someone under the age of 18.  Some of these are listed below .

LURING A CHILD INTO A MOTOR VEHICLE OR STRUCTURE:

If a person lures or tries to lure a child into a car or building it is a misdemeanor of the first degree which can bring a sentence of up to 5 years in jail.  There is a defense if the child needs assistance or there is parental consent.  A conviction of this crime will mean registration under Megan’s law for at least 15 years.

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD:

Any person who is a parent, guardian, or supervisor of a child and knowingly puts a child in danger commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.  A boyfriend or a girlfriend of a parent can be convicted of this crime if that person is has control and supervision of the child.  The crime is committed is the person is aware of this duty, is aware of the danger, and does not act.  This crime is not a listed Megan’s law offense.

SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD:

This crime is essentially child pornography.  It includes the photographing or videotaping a child for sexual purposes.  The crime includes not only the act of doing this but disseminating or possession such pictures or movies.  Consent of the child, even if 17, is not a defense.  It is also no defense if the person thought the child was 18 as it relates to taking pictures or videotapes.  This crime includes depictions on a computer.  A conviction for this crime will cause registration under Megan’s law 

 SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN:

Anyone who procures a child for sexual purposes for another person is guilty of this offense.  This is a felony of the 2nd degree which can bring a sentence up to 20 years in jail.  It is also a Megan’s law offense.

The above list is not meant to be exhaustive.  Any time a child is involved in a crime it becomes much more serious.

If you are arrested for a crime involving a child it is imperative that you contact a lawyer immediately so he can better prepare your defense.  Your relation with the child and the child’s age may determine how your attorney negotiates with the DA or plans your defense at a trial.

The information presented is not legal advice, and your use of it does not create an attorney-client relationship. No recipient should act on the basis of any content included in the site without seeking the appropriate legal advice from counsel. Lawrence R. Dworkin, Esq. expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken based on any content of this site. Because every case is different, any prior results described on this web site do not guarantee or suggest a similar outcome.