South Carolina § 16-15-340 - Luring a child; penalties.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-15-340 — Luring a child; penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-15-340. Luring a child; penalties.
(A) As used in this section, "child" means a person under sixteen years of age.
(B) A person eighteen years of age or older who, with the intent to harm a child or for any other unlawful purpose, lures, entices, or attempts to lure or entice a child, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(C) Mistake of age is not a defense to prosecution pursuant to the provisions of this section. However, it is an affirmative defense to prosecution pursuant to the provisions of this section if the:
(1) person lured, enticed, or attempted to lure or entice, the child for a lawful purpose; or
(2) person's actions were otherwise reasonable under the circumstances, and the person did not have the intent to harm the child.
(D) The penalties provided in this section are in addition to other penalties as provided by law for kidnapping or any other offense, as warranted. The offense of luring a child is not intended to be a lesser included offense of kidnapping or any other offense.
HISTORY: 2024 Act No. 213 (S.142), SECTION 5, eff July 2, 2024.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 16-15-340
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-15-340 cover?
Section 16-15-340 ("Luring a child; penalties.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 16-15-340?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-15-340" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 16-15-340 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.