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    Connecticut Sexting Lawyer

    If you are a minor facing allegations of possessing or transmitting child pornography, or if you are a parent of such a minor, a Connecticut sexting lawyer could go over your case with you, discuss potential defense strategies, and—once retained—work tirelessly to pursue a favorable case result on your behalf.

    Is Sexting a Criminal Offense in Connecticut?

    While possessing sexually explicit depictions of people under the age of 16 is a crime regardless of how old the possessor is, it is a less serious offense if it specifically arises in the context of two minors As per Connecticut General Statutes §53a-196h, if a person under 16 knowingly sends a sexually explicit picture of themselves via electronic communication to another person under 18, or if a person under 18 receives such an image through electronic means from a person under 16, either party may face charges of “possessing or transmitting child pornography by minor” rather than of “possessing child pornography.”

    Compared to the latter type of offense, which is always a felony regardless of the amount or type of illicit material possessed, the former is a lesser class A misdemeanor offense. Furthermore, since the defendant would be a minor, their case would typically proceed in juvenile court rather than adult criminal court, meaning they would generally not be subject to the one-year jail sentence and $2,000 fine that an adult convicted of a class A misdemeanor in Connecticut might face.

    However, juvenile court adjudications—the juvenile equivalent of a conviction—can still have serious consequences for minors that will last for years after they turn 18. Because of this, representation from a Connecticut sexting attorney may be critically important for anyone accused of this particular offense.

    Can I Contest Allegations of Illegal Sexting?

    There is only one affirmative defense established under state law to charges of child pornography possession by a minor, which also applies to charges of child pornography possession by an adult. Specifically, under C.G.S. §53a-196g, a person cannot be convicted of any child pornography possession offense if they never knowingly possessed more than three illicit images and, upon becoming aware of the images, immediately deleted or destroyed the images and reported them to law enforcement.

    Barring this, a sexting lawyer in Connecticut could advocate on a minor’s behalf both before and during juvenile court proceedings to ensure that a single mistake does not unfairly derail a young person’s life. Legal counsel could also provide crucial assistance mitigating potential penalties that could come from an adjudication or—if applicable—a conviction in adult criminal court.

    Talk to a Connecticut Sexting Attorney

    A Connecticut sexting lawyer could answer any questions you have and set you on the right course towards the best possible outcome to your case. Call today and read our hundreds of 5-atar reviews on avvo.com to learn more.