Minors Charged with Sexting
The relatively new term, “sexting,” refers to the sending pornographic or sexually suggestive images through text message or email. Sexting is being taken very seriously by prosecutors and law enforcement officials throughout the country, including Utah. Young people accused of such an offense could be faced with significant penalties.
In some cases, people have even been charged with the distribution of child pornography (in cases where subject in the image is under the age of 18). For a teenager who was only trying to send a picture – often to a boyfriend or girlfriend – the implications of such a charge can be devastating. The possession or distribution of child pornography is a felony offense, which means that a person found guilty of sexting with pictures of a person under the age of 18, may have to register as a sex offender. This is true even if the defendant is also a minor.
You need a Salt Lake City juvenile defense lawyer who will take these charges seriously and has the experience to handle them effectively. Contact Salt Lake City sex crimes attorney M. Tyler Williams today to begin building a defense in your case.
Salt Lake City Juvenile Sexting Defense Lawyer
There are multiple aspects to the offense of sexting that can result in criminal charges. A teenager who has taken a nude or sexual photo of himself or herself could be charged with the manufacturing of child pornography. The person who receives the picture, if he or she keeps the image on a phone or computer, can be charged with the possession of child pornography. It does not matter whether either or both individuals are under 18 years of age.
Two teenagers who engage in sexting likely thought they were engaging in harmless fun, but could end up having their lives changed forever. In addition to the requirement to register as sex offenders, there may also be the possibility of fines and incarceration.
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If you or your College Student or Minor Child has been charged with a crime in Utah, do not talk to police, investigators, or the prosecutor assigned to your case. Contact Attorney Tyler Williams to fight for you.