Richmond, VA asked in Criminal Law for Virginia

Q: So is it illegal to try to be friends with a minor? And send pictures that are non sexual just face pictures?

The parents want to file charges on me because I was talking to a minor and wanted to be friends, and talk in person to that girl. And the parents were saying if I pay their phone cancellation fee which would be over $300 they wouldn’t file charges

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2 Lawyer Answers
Bernard Crane
Bernard Crane
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Washington, DC
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: How old was the minor, and is the gender the same or different as yours? If we are talking about a 17 year old girl and you are a 19 year old guy, and there was nothing sexual and it was all above-board, you are probably OK. If this was a 12 year old boy or girl and you are over 20, you are probably not in a very good a situation. Either way, you should not have any further contact with the minor, OR with the parents. I wouldn't give them anything, or take their calls either.

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Spotsylvania, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: This sounds like a financial shakedown. Speak one on one with a criminal defense attorney in your county to discuss all details of your alleged interaction with the girl and go with his/her suggested course of action. The interview may cost you a relatively minor amount, but that will likely be well worth your peace of mind and future defense.

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