Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Undercover Online

Yes i was wondering if it is legal in my area to go online and pose as a underage girl and get the information i get and turn it over to police and is it also legal for me to make a citizens arrest.I am not a police officer just a civilian and i am a adult male.I would like to help get some of the bad guys off the computer.I have heard of other people doing this and just like to know if it is legal for me to do the same.Thanks


Asked on 10/21/04, 1:21 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Undercover Online

The trouble with your idea is that there are already untold numbers of real cops sitting in front of terminals, posing as underage minors in chat rooms (and probably eating donuts as they do so). Aside from the saturation factor -- there are probably more undercover cops, and wannabe cops, in chat rooms than there were undercover FBI agents in Communist party meetings in the 1950's -- you could wind up in a chat with an officer who might take some comment of yours the wrong way and bust you.

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Answered on 10/21/04, 11:25 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Undercover Online

The activity you've proposed is not for dilettantes or cybercop wannabees; best leave this kind of law enforcement exercise to the professionals.

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Answered on 10/21/04, 5:57 pm


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