The Legal Consequences of Sexting Among Minors

In this article, you can discover:

• The serious legal implications of sexting for both minors and young adults.
• The misconception of harmlessness in sexting among teenagers is close in age.
• The differentiation in legal treatment between minors and 18-year-olds in sexting cases.

My Child Was Sexting Someone Under The Age Of 18, Can They Be Charged With A Criminal Offense?

Sexting among minors is a growing concern, with legal implications that can be serious. For instance, you might consider a scenario involving a 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl, where the boy sends a sexually explicit photo of himself to the girl.

In this case, both parties could face legal trouble. The boy, for being a minor who has distributed explicit content, and the girl, for possessing an explicit image of a minor despite being barely an adult herself.

It’s a common misconception that such actions are harmless, especially among teenagers close in age. However, once the content becomes a source of distress, or worse, reaches unintended viewers, the situation can escalate quickly and lead to legal intervention. Because of this, it’s crucial to note that while the legal system typically handles these cases under juvenile statutes for minors, 18-year-olds are tried in adult court.

Of course, parents often find themselves seeking legal advice to understand the potential ramifications of these situations for their children. However, the most important actions you can take are preventative. As such, both parents and children alike should be aware and cautious of the dangers of the digital age.

For more information on Sex Crimes Law In New Jersey, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (856) 499-8066 today.