Internet luring is a serious criminal offence in Canada, involving online communications with minors for exploitative purposes. If convicted, you could face mandatory jail time, lifelong registration as a sex offender, and severe restrictions on your freedom.

Facing child luring charges? Don’t wait—call (855) 585-1777 now for a free, confidential consultation with a criminal defence lawyer.

Child Luring: Legal Definition

Under Section 172.1 of the Criminal Code, internet luring occurs when an adult communicates with a minor (or someone they believe is a minor) through digital means—such as texts, social media, or chat apps—with the intent of facilitating a sexual or abduction-related crime.

Three Key Categories of Child Luring Charges:

  1. Communicating with someone under 18 to enable offences like:
    • Sexual exploitation
    • Child pornography
    • Human trafficking
  2. Communicating with someone under 16 to enable offences like:
    • Sexual interference
    • Sexual assault
  3. Communicating with someone under 14 to facilitate abduction.

Even if the "minor" turns out to be an undercover officer, you can still be charged if you believed they were underage.

What Must the Crown Prove for a Child Luring Conviction?

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that:

  • You communicated electronically (e.g., texts, social media, email).
  • The person was underage (or you believed they were).
  • Your intent was to commit a sexual or abduction-related offence.
  • You did not take reasonable steps to verify their age (if claiming mistaken belief).

Note: The crime is complete the moment the prohibited communication is made—no physical meeting or sexual act needs to occur.

Potential Penalties for Child Luring

This is a hybrid offence, meaning the Crown can proceed summarily (less severe) or by indictment (more severe).

Summary Conviction

  • Minimum Sentence: 6 months imprisonment
  • Maximum Sentence: 2 years less a day imprisonment

Indictable Offence

  • Minimum Sentence: 1 year imprisonment
  • Maximum Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Additional Consequences for Child Luring

  • Mandatory sex offender registry (SOIRA Order)
  • Firearms prohibition
  • Travel restrictions
  • Deportation risk (for non-citizens)
  • Internet and device bans

Allegations of child luring require immediate action. Contact our defence team at (855) 585-1777 for a free consultation.

What Makes a Child Luring Case More Serious?

Courts impose harsher penalties when:

  • Grooming tactics were used (e.g., building trust over time).
  • Explicit content was exchanged (photos, videos).
  • An in-person meeting was attempted.
  • The child was very young or vulnerable.

Possible Defences Against Child Luring Charges

Every case is different, but common defences include:

  • No Criminal Intent – The conversation was misinterpreted (e.g., joking, role-playing).
  • Reasonable Steps to Confirm Age – You asked for ID or the person claimed to be older.
  • Entrapment – Police unfairly pressured you into committing the offence.
  • Mistaken Identity – Someone else used your account or device.
  • Charter Violations – Illegal search or seizure of evidence.

Child luring cases involve complex legal issues and carry devastating consequences if convicted. A skilled criminal defence lawyer can carefully examine the prosecution's case, challenge improper police tactics, present evidence of mistaken age or lack of criminal intent, and fight for reduced penalties or alternative resolutions - all while protecting your rights at every stage of the legal process.

Related Offences to Child Luring

Don’t Face Your Child Luring Charge Alone

An experienced criminal defence lawyer is vital when dealing with child luring charges. They can guide you through the legal maze, safeguard your rights, and devise a robust defence strategy specific to your case.

Get a Free Legal Consultation With a Criminal Lawyer

Do not hesitate to contact us if you are facing child luring charges. Call (855) 585-1777 and a skilled criminal defence lawyer will review your case with you and consider your alternatives.

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