“Indecent solicitation of a child” is a criminal offense involving enticing, persuading, inviting, or attempting to persuade a child to engage in unlawful sexual activity (or to go somewhere for that purpose). The crime is the solicitation itself — a completed sexual act is not required. The exact name, definition, and age thresholds are set by each state, so the details vary, and there is also a federal counterpart.
How states define it (Kansas example)
Kansas is one state that uses this exact term. Under K.S.A. 21-5508:
- Indecent solicitation of a child — enticing, commanding, inviting, persuading, or attempting to persuade a child 14 or older but under 16 to commit or submit to an unlawful sexual act, or to enter a vehicle, building, room, or secluded place with intent to commit such an act. A severity level 6 person felony.
- Aggravated indecent solicitation of a child — the same conduct directed at a child under 14. A more serious severity level 5 person felony.
Other states criminalize similar conduct under different names — “solicitation of a minor,” “child enticement,” or “electronic/online solicitation” (Kansas addresses online conduct separately in K.S.A. 21-5509). Check your own state’s statute for the exact elements and penalties.
The federal counterpart
Federally, 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b) (coercion and enticement) makes it a crime to use the mail, the internet, or any means of interstate commerce to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. As with the state offenses, the crime is the enticement itself — prosecutors need not prove a completed act, and these cases frequently arise from online sting operations.
Key points
- It is a serious felony, and a conviction typically carries sex-offender registration.
- Because the offense targets the solicitation, an attempt is enough.
- In sting operations the “child” may actually be an undercover officer; courts have generally upheld convictions where the defendant believed they were communicating with a minor.
Get advice
Because the elements and penalties vary by state and the federal statute can also apply, anyone facing an allegation should consult a qualified criminal defense attorney in the relevant jurisdiction right away.
Sources
- Kansas Statutes § 21-5508 — Indecent solicitation of a child (Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes)
- 18 U.S.C. § 2422 — Coercion and enticement (Cornell LII)
- These offenses are defined by each state under varying names and age thresholds; check your state’s statute for the exact law.
Last reviewed: August 2, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. If you are facing charges, consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.
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