Can Teens Be Charged With Child Pornography?

Sexting is defined as sending sexually explicit messages or images to another person. You may be surprised to learn how many teenagers do this. 24% of teenagers ages 14-17 report they have participated in nude sexting.
Other sexting statistics include:

• 17% of sexters share the explicit content they are sent with other people
• Sending nude photos is more common among girls
• 61% of teenage sexters admit they were pressured to do it at least once
• 70% of sexting happens between people who are in a relationship

You may face charges for child pornography if you:

• Persuade or coerce a minor to engage in sexual conduct on camera
• Possess pornographic materials depicting minors in compromising situations meant for sexual gratification
• Allow your child to engage in child pornography
• Promote child pornography by selling, distributing, or publishing the content

The laws do not state any age exemptions for teenagers. Therefore, a teenager can be charged with child pornography, even if they are minors themselves. There are also no exemptions for teenagers in relationships. Anyone who has sexually explicit content of a minor can face criminal charges.

It is also important to note that even though the age of consent in Kansas is 16, child pornography involves anyone under 18 years old.

Teenagers can face serious criminal penalties for child pornography offenses. Most first-time convictions have mandatory minimum sentences.

If found guilty of producing child pornography, you would be sentenced to 15 years in prison.
If found guilty of distributing, receiving, or possessing child pornography, you would be sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Another significant consequence of being convicted of a sex crime is the sex offender registration requirement. While not all states require teenagers to register as sex offenders, Kansas does. If found guilty of a sex offense, teenagers must be registered as sex offenders until they are 18 years old or until 5 years have passed since they were adjudicated guilty.

Teenagers are unable to evaluate risk in the same way that adults do. Because of this, they often find themselves in trouble because they didn’t consider the consequences of their actions. This is especially true online, where everything feels more private than it is. If your teenager is facing criminal charges for child pornography, contact SRC Law Group today. Our team, consisting of experienced attorneys Phil Stein, Adam Chingren, and Ashley E. Repp, wants to help fight for your child’s future.

Phil Stein, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Phil Stein's extensive background in serious and complex criminal matters began during his time as an Assistant District Attorney at the Johnson County District Attorney's Office. There, he prosecuted domestic violence and juvenile offender cases for two years before being promoted to the Sex Crimes Division. As an attorney in the sex crimes unit for over five years, Phil was responsible for charging and prosecuting major felony cases, including those involving sex crimes and homicides. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances associated with prosecuting and defending such cases.

Throughout his career, Phil has honed his expertise in analyzing forensic evidence, which is a critical aspect of many criminal cases, including child pornography charges. His proficiency in interpreting and assessing DNA evidence, toxicology reports, ballistics, and computer/phone forensics enables him to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case and develop strong defense strategies for his clients. This comprehensive approach to examining evidence ensures that Phil is well-equipped to aggressively defend those accused of crimes, including child pornography charges.

Furthermore, Phil's positive professional relationships with law enforcement and prosecutors serve as a significant advantage in securing the best representation possible for your teenager. These relationships enable him to facilitate open communication and effective negotiation with the opposing side, which can be crucial in reaching favorable outcomes for his clients. His reputation as a knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled attorney ensures that your teenager's case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and care. With Phil Stein's background, expertise, and connections, you can trust that your teenager will receive the highest quality legal representation in their child pornography case.

Adam Chingren, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Adam Chingren, a founding attorney at SRC Law Group, brings a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system to his clients' defense. With a strong foundation in civil litigation, specifically family law, he has honed his skills in drafting pleadings, conducting depositions, and navigating trials. This experience has shaped him into a highly capable attorney who is well-prepared to handle the complexities of child pornography cases.

Working for the Office of the Public Defender for the 10th Judicial District of Kansas in Johnson County, Adam represented clients in over 500 felony cases, ranging from DUI to off-grid sex crimes and first-degree murder. This breadth of experience has given him unique insights into the nuances of the criminal legal system, ensuring that his clients receive the best possible representation. Adam's dedication to his clients is demonstrated by his successful track record in arguing cases at various levels of the legal system, including District court and the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Adam Chingren's exceptional performance has been recognized by the legal community, as evidenced by his national ranking as Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys in 2019 and 2020. This prestigious accolade further establishes his credibility as a highly skilled and dedicated attorney who is well-suited to defend your teenager against child pornography charges.

In choosing Adam Chingren to represent your teenager, you are securing a legal advocate with a wealth of experience, proven trial skills, and an unwavering commitment to his clients. His in-depth knowledge of criminal cases, coupled with his ability to navigate the legal system, will be invaluable in building a strong defense for your child. Trust in Adam Chingren and the SRC Law Group to provide the best possible representation for your teenager's future.

Ashley E. Repp, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Ashley E. Repp, a founding criminal defense attorney at SRC Law Group, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her clients' cases. Her commitment to providing exceptional legal representation is demonstrated by her background in handling sex-related offenses and crimes against children.

During her tenure as an assistant prosecutor in Platte County and Clay County, Missouri, Ashley specialized in sex-related offenses and crimes against children. This specialization provided her with invaluable insights into the prosecution's strategies and tactics in these sensitive cases. Her experience in this field has also given her a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities involved in defending clients accused of sex-related offenses, including child pornography charges.

Ashley's commitment to her clients is further evidenced by her specialized training in forensic interviewing, a skill that can be critical in gathering information and evidence in sex-related cases. By becoming a certified forensic interviewer, Ashley has honed her ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, and experts, enabling her to build strong defense strategies that take into account all aspects of a case.

In addition to her experience in sex-related offenses, Ashley prides herself on maintaining excellent client communication and organization throughout the legal process. She understands that facing criminal charges can be an incredibly stressful and emotional experience for both the accused and their families, and she works tirelessly to ensure that her clients are well-informed and supported at every stage of the legal process.

Ashley's dedication, organization, and experience in sex-related offenses make her an invaluable asset to your teenager's legal representation. Her unique background and skills ensure that she can identify and address the nuances of your teenager's case, creating a tailored defense strategy that maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome.

When you entrust Ashley E. Repp with your teenager's defense, you can be confident that she will use her expertise in sex-related offenses, her dedication to her clients, and her organizational skills to build the strongest possible case on your child's behalf. Her unwavering commitment to protecting her clients' rights and fighting for their future makes her an essential part of the SRC Law Group team and an ideal choice for representing your teenager in a child pornography case.