Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-83b – Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Commercial sexual abuse of a minor makes it a felony to purchase, agree to purchase, or solicit sexual conduct from someone under 18 in exchange for anything of value. The law also covers stings and decoys—if you reasonably believe the person is a minor, you can be charged even if no actual minor is involved. This is one of several serious sex crimes offenses prosecuted in Connecticut. Learn more about our Sex Crimes Defense in Connecticut.

Elements of the Crime Which Must Be Proven by the State

To convict you under § 53a-83b, the State must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you did one of the following:

1. Exchanged anything of value with a minor (or a third person) as compensation for the minor having engaged in sexual conduct with you; or
2. Exchanged or agreed to exchange anything of value with a minor (or a third person) with the understanding that the minor would engage in sexual conduct with you; or
3. Solicited or requested to engage in sexual conduct with a minor, or with a person you reasonably believed to be a minor, in return for anything of value.

“Minor” means a person under 18 years old.

Related Offenses

• § 53a-83 – Soliciting Sexual Acts (Patronizing) – adult complainant; misdemeanor.
• §§ 53a-86 to 53a-88 – Promoting Prostitution – advancing or profiting; felony tiers.
• § 53a-192a – Trafficking in Persons – human trafficking; felony.
• § 53a-196i – Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – buying ad space for sex acts involving a minor.

Defenses to Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Every case turns on its facts. Common defense themes include:

• No “anything of value” actually offered or exchanged; ambiguous conversation; no agreement.
• No solicitation or request—mere talk, fantasy roleplay, or vague online chatter without a criminal ask.
• Identity / intent issues—someone else used the account or device; lack of purposeful intent to buy sex.
• Decoy / sting challenges—entrapment, overbearing police inducement, or unlawful stop/search/seizure.
• Reasonable-belief disputes—messages/photos/time stamps suggesting no reasonable belief of minority.
• Digital-evidence integrity—metadata gaps, selective screenshots, edited chat logs, or chain-of-custody issues.

Penalties

• Class B felony (most cases): 1–20 years in prison, fines up to $15,000, and potential probation with strict conditions.
• Class A felony (if the minor is under 15): 10–25 years in prison, higher fines, and long-term supervision.
• Courts often impose protective orders, no-contact / limited Internet conditions, treatment mandates, and other collateral restrictions.
• Convictions can carry severe collateral consequences, including immigration risks, employment/licensing issues, and long-term supervision conditions.

Given the felony exposure and lifelong consequences, early intervention by an experienced defense lawyer is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions – § 53a-83b1) Do Police Need an Actual Minor for This Charge?

No. Using a decoy is enough if your messages or actions show you reasonably believed the person was under 18.

2) What Counts as “Anything of Value”?

Cash, gifts, drugs, rides, lodging, or other benefits. Even offering a non-cash benefit can satisfy the statute.

3) Can I Be Charged if I Never Showed up to Meet?

Yes. Solicitation or agreement in messages can be enough. Travel plans, location sharing, or explicit requests strengthen the case but aren’t always required.

4) What if I Thought They Were 18?

The State must show you knew or reasonably believed they were a minor. Screenshots, profile statements, and repeated age confirmations are key evidence for both sides.

5) Is Talking Online Without Offering Anything Illegal?

Mere talk is usually not enough. The State needs solicitation/request tied to value, or an agreement to exchange value for sexual conduct.

6) Are Stings Entrapment?

Not automatically. Entrapment requires police inducement that overbears the will of someone not otherwise predisposed. Aggressive tactics can be challenged via motions to dismiss or suppress.

7) Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender if Convicted?

Registration consequences can apply depending on the conviction and disposition. Your attorney can explain exposure and negotiate outcomes that limit collateral penalties where possible.

8) What Should I Do if I’m Contacted by Police About a Sting?

Do not make statements or consent to searches. Politely request a lawyer and stop communicating until you have counsel.

Solicitation / CSEC Defense Lawyer Allan F. Friedman

If you or a loved one is charged under § 53a-83b, the stakes are high. Our firm defends these cases statewide, challenges sting operations and digital evidence, and works to avoid convictions whenever possible.

We offer flat-fee options and 24/7 access for urgent matters. Call (203) 357-5555 to schedule your free consultation, or contact us online for a prompt response.

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