The law against Luring a child is designed to protect minors from online sexual exploitation and applies even where the communication never results in a physical meeting. It is also not a defence that the person the accused was communicating with turned out to be an undercover officer.

To secure a conviction, the Crown must prove:

• The accused used a computer, cellphone, or other communication device

• Knowledge or belief that the contacted individual was under 18 (or recklessness/willful disregard that they were under 18).

• The purpose was to facilitate an offence such as sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, or making child pornography.

Luring can result in incarceration, registration on the national sex offender registry, and other long-term restrictive orders. These cases often rely on digital evidence such as text messages, chats, emails, or recorded calls, and many involve undercover law enforcement operations.

Every case is fact-specific, and an experienced criminal defence lawyer can help assess and present the most effective defence strategy. Because luring charge typically involve electronic evidence and Charter considerations, it is essential to have a lawyer experienced in this niche area of criminal law.