Sexting is Considered a Sex Crime in Colorado

A new texting craze has been sweeping Colorado and the nation, and very few parents and teens realize how serious it is.   Some teens have recently started using their cell phones to exchange nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves.   In Colorado, this practice can now be prosecuted as a sex crime.  In fact, teenage offenders may even be required to register themselves as a sex offender. 

Lawmakers in the state are doing their best to keep up with the impact of mobile technology on criminal law, by racing to change the provisions of the Colorado criminal code.  “Sexting”, as this is often called, is becoming a very serious issue, and one that could have a lasting impact on a teenager’s life.  If your teenagers are involved in a criminal action regarding sexting, contact a Denver criminal attorney to learn about your options.

Sexting is a Serious Crime

Many Colorado counties are beginning to realize that the offending teens don’t necessarily need prison time for this crime, nor do they need to be registered sex offenders.  What they really need is court-ordered counseling about the importance of respecting their own bodies and developing self-esteem.  However, several law enforcement agencies in the state are not hesitating to prosecute sexting offenders as criminals, because according to Colorado laws, sexting is considered child pornography.  Whenever nude photographs of a minor are distributed to others, the laws protecting children from pornography and exploitation come into play, making “sexting” very much a sex crime.  In fact, it is considered a felony, which means county prosecutors will be forced to treat them accordingly, whether they want to or not. 

Does Colorado Law Need to Change?

Currently, sexting legally falls under Colorado’s sexual offender laws, making the penalties pretty severe for what is considered a consensual act among minors.  No one wants to make sexting legally acceptable, but legal agencies need to realize how communication has changed among young people.  Instead of calling their friends or spending time with one another in person, many teens find themselves hiding behind the protective “shield” of text-messaging, social media and instant-messaging.  Using these means, they are able to project to one another an image of how they want to be perceived.  In fact, electronic messaging is the most common form of communication among teenagers.  While they definitely need to learn responsible, lawful communication skills, their preference for electronic communication may require some adaptation of the law.

If you are concerned about how a sexting charge may affect you or your teenager, contact a Denver criminal attorney today.