Sexting Laws in New Jersey

Sexting is sending nude or sexually explicit photos by minors through their phones. New Jersey has legislation that deals with teen sexting. The legislation allows minors engaging in sexting for the first time to avoid prosecution under the State of New Jersey’s child pornography laws.

Juveniles caught using their cell phones to send sexually explicit photos must attend an education program designed by the state. This program educates juveniles about the dangers of sending sexually explicit photos. The juvenile learns about state and federal legal consequences and penalties associated with sexting. A teen is generally not eligible to attend the educational program if it is not a first offense.

Sexting in New Jersey – Laws and Penalties

Under the New Jersey Endangering Welfare of Children Statute, it is a crime to:

• Allow a child to be involved in sexual acts or film or photograph a child in a sexual act.
• Deliberately receive or sell, distribute, transfer, publish, exhibit any photo of a child engaging in a sexual act.
• Deliberately view or procure any photo of a child engaging in a sexual act through the internet.

Conviction may result in 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $150,000. In case of possessing sexually explicit material, a person may face up to 18 months in jail and a fine. The offender will need to register as sex offender.

Sex Crime Defense Lawyer in New Jersey

If you have been arrested, charged or think you are going to be charged with a sex crime in NJ, you need to speak with NJ sex crime defense lawyer Joel Silberman. Attorney Silberman is an experienced criminal defense lawyer, and has served as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. During this time Joel litigated felony and juvenile cases and appeared before the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division. Call 201-420-1913 or Email joel@joelsilbermanlaw.com to schedule an appointment with Attorney Silberman.