Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to post and share pictures and videos online. Unfortunately, this ease can lead to poor judgment and oversharing, especially for minors. If a minor shares nude photos or sexual videos via social media, they risk being charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Since these photos and videos can be shared instantly, teens often do not consider the consequences of their actions. However, sharing and receiving compromising photos and videos of themselves and other teens could have long-term consequences that impact their future.
Common Types of Teen Child Pornography Cases
When teens share nude photos or videos via text or social media, the participants fall into one of two categories: voluntary and involuntary participation.
Voluntary Participation
Often, teens will share intimate pictures and videos of themselves with a romantic partner. While the person creating the image or video does so voluntarily, it is still a crime. When a minor creates and shares a pornographic image or video via text, Snapchat, Instagram, or other messaging platform, they are distributing child pornography. Therefore, not only is the creator of the image or video committing a crime, so are the individuals that receive and hold it. While there are different penalties for producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography, all of these acts are felonies.
Involuntary Participation
Sometimes, the subject of a pornographic image or video is an unwilling participant. In these cases, a photo or video of a minor has been taken without their consent. An example of this is if a teen takes and posts a secretive photo of a peer undressing in a locker room. Depending on the subject’s state of undress, the photographer could either be breaking Louisiana privacy laws or producing child pornography.
Long-Term Consequences of a Child Pornography Conviction in Louisiana
A child pornography conviction can profoundly impact a teenager’s future. The minimum mandatory prison sentence for possessing, distributing, or producing child pornography in Louisiana is five years. However, longer sentences and steep fines are possible. In addition to prison time, the teen will also become a registered sex offender.
Registered sex offenders often have difficulties finding employment and housing. Being a registered sex offender also carries a lifelog stigma that can be difficult to overcome in relationships. After being arrested for child pornography in Louisiana, it is critical to seek the help of an experienced attorney.
Contact an Experienced Louisiana Juvenile Defense Attorney
If your child is facing a child pornography charge, their future is at stake, and it is critical to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Attorney Eric Johnson of the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has over 25 years of legal experience and knows how to create a viable and robust defense strategy. Juvenile offense attorney Johnson also has experience negotiating with prosecutors to potentially lower charges and penalties.
When working with Attorney Johnson, you can rest assured that he has your child’s best interests at heart. Call our office today at (318) 377-1555 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.