El Cajon, CA asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for California

Q: I got in contact with a girl on a dating app. The same day, we take it off the dating app, she tells me she is underage.

Once I found out she was underage, I asked when she would turn 18, she said in about 2 weeks. I said I would still be okay with hanging out, but I would have to take some precautions for myself. We never made plans to actually hang out, just said possibly Sunday (we were in contact on Friday). On Saturday, I get a call from her father saying she took a bunch of drugs, and she is in the hospital. He asks me to cover half the bill of $9200. I also got a call from the police department saying that they can have a warrant out for me. There was 0 sexting, 0 lewd images, and no physical or sexual contact at all, I have never met the girl, but the police officer who called confirmed that there was "somebody" in the hospital. What do I do?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: First and foremost, it's important to consult with a criminal defense attorney in your area immediately. It is possible that you may be facing charges for contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense, even if there was no sexting or physical contact involved.

As for the father's request for money to cover the medical bill, it is important to speak with a lawyer before agreeing to anything. In general, it is not advisable to make any payments or agree to any financial settlements without legal representation.

It's also important to remember that any communication with the police should be done through an attorney. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel, and it's important to exercise these rights in order to protect yourself.

In summary, it is crucial to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and protect your rights.

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