Social Media and Juvenile Crime: Can Posts Lead to Charges?

 Posted on September 12, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes

In today’s digital world, a single post, message, or shared image on platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, or Instagram can change youthful mischief into a serious legal matter. Teens who post violent threats (even when they are a "joke"), engage in any form of cyberbullying, distribute intimate images, or share sexually explicit content can face juvenile criminal charges – or in some cases, adult criminal charges.

These juvenile offenses may be charged as "sexting," "cyber threats," or "revenge porn."  A conviction for any of these can have long-term, adverse consequences. Understanding how Connecticut courts treat these behaviors is essential for protecting young lives and futures, as is consulting with an experienced Stamford, CT juvenile crimes attorney.  

When Does Online Behavior Become a Crime for a Juvenile?

Juvenile online behavior becomes a crime when it escalates from a bad joke to criminal behavior. The following actions can cross the line from merely an annoying behavior to a crime:

Threatening Violence

Threats of violence posted online may be seen by the juvenile posting it as a joke, but violent words can quickly cross the line into a threat of violence to another individual. Severe threats of violence can lead to charges like harassment in the first degree, which is a Class D felony.     

Child Pornography

The creation, distribution, or possession of child pornography is a severe crime with harsh, long-lasting penalties. Even when a juvenile posts nude or sexually suggestive photos of a girlfriend/boyfriend, depending on the age of those involved, child pornography can be charged. Under Connecticut Section 53a-196f, possession of child pornography in the third degree is a Class D felony, with a one-year mandatory minimum sentence. However, the juvenile sentence may be less severe depending on the age of the juvenile and the victim.

Online Solicitation

Online solicitation includes requesting sexually explicit videos, sending sexually explicit messages, making plans to meet for sex, or asking intrusive questions about a minor’s sex life. Again, depending on the age of the juvenile and the age of the other individual, the juvenile could be charged with a serious sex crime. If the victim is under the age of 16, the offense may be charged as a felony, while if the victim is under the age of 13, the penalties are much harsher.  

Harassment and Cyberstalking

When a juvenile repeatedly sends offensive or threatening messages, digitally stalks, or engages in other harassing behavior that can cause the victim to believe that he or she is in danger, it is a criminal offense. When severe emotional distress is caused to another person through internet messages, email, or text, the juvenile can be charged with cyberstalking or harassment. The punishment for a juvenile can range from warnings and probation to commitment to DCF custody for up to 18 months.   

Hate Crimes

When cyberbullying or harassment is motivated by a protected characteristic like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin, it can be prosecuted as a hate crime. The charges can be misdemeanors or felonies; A Class D felony carries penalties of one to five years in prison, while a Class A misdemeanor can lead to up to a year in jail.

Sextortion

When a juvenile threatens to share sexually explicit material or blackmails another person with sexually explicit photographs, this is a serious criminal offense. This is sometimes known as revenge porn, and is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison.

Defense Strategies for Juvenile Offenses

Juvenile court handles most cases, but serious offenses or repeat delinquency can result in mandatory transfer to adult court, especially for juveniles who are 14 years old or older. Defense strategies for these juvenile crimes may include demonstrating the absence of intent, emphasizing impulsivity, or that the posts were taken out of context.    

Contact a Fairfield County, CT Juvenile Defense Lawyer

What begins as a social media slip-up for a juvenile can quickly escalate into a serious criminal matter. An experienced Stamford, CT criminal defense attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner will review the specifics of the case, explore all alternatives to prosecution, and work hard to keep your child within the juvenile system and out of adult court. Call 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.