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Child pornography charges are extremely serious. The maximum sentence for possession or distribution of child pornography is five years in prison, and the accused also faces thousands of dollars in fines.
Child pornography laws typically target sexual predators who prey on children. However, with the way the laws are written, even consenting teens can be charged with child pornography-related charges for “sexting.”
As a result, a youthful mistake can ruin a teen’s life. A conviction for this type of charge often requires sex offender registration, which can affect where a person can live and work. For example, a registered sex offender who was convicted of an offense involving children may not be allowed to live within a certain distance of a school or park. In addition, this type of charge carries a stigma that can result in social ostracism.
Unfortunately, this is what several high school students face after “texting a sexually explicit video of their classmate,” according to an article in CBS Detroit.
The video reportedly shows a ninth grade girl dancing and taking off her clothes at a house party, where alcohol was allegedly present. The video was recorded with a cell phone, and it was shared via text from there.
Charges haven’t been filed against the students, but this is a possibility.
The superintendent of the school, William Grusecki, said that the girl and her parents were at the police station to discuss the situation.
Cases like these illustrate why it’s important for parents to talk to their teens about “sexting” (awkward as the conversation may be). Many teens are now finding themselves in the criminal justice system after doing something they didn’t even think was a crime.
If your teen has been charged with possession or distribution of child pornography, call the experienced sex crime defense lawyers at Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, APLC to get your questions answered.
