Coral Gables Sexting Lawyers: What You Need to Know

Sexting laws in Florida can be complicated, especially when it comes to minors. As a parent or someone who works with teens in Coral Gables, it’s important to understand the legal implications of sexting so you can better educate and protect the young people in your life.

What is Sexting?

First things first — what exactly is sexting?

Sexting refers to sending or receiving sexually explicit messages, images, or videos via mobile devices. This includes everything from suggestive selfies to nude photographs.

While sexting between consenting adults is generally legal, there are many gray areas when minors are involved. Certain types of sexting among teens can lead to child pornography charges.

Florida Sexting Laws for Minors

Florida has specific laws regarding sexting and minors under the age of 18. Here are some of the key statutes:

• F.S. 847.0141 – Prohibits sexting between minors (under 18), as well as sexting between a minor and an adult. Violations are first-degree misdemeanors.
• F.S. 775.0847 – Makes it a third-degree felony if a minor is coerced into sexting by an adult who has power over them. Examples include teachers, coaches, or employers.
• F.S. 847.0135(5) – Makes it a second-degree felony to possess or transmit child pornography, including sexually explicit images of minors.

As you can see, sexting among teens can potentially lead to child porn charges in Florida. Even consensual sexting between two high school students could result in criminal penalties.

Real-World Examples of Teen Sexting Cases

To understand how Florida’s sexting laws apply in real life, let’s look at two examples of teen sexting cases in Miami-Dade County:

1. High School Girl Charged for Sexting her Boyfriend

In 2015, a 16-year-old girl was charged with child porn possession after sexting her 17-year-old boyfriend[1]. She sent him topless photos of herself, which he then forwarded to his friends without her consent.

The boy was charged for transmitting the images. But the girl was also arrested for producing and sending child pornography — even though the photos were of herself.

2. Middle School Boys Face Felony Charges

In 2016, two 13-year-old boys were arrested on child porn charges for sexting with their girlfriends[2]. The boys exchanged nude photos with two different 12-year-old girls from their middle school.

All four minors were charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. The boys faced additional charges for transmission and could have been tried as adults.

As you can see, Florida prosecutors take teen sexting very seriously. Minors can face severe criminal penalties even for consensual exchanges within a relationship.

Defenses for Teen Sexting Cases

While sexting laws are strict when minors are involved, experienced criminal defense attorneys can often get charges reduced or dismissed. Here are some of the most common defenses:

• Lack of criminal intent – Minors may not have realized they were breaking the law. Their actions may have been foolish but not criminal.
• Coercion – One teen may have pressured or manipulated the other into sexting. This negates criminal intent.
• First time offense – No prior record can persuade prosecutors to drop or reduce charges, especially for very young teens.
• Unlawful search – Evidence may have been obtained through an illegal search of the teen’s phone. This can get evidence thrown out.

An adept lawyer will thoroughly analyze the context and circumstances around your teen’s sexting case when building a defense.

Finding the Right Sexting Lawyer in Coral Gables

If your child is facing sexting charges in Coral Gables or Miami-Dade County, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Here are two top-rated lawyers to consider:

Alfredo A. Izaguirre, P.A.

Alfredo Izaguirre is a former prosecutor turned criminal defense lawyer with over 25 years of experience[3]. He now specializes in defending minors accused of sex crimes, including sexting and solicitation.

Izaguirre takes an aggressive yet compassionate approach. He’s known for his ability to get charges reduced or dropped for first-time youth offenders. His office is located right in the heart of Coral Gables.

The Law Offices of Richard Ansara, P.A.

Richard Ansara is a board certified criminal trial lawyer who has successfully defended hundreds of sex crime cases during his career[4]. His firm specializes in sex offense charges involving minors.

Ansara has an in-depth understanding of Florida’s sexting and child pornography laws. He works relentlessly to protect his young clients’ futures. His office is located just outside Coral Gables in Pinecrest.

Talking to Your Kids About Sexting

As a parent or youth mentor, having open conversations about sexting is so important. Here are some tips:

• Explain that sexting is against the law for anyone under 18. Stress that it can lead to felony charges.
• Make sure kids know that once an image is sent, it’s out of their control. Warn them about revenge porn.
• Tell them not to give in to pressure or coercion from peers or adults.
• Remind teens that their choices today can impact college, jobs, and their future.
• Let them know they can always come to you if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable.

The more informed teens are about sexting laws and consequences, the less likely they’ll engage in risky behavior. But if they do make a mistake, skilled defense lawyers can still help protect their future.

Finding Empathetic Legal Guidance

Sexting cases involving minors are extremely complex. The laws are convoluted, and the consequences are severe. If your child is facing sexting charges, you need compassionate legal guidance you can trust.

The Coral Gables attorneys highlighted above have years of experience successfully defending teens in these difficult cases. They understand the nuances of Florida law and the importance of protecting a young person’s future.

Reach out for a free consultation to learn more about your defense options. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can help your child move forward while avoiding harsh penalties. There are always alternatives, even when the situation feels hopeless.