In Larimer County, Colorado, it is a crime for two teenagers to engage in “sexting,” or exchanging private images with one another. Posting, Possession, or Exchange of a Private Image by a Juvenile, C.R.S. 18-7-109, prohibits juveniles / teenagers from having, sharing, or posting nude images of themselves or other teens. While this law makes it illegal for a teen to share another’s private image without consent, it also makes it a crime for two teenagers to consensually exchange private images with each other. Below, our top criminal defense lawyers explore the following topics related to juvenile sexting:
Navigate this blog:2. What are the Penalties for Posting, Possession, or Exchange at the Larimer County Courts? 3. Why Hire a Top Criminal Defense Lawyer for My Child in Loveland? |
1. Posting, Possession, or Exchange of a Private Image by a Juvenile, C.R.S. 18-7-109 in Fort Collins, Colorado
In Fort Collins, Colorado, the definition of Posting, Possession, or Exchange of a Private Image by a Juvenile, C.R.S. 18-7-109, as it relates to consensual sexting, is as follows:
(a) Knowingly sends a sexually explicit image or images of himself or herself to another person who is at least fourteen years of age or is less than four years younger than the juvenile, and the image or images depict only the sender and no other person and the sender reasonably believed that the recipient had solicited or otherwise agreed to the transmittal of the image or images.
(b) Knowingly possess a sexually explicit image or images of another person who is at least fourteen years of age or is less than four years younger than the juvenile, and the image or images depict only the sender and no other person and the juvenile reasonably believed that the depicted person had transmitted the image or images or otherwise agreed to the transmittal of the image or images.
This offense is charged when two teens agree to exchanging private images with each other. In other words, Colorado law expressly prohibits the act of teenagers sharing nude photos of themselves with each other, even when they both consented to it.
2. What are the Penalties for Posting, Possession, or Exchange at the Larimer County Courts?
When charged for consensual sexting, Posting, Possession, or Exchange of a Private Image by a Juvenile is a civil infraction at the Larimer County Courts. Penalties for a civil infraction include a maximum $100 fine – no incarceration. In addition to this fine, a juvenile adjudicated of this offense for consensual sexting will be sentenced to a program created by the school safety resource center. This program is intended to educate juveniles on the risks and consequences of sexting / exchanging private images. If the juvenile does not pay this fine or participate in the program, the judge may impose additional penalties.
3. Why Hire a Top Criminal Defense Lawyer for My Child in Loveland?
If your child has been charged with Posting, Possession, or Exchange in Loveland, it is wise to hire a top criminal defense lawyer for your child. While this offense is relatively minor and entails fewer consequences than other crimes, your child still needs a lawyer to represent him or her at the Juvenile Court. Your child’s lawyer will ensure that the consequences remain as minimal as possible. Without quality representation, he could face additional penalties that he doesn’t deserve. Don’t wait, and call the best lawyer with decades of experience representing juveniles at the Larimer County Courts today.
Has your child been charged with Posting, Possession, or Exchange of a Private Image by a Juvenile? Help your child to be smart and not talk to law enforcement. Then call (970) 658-0007 to discuss your child’s case with an experienced criminal defense lawyer today. Together, we can protect your child’s future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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