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Can you go to jail for texting a minor?

It is not a crime for an adult to communicate with a minor. However, if you contacted or communicated with a minor with the intent to commit a crime, you could face criminal charges. This can get tricky in situations where you did not know the age of the person you were communicating with.

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When Is It a Crime to Speak to a Minor?

These days, social media and technology make it easier than ever to communicate with each other. Apps like Snapchat and Tinder could connect you to people around the world with the touch of a button. But this also means you have to be more careful than ever when communicating with people you don’t know. If you communicate with a minor, you could be accused of a serious crime. It is not a crime for an adult to communicate with a minor. However, if you contacted or communicated with a minor with the intent to commit a crime, you could face criminal charges. This can get tricky in situations where you did not know the age of the person you were communicating with. That is why it is important to understand the laws regarding this crime. Under California Penal Code Section 288.3, you could be charged with a crime for attempting to communicate with someone under the age of 18 for criminal purposes. The law clarifies that it means you had the intent to commit one of the following felonies:

Child endangerment

Child pornography offenses (Penal Code sections 311.1, 311.2, 311.4, and 311.11)

Forcible acts of sexual penetration

Kidnapping (Penal Code section 207)

Lewd acts with a child (Penal Code section 288)

Oral copulation with a minor (Penal Code section 288a)

Rape (Penal Code section 261)

Sending harmful material to a minor (Penal Code section 288.2)

Sodomy

The law also applies if you attempted to communicate with the minor but your attempt(s) failed. For example, if you send an email to the wrong address, you could still be charged for attempting to contact the minor. If you sent a text or email and it was never read or opened, you could still be charged under PC 288.3.

Penalties for Speaking with a Minor with Criminal Intent

If you are prosecuted for contacting a minor to commit a felony under California Penal Code Section 288.3, you face a state prison sentence that is determined by the crime you intended to commit as well as a fine of up to $10,000. If you or a loved one has been charged with contacting a minor with the intent to commit a felony, it is crucial that you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Wallin & Klarich has been successfully defending our clients accused of contacting minors for criminal purposes for over 30 years. We’ve helped thousands of people in their time of legal need, and we can help you too. With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is a skilled Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live. Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.

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Can a doctor tell a parent if their child is pregnant?

No. Your right to privacy is protected by the California Constitution and state law! Your health care provider cannot tell your parents that you took a pregnancy test, that you are pregnant, or that you got an abortion without getting your written permission first.

No. Your right to privacy is protected by the California Constitution and state law! Your health care provider cannot tell your parents that you took a pregnancy test, that you are pregnant, or that you got an abortion without getting your written permission first. If you want your parents involved, you should tell your doctor and ask your doctor what you need to sign to give them permission to share. If you don’t want your doctor to tell your parents, let the doctor know even before you get healthcare that you want to keep your health information private from your parents and that you know you have the right to keep the information confidential under California law. Do not sign any document that gives the doctor permission to share your information with your parents or adults in your life. Where does this right come from? It comes from the following state laws: The California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, Cal. Civil Code sections 56.10 and 56.11 and The Patient Access to Health Records Act, Cal. Health and Safety Code sections 123110(a) and 123115(a)(1). Warning! If you use your parents’ insurance to pay for your visit, your parents may find out about it unless you take some additional steps. Check out the website www.myhealthmyinfo.org for what you may need to do. For information on other ways to pay, click here. Warning! Even though the law says your doctor cannot share with your parents without your permission, the doctor may be able to share certain information with other people. For example, if the doctor believes you are a victim of child abuse, the doctor is required to help. For more information on these exceptions, ask your doctor to explain their confidentiality rules and when the doctor might share.

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