Can Sending Nudes Lead to Sex Crime Charges?

When you are charged with a sex crime, it is important to be aware that all of your actions on the internet can be seen by law enforcement. Every Google search, every picture you comment on, and every post you share can be used by the prosecution to attempt to demonstrate guilt.

While “sexting” is a risk regardless of how old you are, Wisconsin laws dictate that sharing nude or sexually suggestive pictures of a minor are felony offenses. This means that you could be convicted of child pornography, sexual exploitation of a child, and/or causing harm to a child even if you are the subject of the picture you sent.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Cohen Law Offices are committed to empowering you with information about what is and is not acceptable to share online. If you have been charged with crimes related to creating, sending, or viewing sexually explicit pictures of a minor, please call Cohen Law Offices today at (715) 643-8778 or contact us online.

Sending and Receiving Sexually Explicit Pictures - Potential Penalties for Minors

“Sexting” refers to sexually explicit images sent via digital mediums such as text messages, social media posts, and emails. In Wisconsin, sexting laws are exceptionally unforgiving. While some states may prosecute sexting between two minors less severely than between a minor and an adult, this is not true in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, you can be charged and convicted of child pornography even if you are a minor. An experienced sexual assault attorney can help you navigate these sensitive charges and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Because Wisconsin’s child pornography laws dictate that it is illegal to possess or view a visual depiction of a child engaged in sexual conduct, sexting between two or more minors may lead to child pornography charges for all parties involved. Penalties for minors are variable as juvenile court judges have greater discretion than their adult criminal justice system counterparts. If convicted, you may face up to $10,000 in fines and up to 3.5 years in custody. With that being said, the variable nature of sentencing in juvenile courts means that your charges may be reduced or even dismissed with the help of a skilled attorney.

Potential Penalties for Adults

Legal consequences for adults convicted of these charges are more severe. Possession or viewing of child pornography is a serious offense that can lead to a fine of up to $100,000, up to 20 years in prison, and sex offender registration. Repeat offenders may face increased penalties. In addition, if you send a sexually explicit image to a minor between the ages of 13 and 18, you may face a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 6 years in prison. If the minor is under the age of 13, you could face fines of up to $25,000 and up to 12.5 years in prison. Additionally, depending on the facts of a case, and the charge, there may be a mandatory minimum prison sentence as a penalty.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are currently pending any of the above charges, do not wait to contact an experienced sexual-assault attorney. For a free case evaluation and consultation with a skilled criminal defense lawyer, please call Cohen Law Offices today at (715) 317-5207 or contact us online.