You might think that sexting and sharing sexually explicit photos with someone else is harmless fun. You would be wrong about that. Especially in today’s online world, where you cannot verify with 100% certainty the identity and age of the people you are interacting with.
Legal consequences for minors
In Denver, minors who sext face significant legal risks. Colorado law says minors do not have the psychological and legal capacity to consent to sexting. Because of this strict law, minors who engage in sexting, even with other minors, can face felony charges for making, sharing or receiving explicit content. Possible consequences include:
- Class 6 felony: Having nude images of young people can lead to 12 to 18 months in jail.
- Class 4 felony: Having at least 20 nude images or one video can mean two to six years in jail.
- Class 3 felony: Making or sharing nude content of a young person can mean four to 12 years in jail.
These charges can also require minors to register as sex offenders, hurting their future and personal lives.
Legal consequences for adults
Adults in Denver also face considerable penalties for sexting, mainly when sharing nude content without consent. Called “revenge porn,” this act can lead to felony charges under Colorado’s revenge porn laws. Consequences include:
- Criminal charges: Sharing nude images without consent can lead to criminal charges and hefty fines.
- Civil lawsuits: Victims can sue for damages, asking for money for stress and harm to their name.
Knowing these legal risks can help you avoid serious legal consequences.
Protecting yourself
To avoid these severe consequences, it’s crucial to take these steps:
- Think before you share: Consider the risks before sharing nude content.
- Learn and educate: Know the laws about sexting and nude content in Denver and teach others about the risks.
- Ask a lawyer: Consider talking to a skilled lawyer to learn your rights and options.
By following these steps, you can keep yourself and others safe from the harmful effects of sexting and sharing nude content online.
Getting legal help
Sexting and sharing nude content online can have significant effects, both legally and personally. By knowing Denver’s laws and taking careful action, you can keep yourself and others safe from the serious consequences of sexting.