Normalville, PA asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania

Q: Can my buddy be arrested?

He is 18 asked a 13 year old girl out but that was before he knew her age. He then told her "if she wanted to date they could". He also sent her a picture with no shirt on but from the pecs up (nipples can't be seen, he also only had a shirt off). Now he is worried she could tell the police and be arrested. He hasn't asked her out since that day and any other pictures that were sent he had a shirt on. Can he be arrested?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Norristown, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: I believe I already answered this same question posted in another section here.

The general answer to "Can he be arrested?" is yes -- anyone can be arrested for anything. It happens all the time. Mistaken identity, false charges, etc. Just because someone is arrested doesn't mean they're guilty of the crimes they've been charged with. So the question should really be "Is he guilty?"

As I said in my other answer, I think your buddy is safe. I also think it's a GREAT idea for him to break off contact with the girl. That way, if the authorities ever question him, he can tell them he broke off all contact as soon as he found out she was a minor.

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