Stamford Sexting Lawyer
If you or your child are dealing with allegations of criminal “sexting,” getting help from an experienced child pornography attorney may be crucial to preserving your or your child’s future. A Stamford sexting lawyer who understands how these cases often work could explain your legal options to you and help pursue the best possible resolution for your unique circumstances.
When Is Sexting a Criminal Offense?
According to Connecticut General Statutes §53a-196h, it is illegal for a person to knowingly possess any photo or video of a minor under 16 engaging in explicit sexual conduct that the depicted minor sent them “knowingly and voluntarily” via any “electronic communication device.” The same section of state law also criminalizes the reverse situation—namely, a person under 16 knowingly and voluntarily sending an explicit photo or video of themselves to another person under 18.
What Are the Defenses to Sexting Charges?
To be clear, sexting is not a criminal offense in the state of Connecticut if it only involves consenting parties who are all over the age of 18. Furthermore, the affirmative defenses to child pornography charges codified in C.G.S. §53a-196g also apply to charges of possessing or transmitting child pornography by a minor.
Accordingly, it may be possible to invalidate sexting allegations by showing that the defendant possessed less than three illicit images without knowingly soliciting them, and that they immediately reported the images to law enforcement and removed them from their own device after discovering them. A Stamford sexting attorney could discuss whether this affirmative defense could apply to a particular situation, or whether a different defense strategy would be more appropriate.
What Are The Consequences of a Sexting Conviction?
C.G.S. §53a-196h defines sexting between minors as a Class A misdemeanor offense, meaning that a conviction could ostensibly result in punishments of up to a year in jail, a $2,000 fine, and potentially mandatory sex offender registration. Importantly, these consequences are significantly less severe than the equivalent sanctions an adult might face for child pornography possession, and minors accused of this offense generally will have their cases heard in juvenile court rather than adult criminal court.
That being said, allegations of child pornography possession of any kind can still have an immensely negative impact on a teenager’s personal life even if their case does not ultimately end with a conviction. If they are convicted, their juvenile record could significantly limit their options when it comes to job opportunities, college applications, and even where they are allowed to live. Because of this, retaining a skilled lawyer as soon as possible should be a priority for anyone facing—or anyone whose child is facing—sexting allegations in Stamford.
Seek Help from a Stamford Sexting Attorney Today
Sexting is taken extremely seriously in Connecticut. If you are facing charges, call a Stamford sexting lawyer today to discuss your legal options. Head over to avvo.com to learn more from past clients about how a lawyer can help you.