A study conducted in July surveyed 984 students in seven different public schools in an effort to understand the sexting trends that seem so popular across Denver, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Larimer, and Weld County. The study found that 28% of those surveyed sexted a naked picture of themselves to someone from a cell phone or over email. They also found that 31% of teens have asked someone else to sext a picture to them. The results get a little skewed because the survey reports that 57% of the teens said that someone had asked them to send a sext. That leaves an unaccounted 26% too embarrassed to admit their actions, even anonymously, unless adults might be making the requests.

Even though the survey was conducted in Texas, it provides a small look at what teens are facing with sexual pressures across cities like Aurora, Colorado Springs, Littleton, and Highlands Ranch. The survey reports that many teen girls who engage in sexting are also involved in risky sexual behaviors. It also stated that adolescents who sext are more likely to be sexually active.

What many teens and underage juveniles don't know is that in Colorado, sexting and sexual texting can results in serious criminal offenses. Douglas County, for example, reported that they have investigated 108 sexting criminal cases since last year. City police take sexting crimes very seriously with possible punishment and threats of felony criminal charges and Juvenile Diversion Programs. Any type of sexual contact with a minor, even if both parties involved are minors or there is consent, can result in felony charges of Juvenile Sexual Assault on a Child (CRS 18-3-405). Juvenile felony charges that arise from sexting include Sexual Exploitation of a Child (CRS 18-6-403).

If your child is accused of a sex crime or you worry that they may be involved in behaviors which could result in a sex crime charge from sexting and texting, be smart, exercise your child's right to remain silent and contact the experienced juvenile sex crime attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your child's future.