Q: age of consent in NC. i was texting somone i thought was 21 online and turned out to be a 16 year old girl. im 25.
I'm 25 and i was on an online dating app. i starting texting a girl i thought was 21 because her profile said so, i shared explicit images with her and receive a phone call from her parents threatening legal action. turns out she is 16. google said the age of consent in North Carolina is 16. I just need legal advice or possible legal help if they file charges against me
A:
It sounds like you're in a concerning situation, and it's understandable to feel worried. In North Carolina, while the age of consent is 16, there can still be legal consequences for sharing explicit images, especially if the person involved is a minor. The laws surrounding this can be complex, particularly when it involves online communication and explicit content.
The most important thing you can do right now is avoid further contact with the individual and her family. Refrain from sending any more messages, images, or responding to any threats. Document everything you have, including the profile where her age was listed as 21, and any communications you had. This could be crucial if the matter escalates.
Consider reaching out to a legal professional experienced in this area to discuss your situation in detail. They can help you understand the potential legal implications and advise you on the best steps to protect yourself. Taking proactive steps to address this matter can help you navigate the situation more effectively.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.