What Is the Offense of Unlawful Contact with a Minor in Pennsylvania?

Unlawful contact with a minor is a serious felony offense under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6318, and it is frequently charged in Luzerne County and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania following online sting operations or digital communications.

Under Pennsylvania law, a person commits unlawful contact with a minor if they intentionally contact a minor—or someone they believe to be a minor—for the purpose of engaging in certain prohibited conduct, including:

• Committing any criminal offense listed in Chapter 31 of Title 18 (sexual offenses)
• Prostitution
• Open lewdness
• Distributing obscene sexual materials
• Sexual exploitation of children
• Sexual abuse of children

These cases often arise from text messages, social media chats, dating apps, or online messaging platforms, and charges can be filed even if no physical meeting ever occurred.

A Physical Meeting Is Not Required

One of the most misunderstood aspects of unlawful contact with a minor cases in Pennsylvania is that no in-person meeting is required.

For example, if someone in Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, or Scranton sends explicit messages or images to a person they believe is under 18 and discusses meeting for a sexual purpose, that alone may be enough for charges—even if the meeting never happens.

Law enforcement agencies in Luzerne and surrounding counties frequently rely on digital evidence alone to support these cases.

The “Minor” Does Not Have to Be Underage

Despite the name of the offense, an actual minor is not required.

Many unlawful contact cases in Northeastern Pennsylvania stem from undercover sting operations, where a police officer poses online as a minor. If a person believes they are communicating with a 13- or 14-year-old and engages in sexually explicit communication or solicitation, charges may still be filed—even though no child was involved.

This makes early legal intervention critical, as these cases often involve constitutional issues, entrapment defenses, and challenges to intent.

Penalties for Unlawful Contact with a Minor in Pennsylvania

Unlawful contact with a minor is typically graded as a felony of the third degree, punishable by:

• Up to 7 years in state prison
• Significant fines
• Sex offender registration requirements
• Long-term consequences affecting employment, housing, and reputation

In Luzerne County courts, these cases are aggressively prosecuted, and collateral consequences can follow a person for life—even if no physical contact ever occurred.

Why You Need a Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately

If you are being investigated or charged with unlawful contact with a minor in Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, or anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, what you do next matters.

These cases often hinge on:

• The intent behind the communication
• How evidence was obtained
• Whether law enforcement exceeded legal boundaries
• Whether defenses such as lack of intent or entrapment apply

Contact Sklarosky Law Today

At Sklarosky Law, we defend individuals facing serious criminal charges throughout Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. We understand the local courts, prosecutors, and the high stakes involved in sex-related offenses.

If you or a loved one is facing unlawful contact with a minor charges, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney.

Call (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today.