Juvenile Sexting Charges: Legal Implications and Defense Options in California

Juvenile Sexting Charges: Legal Implications and Defense Options in California

Law Office of Katie Walsh

June 19, 2025

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It’s a conversation no parent expects: your child is being investigated or charged for sexting. Maybe it started as a joke or happened in a relationship. But in California, even what seems like typical teen behavior can lead to serious legal trouble. It leaves families confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next.

This is where experienced legal guidance becomes critical. An Orange County juvenile defense lawyer from the Law Office of Katie Walsh can help your family understand what’s happening and take immediate steps to protect your child’s rights and future.

What Counts as Juvenile Sexting Under California Law

California has strict laws when it comes to minors and sexually explicit material, even when minors are the ones sending or receiving the images. A teen can be charged under several state laws, including:

Penal Code § 311.11: Possession of child pornography
Penal Code § 311.3: Distribution of obscene matter involving a minor
Penal Code § 288.2: Sending harmful material with intent to seduce

These laws apply even if a teen takes a photo of themselves and sends it to someone their own age. And yes, even consensual exchanges between two minors can lead to charges. That’s why getting an Orange County juvenile defense lawyer involved early is so important.

Legal Penalties for Sexting Charges Involving Minors in California

A sexting case can leave a lasting mark on a teen’s future, even if they never meant to break the law. Potential consequences include:

Juvenile detention
Mandatory sex offender registration (in rare but extreme cases)
Court-ordered counseling or probation
Loss of school opportunities, sports participation, or college admissions

Sometimes, the emotional fallout from being investigated or suspended from school can be just as devastating. An Orange County, CA, juvenile defense attorney can help minimize these risks and guide your family through the process.

Defense Strategies for Juvenile Sexting Charges in California

Every case is different, but there are often strong defense strategies available. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer may:

No Intent to Harm: The teen didn’t mean to share the image or cause harm
Didn’t Understand the Law: The teen didn’t realize their actions were illegal
Mutual Participation: Both minors willingly shared content without pressure
Diversion Program: An alternative to court focused on counseling or education

Our goal is always to reduce the impact on your child’s future. In many cases, we work to prevent long-term consequences altogether. The right Orange County juvenile defense attorney can make that possible.

Steps Parents Should Take After a Juvenile Sexting Accusation

If your child is facing a sexting charge, taking the right steps early can make a big difference:

Contact an experienced Orange County juvenile defense lawyer
Save all messages and screenshots
Talk to your child calmly and listen
Tell them not to discuss the case with others
Stay involved and informed

Taking quick, thoughtful action now can help protect your child from lasting legal and emotional consequences. With the right support, this does not have to define their future.

Schedule a Consultation with an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today

At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, we take juvenile sexting charges seriously because we know how high the stakes are. Our team stays in close contact with families, helps teens feel supported, and builds strong defenses designed to protect their futures.

If your child is facing sexting accusations, don’t wait. Call (714) 351-0178 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County juvenile defense attorney who will stand with your family and fight for what’s right.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester after he catches up with his classes. The...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the expungement was not automatic, she was...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything would be Ok- and it was. The judge...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the case will get completely dismissed and...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son released from custody with credit for time...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and back home with us at the detention...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel very comfortable during this process. As...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the police were giving us the run-around and not...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a hearing, she was able to get my record...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be dismissed! I would recommend Ms. Walsh if...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of speaking with her. She was always available to...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed under penal code 786, it means his...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me and made feel like I was her most...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able to get my son Community Service and a...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would be able to help us. Those words couldn't...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges dismissed, and I only served 30 days in...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with, she was very accessible and easy to get a...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable source of information. She prepared me...

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal awareness class, returned in 6 months and...

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed entirely! Ms. Walsh was available to us...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She listened to us, guided us through the...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though probation said this would take...

XL, juvenile client

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