Maryland Sexting Laws
Sexting is the sending of nude, suggestive, or sexually explicit photos by electronic means, usually by cell phone. While some states have enacted criminal laws specifically against sexting, Maryland has not. In states like Maryland that have no specific legislation, sexting is usually prosecuted under child pornography laws, which are intended to severely punish adults who exploit children. In Maryland, teens, as well as adults, who engage in sexting can be prosecuted and punished for child pornography and a variety of related crimes. If you, or your child, are facing sexting charges in Maryland you need the help of an experienced sex crimes attorney serving the Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Glen Burnie and Towson areas.
Do not hesitate to contact Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney John G. Turnbull III to discuss your case. Dial (410) 321-8860 for a free initial consultation. Mr. Turnbull possesses a wealth of experience defending those accused of sex crimes in Maryland. He serves those with legal needs in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard County, Maryland.
Sexting Defined
Sexting is thought to be common among teenagers (some estimates say as many as one in five teens have sexted photos of themselves to others), but it is illegal if the person depicted is under the age of 18. In contrast, the consensual, non-commercial, and private sending of sexually explicit photos by adults to adults is generally permitted.
Sexting has proved challenging for parents, courts, and schools to address. On the one hand, teens often take and send the photos themselves, as a sort of voluntary self-exploitation, and most people agree that teens should not be subject to harsh criminal punishment based on what is generally adolescent foolishness. On the other hand, subsequent distribution of the pictures can cause distress and humiliation, and sexted images could fall into the hands of child predators.
Possession of Sexually Explicit Material
In Maryland, it is a crime for anyone to possess and retain (receive and keep) an image or video of a child under the age of 16 engaged in sexual conduct or in a state of sexual excitement. Sexual conduct includes sex, oral sex, masturbation, or any touching or contact with the private areas of the body, including a woman’s breasts. For example, if a 15-year-old girl sends a sexually explicit photo of herself to her boyfriend via text message and he keeps the image on his phone, he could be convicted of possession of sexually explicit material.
(Md. Ann. [Crim. Law] Code §§ 11-101, 11-208.)
Sharing Obscene Material With a Minor
In Maryland, it is also a crime to show or send a minor (a person under the age of 18) nude or sexually suggestive photos or images of people. If, for example, an 18-year-old texts a nude photo to his 17-year-old girlfriend, he could be convicted under this law. (Md. Ann. [Crim. Law] Code § 11-203.)
Child Pornography Laws In Maryland
Child pornography is the most serious crime that could be used against teens engaged in sexting. Under Maryland’s laws, a person commits the crime of child pornography by causing, luring, or allowing a child under the age of 18 to be photographed engaging in sexual conduct. It is also a crime to distribute or produce child pornography. Given the harsh penalties for child pornography, teens that engage in sexting may be more likely to be prosecuted for other crimes in Maryland (explained above).
(Md. Ann. [Crim. Law] Code §§ 11-101, 11-207.)
Sex Crime Defenses In Maryland
Under Maryland’s law, it is a defense to a charge of possession of sexually explicit material that the defendant promptly destroyed the image or video and notified a law enforcement officer. (Md. Ann. [Crim. Law] Code § 11-208.)
Harassment and Bullying
As the number of teenagers who have cell phones and use social media has risen, there has also been a corresponding rise in online harassment and cyber-bullying. Insults, taunts, and private photos can now be quickly shared or made public. Depending on the circumstances, a person who distributes or publishes nude photos of a teenager could be charged with harassment, and students can be suspended or expelled for violating their school’s anti-bullying policy.
Penalties If Convicted Of A Sex Offense In Maryland
Teens under the age of 18 who are charged with a crime generally fall under the jurisdiction of Maryland’s juvenile justice system. As a general rule, juvenile justice systems focus more on rehabilitation and treatment than the adult criminal justice system, but that does not mean that a teen convicted of a crime cannot end up incarcerated in a juvenile facility.
Possession of sexually explicit material is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. Subsequent convictions are punishable by up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Sharing obscene material with a minor is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Second and subsequent convictions are punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Child pornography is also punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $25,000, or both. Subsequent convictions are punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.
(Md. Ann. [Crim. Law] Code §§ 11-203, 11-207, 11-208.)
Sex Offender Registration Laws In Maryland
In Maryland, people who are convicted of child pornography or possession of sexually explicit material featuring children under the age of 18 are required to register as sex offenders. (Md. Ann. [Crim. Proc.] Code §§ 11-701, 11-704.)
Contact A Towson Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are charged with child pornography or any other crime as a result of teen sexting, you should contact Towson Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney John G. Turnbull III immediately. Dial (410) 321-8860 for a free consultation. A conviction for any crime, but particularly for a sex crime, can have serious consequences, including years in prison or a juvenile facility, and sex offender registration. Mr. Turnbull attorney can tell you what to expect in court, how to protect your rights and he will devise a sound defense for you in an effort to obtain the best possible outcome.