The Dangers of Social Media and Child Sex Crimes

Social media sites with easy access for children, as well as predators, are creating a high risk for dangerous child sex crimes. Social media has increased incidents of child abductions, sex trafficking, pornography, and sexual assaults against children.

Social Media Sites Increase Risks

Due to advances in technology and easy online access, the number of children who spend daily time on the internet and social media sites is increasing day-by-day. The number of online predators who are seeking young victims is also increasing each day. According to studies, 96% of teenagers use social media sites like Facebook, Snap Chat, MySpace, Tinder, Instagram, and Kik on a daily basis. Over 60% of children between the ages of 13 and 17 have at least one profile posted on a social networking site where they spend more than two hours each day.

Online research shows that 99% of children between the ages of 12 and 15 spend time on social media sites. In 2013, the average time spent online for 12-15 year old children was 17 hours a week. Studies also show that 96% of children between the ages of 8 and 11, and 82% of children between the ages of 5 and 7 spend daily time on social networking sites. A 24 hour lawyer who handles criminal sex cases sees crimes perpetrated against children even young than five.

Online Predators

In the past three years, the number of online sexual predators and offenses seen by criminal lawyers has more than doubled. Investigations and arrests show that 82% of child sex crimes originate from online social media sites where predators gain knowledge of their victims’ likes and habits. According to FBI child crime investigations, over 65% of online sex offenders use social media sites to gain information about a victim’s home and school activities, daily schedule or location, and friend networks.

Although both males and females are at risk, statistics show that 75% of sex crimes initiated over the internet is against young girls between the ages of 12 and 15. Since online predators commonly disguise their age and identity with fake photos of attractive young males, preteen and teenage girls often think they are talking to a cute, interested boy within their peer group. Both males and females in this age group are particularly vulnerable to predators involved in sexual assaults, child pornography, and sex trafficking and prostitution.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Can Past Allegations of Sex Crimes Be Used Against You in Minnesota?

One question people charged with a sex crime in Minneapolis, MN, ask is: Can past allegations of sex crimes be used against me? Under Minnesota Rules of Evidence, past sex crime allegations aren't admissible as evidence in court to prove a suspect's character and argue that it contributed to the commission of the current crime. However, there are circumstances in which the court may allow prior allegations or bad conduct as evidence. These circumstances include when the prosecution can demonstrate that prior allegations or acts are key to establishing intent, identity, or pattern of bad conduct related to the current crime.

What If The Alleged Victim Was Drunk? Minnesota Consent & Alcohol Laws

Under Minnesota consent & alcohol laws, it is unlawful to engage in sexual contact or intercourse with someone drunk or intoxicated to a degree that prevents that person from consenting, understanding, or keeping his or her actions in check. Simply put, you should avoid sexual contact with a person who visibly looks impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances.

How Long Do Police Have to File Drug Charges in Minnesota?

People facing arrests or under investigation for drug-related crimes often wonder: How long do police have to file drug charges in Minnesota? Once police officers conclude their investigations and arrest you for drug trafficking, the law bars them from holding you in custody for long. But, even if they can't keep you in jail, the Minnesota statute of limitations allows the prosecution to file the charges within three (3) years of arrest.