Can a Minor Be Charged With a Cybersex Crime?
As more minors are active online, there has been an increase in the number of children involved in cybersex activities. As more of these types of cases are being investigated, it is important to know that a minor can be charged with a cybersex crime.
If your child is being investigated for any sex crime, it is important to understand the implications of their case as someone who isn’t of legal age yet. As parents, it is difficult to watch your child deal with the challenges of the legal system, but your expert sex crime defense attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm will work diligently to achieve the most favorable outcome.
Understanding Cybersex Crimes
There is a wide range of offenses that are considered cybersex crimes. These may include, but are not limited to:
Online Solicitation of Minors
Online solicitation of other minors involves enticing, luring, or soliciting minors to engage in sexual activities over the Internet. This can be done through the use of social media platforms, chat rooms, or messaging apps.
Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography
Minors can be involved in the production, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit material involving individuals under the age of 18. This includes sharing explicit images or videos of themselves or others.
Sexual Extortion
Minors could face a charge of sextortion, a form of blackmail where sexual favors are demanded in exchange for not revealing compromising images or information.
Can a Minor Be Charged With a Cybersex Crime?
The question of whether a minor can be charged with a cybersex crime hinges on several factors, including the nature of the offense, the age of the minor, and their level of intent and culpability. While minors are afforded certain protections under the law due to their not being of legal age, they are not immune to prosecution if their actions violate statutory provisions.
Legal Ramifications and Consequences
If a minor is charged with a cybersex crime in Florida, they may be subject to various legal repercussions, including:
Juvenile Court Proceedings
Minors accused of cybersex crimes are typically tried in juvenile court, where a focus could be on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, serious offenses may still lead to incarceration in a juvenile detention facility.
Sex Offender Registration
In cases involving serious cybersex crimes, minors may be required to register as sex offenders, which can have long-term consequences on their personal and professional lives, including restrictions on where they can live and work.
Psychological Assessment and Treatment
Courts may order minors charged with cybersex crimes to undergo psychological evaluation and participate in treatment programs aimed at addressing underlying issues such as sexual deviance, internet addiction, treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, or impulse control.
Your sex crime defense attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm will thoroughly assess the details of your child’s case to determine the most effective defense strategy for them.
The Rickman Law Firm Will Fight to Protect Your Child’s Rights
If your child is facing a cybersex crime charge, we will work to ensure that they are protected. As a leading criminal defense law firm in Tampa, the team at The Rickman Law Firm has over 40 years of experience in defending a wide range of cases
For a free case consultation, contact The Rickman Law Firm, a top criminal defense law firm in Tampa, at (813) 370-1185 or fill out the consultation form on our website.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.