Learn About Crimes Against Children
Learn About Crimes Against Children
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Kidnapping is one of the most serious criminal offenses with which a person can be charged. It can mean serious prison time, harsh fines, and a damaging criminal record.
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Consequences of a Child Molestation Conviction
Those convicted of child molestation face long prison sentences and must register as a sex offender.
Child Abuse & Endangerment
Child Abuse & Endangerment
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Child Abuse: Laws & Criminal Penalties
While all states have laws that govern physical attacks against children, such as battery or homicide, many others also have laws that specifically address child abuse.
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A parent, guardian, or caregiver who allows a child to be placed or remain in a dangerous, unhealthy, or inappropriate situation can face criminal charges for child endangerment.
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Child Desertion and Abandonment
Parents or guardians who care for minor children have a legal responsibility to protect the children and ensure they are not exposed to harm. When such an adult deserts or abandons a child, that behavior is often a crime. Even though child abandonment and desertion laws differ significantly among states, all states have laws that criminalize this type of behavior.
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Criminal Consequences of Spanking Your Children
Currently, parents in all states have a limited right to spank their children. Whether by statute or by legal opinion, states permit parents to use physical discipline against their children as long as it is done in moderation and does not cause injury.
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What Is Sexting? Is Sexting a Crime?
Sexting has become common among both adults and teens. While consensual sexting between adults is generally legal, sexting with a minor can carry tough penalties.
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Though specific teen sexting laws are not present in a majority of states, the trend appears to be towards more widespread adoption of sexting laws. In the meantime, in those states without sexting laws, sexting may still be punished under pre-existing laws that target child pornography.
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Is Sexting Illegal for Adults?
Between consenting adults, the private sharing of nude or suggestive photos is generally not illegal. However, that does not mean that adults can freely engage in sexting.
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What is the Crime of "Child Enticement?"
Child enticement is a crime that involves an adult persuading, or attempting to persuade, a child to accompany him or her for the purposes of sexual activity. The type of situations that can lead to child enticement charges differs from state to state.
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A parent, guardian, or caregiver who allows a child to be placed or remain in a dangerous, unhealthy, or inappropriate situation can face criminal charges for child endangerment.
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Statutory Rape Laws and Charges
Statutory rape offenses are strict liability offenses that can result in a felony conviction and prison time, even if a defendant genuinely didn't know the partner was younger than the age of consent. Learn how statutory rape laws work.
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Could an Older Woman Be Charged Statutory Rape?
Statutory rape law applies to both men and women, even where the underage person willingly participates.
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Do Statutory Rape Laws Apply in Same-Sex Situations?
Statutory rape laws and defenses usually apply to both opposite- and same-sex sexual relationships involving a person under the age of consent.