“Sexting,” which can involve sending both sexual texts and lewd photos or videos through text messages, isn't always just a harmless flirtatious behavior among romantic partners. There are various ways that sexting can result in criminal charges.

You likely already understand that sexting with a minor as an adult is against the law in New Jersey. However, some don't realize that juveniles can face charges for engaging in sexting (even with each other), depending on the nature of the content they send.

Understanding how sexting can lead to criminal charges for a minor in New Jersey can help young people avoid getting into trouble. That said, if you or your child already face charges for sexting crimes, our Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is available to serve your needs at this time. Learn more about how we can help defend against sexting charges in New Jersey by submitting your information via our online contact form or by calling our offices today at 888-535-3686.

How Sexting as a Juvenile Can Get Someone in Trouble in New Jersey

A juvenile engaging in sexting may send lewd images or videos. If these images or videos contain sexual depictions of children, they may be charged with a violation of New Jersey's Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Pornography) law.

According to the law, “Any person who knowingly possesses or knowingly views any photograph, film, videotape, computer program or file, video game or any other reproduction or reconstruction which depicts a child engaging in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act is guilty of a crime.”

The following theoretical scenarios indicate situations in which a juvenile might face charges for sexting under the above law:

• An older teen receives sexually explicit images from a younger teen they're dating. Depending on how they proceed, this could be interpreted as possession of child pornography. If the age gap between the teen who received the messages and the teen who sent them is relatively significant, the prosecution may be inclined to pursue harsh penalties.
• A teen possesses sexually explicit images of another classmate. Already, this could lead to charges. They may face even more significant trouble if they send these images to other classmates or peers. There's also the possibility of accidental dissemination, in which a teen's device gets hacked, stolen, or someone else otherwise accesses and disseminates the images.
• A juvenile sexting another juvenile or a romantic partner convinces them to create and send sexually explicit images. This could be seen as attempting to coerce a minor into appearing in child pornography.

The above are just examples. They highlight merely some of the ways juveniles can get into criminal trouble for sexting in New Jersey, even if the sexting was technically consensual and involved romantic partners. Although counseling options are sometimes available to juveniles accused of such crimes, depending on the details of a case, a teen charged with these crimes could face penalties that may follow them for years.

Accused of a Crime After Sexting as a Juvenile? Get Help With Your Case

At the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team, we know that it can be very stressful when you or your child is accused of sex crimes due to engaging in sexting as a juvenile. We'll help you during this challenging time by providing the defense you deserve. Get started today by submitting your case information through our online form or by calling our offices at 888-535-3686.