You can reach our lawyers 24 hours a day by e-mail or phone. Our law offices are conveniently located just off I-94 near Briarwood Mall, and we represent clients in all courts and counties in Southeastern Michigan.
If a misunderstanding, case of mistaken identity, or computer malfunction places a client in the middle of a police Internet sting operation, it could result in charges of criminal sexual conduct or Internet solicitation of a minor. In these cases, it is imperative to hire a law firm that protects your rights. Geherin Law Group’s criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor is dedicated to excellence in criminal defense in Washtenaw County and throughout Southeast Michigan. We will advocate for you immediately.
For over 25+ years, attorneys of GLG have aggressively safeguarded the interests of their clients and helped avoid harsh punishments such as jail, fines, a criminal record and sex offender registration.
Our preparation of each case is thorough. Our investigation of all of the client’s charges is exhaustive. Our commitment to each client’s freedom is total.
Some people may have been lured into responding to a fake advertisement on the Internet. Police could have been posing as minors in web chat rooms. Someone with a vendetta against one person may be seeking to blackmail another. Many things can go wrong with criminal charges based on use of computers.
We have our own state-of-the-art high-tech methods for analyzing any computer evidence used against our clients. We have a recognized reputation for results in thousands of cases heard in Michigan courts.
Contact GLG immediately if you have been unfairly implicated in a law enforcement Internet sting operation.
Our Ann Arbor lawyers are here for those facing accusations including:
Don’t fall victim to a police Internet decoy operation. If a computer or “friend” plays a betrayal game, fight back by hiring GLG for quality representation and attentive personal service in all criminal cases.
Law enforcement agencies often set up Internet sting operations when officers pose as minors or vulnerable individuals on chat sites, dating apps, or social media platforms. These are designed to catch people allegedly seeking illegal interactions. However, this can also result in wrongful arrests based on entrapment, miscommunication, or misidentification.
Some individuals are ensnared without criminal intent—responding out of curiosity, confusion, or after being manipulated by the supposed victim or the undercover officer. Despite no physical meeting or illegal act taking place, law enforcement may still file serious charges.
We scrutinize every aspect of the sting, including:
Internet sting-related crimes often fall under complex statutes, and the penalties can be extremely severe. Common charges include:
Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC)
CSC charges related to Internet stings usually involve accusations of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor. Even an online conversation—without any physical interaction—can lead to charges if prosecutors believe intent was present.
Solicitation of a Minor
This charge typically arises when law enforcement believes someone attempted to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity. Even if the “minor” was actually a police officer, a person can still be prosecuted if prosecutors believe there was intent.
Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) Possession
If law enforcement searches a suspect’s computer or phone and finds images or videos they claim are illicit, they may file possession or distribution charges—even if the files were unknowingly downloaded or automatically cached.
Sexting and Inappropriate Messaging
Adults who send messages or images to someone they believe is underage can face charges, even if they never met in person or the exchange was initiated by the other party.
A conviction related to an Internet sting can have lifelong consequences, for example:
Even an accusation—without a conviction—can disrupt or destroy your career, family, or personal life. The stigma alone is difficult to overcome, and you may find yourself cut off from support systems.
That’s why it’s so critical to secure experienced, aggressive defense from the moment you’re accused.
If your case involves digital evidence, understanding the underlying technology is essential. We utilize cutting-edge forensic tools and trusted digital experts to examine:
We challenge the prosecution’s assumptions and often discover flawed investigations, evidence handling errors, or proof of entrapment.
Entrapment is a legal defense that occurs when a law enforcement officer induces someone to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. It’s not entrapment if the officer simply provides an opportunity to commit a crime. However, it is entrapment if the officer uses coercion, harassment, or deception to provoke illegal action that wouldn’t have occurred otherwise.
Our attorneys explore this defense in detail in every Internet sting case. We analyze chat transcripts, messages, and the behavior of the officers involved to determine if entrapment occurred.
We believe everyone deserves a defense rooted in dignity, fairness, and aggressive legal strategy. Whether you’re a first-time offender or facing multiple charges, our team approaches each case with the same unwavering commitment to justice. We don’t judge—we fight, and we do so with the experience, resources, and dedication that have earned us the trust of clients across Michigan.
Yes. In Michigan, prosecutors may charge individuals based on online communications if they believe there was intent to commit a crime.
Even if someone lied about being 18, you can still face criminal charges if they were actually a minor—or a police decoy. This can be a powerful element of your defense.
Yes, law enforcement is legally allowed to conduct undercover stings. But if their actions crossed a line into entrapment or violated your constitutional rights, the charges could be challenged or dismissed.
Being charged in connection with an Internet sting is frightening, confusing, and potentially life-shattering. But you don’t have to face it alone. We provide aggressive, experienced legal defense to protect your rights and your future. We’re a trusted name in criminal defense across Southeast Michigan.
