Sexting in New Jersey: Is It A Big Deal?

After spending days endlessly swiping on dating apps, you’re finally matched with the girl of your dreams. Or so you thought. You two have been talking for a few weeks now, but haven’t found time to actually meet in person yet. That’s okay though because you have been sending selfies back and forth between each other to make up for it.

Day after day, you two seem to be hitting it off even more. The selfies then turn into pictures that are a little more revealing than just a smile. Then all of a sudden you get a knock on the door. It’s the police. They’re placing you under arrest for child pornography. It turns out the “girl of your dreams” was actually 16 – not the age she was in her dating app profile.

• Does this situation sound all too familiar? It should. This type of sexting happens all the time in New Jersey and across the United States.

Sexting is the act of sending or receiving nude or sexually explicit images or videos through an electronic device such as a smartphone or computer. While usually associated with teenagers and young adults, the popularity and convenience of these electronic devices have resulted in sexting even among older adults. Sexting is often consensual between two parties in a couple. However, there are some situations that sexting can be considered a criminal act.

Sexting can easily cross over into criminal activity under the right circumstances. The main concerns for sexting are not unlike the physical, real-life versions of sex crimes. Here are some situations in which sexting is illegal:

• Revenge Pornography: The act of sharing nude photos without a person’s consent on a mass or minor scale. This can fall under New Jersey’s laws regarding the invasion of privacy. This can carry a penalty with a maximum fine of $30,000.
• Sexual Harassment: Sending sexually explicit images or videos to a non-consenting party, intentionally or unintentionally, can be classified as lewd behavior or sexual harassment.
• Child Pornography: Sending or receiving sexually explicit photos from a minor can be classified as child pornography. This charge can happen to anyone but often happens to teen couples with a very small age difference.

There are many ways that sexting can go wrong. While it is generally harmless, if caught on the wrong end of a misunderstanding, simply sending the wrong message to the wrong recipient could land a person with a severely damaged record and reputation.

Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone Today

You might not realize the serious nature of sexting and what it means to your future. If you find yourself facing criminal charges because of something you thought wasn’t so serious, you are going to need expert legal advice. At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we will sit down with you and discuss your options concerning a criminal defense. Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.

CALL NOW 201-829-3829