Sexting with a minor can lead to major issues and criminal charges at both the state and federal level as it may be considered child pornography.
In Florida, the age of consent for sexual acts is 18 years old. However, under Florida Statute 943.04354, the “Romeo and Juliet” provision allows a minor who is age 16 or 17 to legally consent to sexual activity with someone between the ages of 16 and 23. Despite the allowance of older minors to engage in sexual activity with adults under 24, if an adult between 18 and 23 engages in sexting with a minor and receives nude or sexual photos, it can be considered possession of child pornography.
Federal law considers child pornography anything below the age of 18, regardless of the age of consent in any given state. Additionally, the transmission of sexually explicit images sent between minors may also qualify as child pornography, although it may be punishable by a lesser sentence.
The charge of child pornography is among the most serious a person can face and is a federal felony. If you are facing child pornography charges, contact a child pornography attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm immediately.