Most people living in the 2010s are familiar with the concept of sexting. Sexting, by definition, is the act of transmitting sexually explicit material between cell phones. Most often, sexting occurs when individuals send nude photographs of themselves through text messaging, but any lewd content sent through text messaging can also constitute sexting.

In a decade when almost everyone has a cell phone, sexting is a common occurrence, but many individuals in the state of Texas are unaware that sexting can get them into serious legal trouble, forcing many to seek the help of a Houston criminal defense attorney.

Many individuals who participate in sexting are under the age of 18. While one teenager sending another teenager an explicit photo or message sounds harmless, it is an offense punishable by law and may require legal advice from a Houston criminal defense attorney. By definition, the state of Texas defines the intentional possession of visual material depicting a child under 18 years of age engaging in sexual conduct as child pornography.

Consequently, when teenagers under the age of 18 send sexually explicit material, it is considered transmission of child pornography, a felony by state standards and punishable by up to 10 years of jail time. Furthermore, if teenagers under the age of 18 send sexually explicit material to individuals across state lines, it becomes a federal felony.

The damage caused by sexting does not end there. Many individuals who receive sexually explicit images of minors often forward them to share with friends, making the recipient of the forward message an unwitting participant in the transmission of child pornography and online solicitation of a minor. Unwitting or not, these recipients will also held accountable by Texas state law and in addition to jail time, they will be required to register as sex offenders. Preventing potential sex crime charges is simple: if underage, do not engage in sexting.

While preventing sexting may sound simple enough, it is not always the case. Parents and other individuals concerned that their loved ones may be engaging in unlawful activity with minors, even in the form of illicit images or text messages, should immediately contact a Houston criminal defense attorney to discuss the legal ramifications of sexting.

A Houston criminal defense attorney can provide the most accurate information on the topic, helping individuals to understand the consequences of their actions. Sexting does not only affect the sender and the recipient; if forwarded or shared in any way, unwitting individuals will be drawn in as participants.

Parties who have received illicit photographs of minors can also benefit from the council of a Houston criminal defense attorney. By enlisting legal advice, they can take large strides toward preventing legal action for a crime they did not intend to commit. Coming forward as a preventive measure can be difficult and perhaps even embarrassing, but it can also prevent a person from serving up to 10 years in prison.

Paul Darrow is a Houston criminal defense attorney who provides legal representation for individuals with felony and misdemeanor charges. He specializes in DWI, drug possession, intent to deliver or delivery of drugs, sexual offenses and assault cases in the Houston office of Darrow Law Firm. Many of his clients have never previously been charged with a felony or misdemeanor. To schedule a free consultation, contact Paul Darrow at (713) 641-5300 or visit www.pauldarrowlaw.com.