UConn Sexting Lawyer
If you or your child were charged with violating Connecticut’s sexting laws, seeking representation from a sex crimes attorney who is familiar with this unique type of case could be key to preserving your best interests. A knowledgeable UConn sexting lawyer could explain how law enforcement authorities treat this offense, what sanctions a guilty finding could lead to, and how you could effectively pursue the best possible case resolution.
When Is Sexting Considered a Criminal Offense?
Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-196h, is unlawful for a person under 18 to knowingly possess any sexually explicit visual depiction of a person under 16 sent to them via electronic means by the depicted person. Likewise, it is illegal under this statute for a person under 16 to take a sexually explicit photo or video of themselves and send it via text message to another person under 18. A UConn attorney could explain the laws regarding sexting in more detail and how they might apply in a particular situation.
Minimizing Potential Consequences for a Sexting Charge
While underage sexting is technically a child pornography offense, it is not treated nearly as severely as child pornography offenses committed by adults. Rather than a serious felony offense, possessing or transmitting child pornography by minor is a class A misdemeanor. This means the maximum penalties someone tried as an adult could face for a conviction would be $2,000 in fines and a one-year jail term.
Since this particular offense can only be committed by a minor, it is rare for someone charged with sexting to face prosecution in adult criminal court. Instead, they are much more likely to have their case proceed through juvenile court, where an adjudication of guilt might lead to sanctions like a formal warning, probation, smaller fines, and a maximum of 18 months in a juvenile detention facility.
Still, a juvenile criminal record can have serious repercussions when it comes to a young person’s educational and occupational opportunities, and repeated offenses may lead to increasingly harsher penalties. A qualified lawyer could be a key source of support for anyone accused of a sexting offense at UConn, especially if this is the first time they have been accused of violating state law.
Speak with a UConn Sexting Attorney Today
Unsurprisingly, criminal sexting allegations tend to make for procedurally complex cases, particularly for minors who are unfamiliar with how the criminal justice system works. Fortunately, one of our capable UConn sexting lawyers at Mark Sherman Law could work diligently on your behalf to protect your rights and interests, and provide much-needed guidance about what steps you could take to preserve your or your child’s future. Click here to read our over 300 certified client reviews on Avvo.com, and call today to schedule your confidential consultation.