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1. What are the laws about juveniles and sexting (F.S. 847.0141)?

• A minor commits the offense of sexting if he or she knowingly:
  • Uses a computer, or any other device capable of electronic data transmission or distribution, to transmit or distribute to another minor any photograph or video of any person which depicts nudity, and is harmful to minors.
  • Possesses a photograph or video of any person that was transmitted or distributed by another minor which depicts nudity, and is harmful to minors.
• A minor does not violate this paragraph if all of the following apply:
  • The minor did not solicit the photograph or video.
  • The minor took reasonable steps to report the photograph or video to the minor’s legal guardian or to a school or law enforcement official.
  • The minor did not transmit or distribute the photograph or video to a third party.
• The transmission or distribution of multiple photographs or videos is a single offense if the photographs or videos were transmitted or distributed within the same 24-hour period.
• The possession of multiple photographs or videos that were transmitted or distributed by a minor is a single offense if the photographs or videos were transmitted or distributed by a minor in the same 24-hour period.

2. What is required to satisfy a juvenile sexting citation?

The minor must sign and accept a citation indicating a promise to appear before the juvenile court. In lieu of appearing in court, the minor may complete 8 hours of community service work, pay a $60 civil penalty, or participate in a cyber-safety program if such a program is locally available. The minor must satisfy any penalty within 30 days after receipt of the citation.

3. How do I pay for my citation?

Payments must be made in full within 30 days of the date of the citation. Payments can be made by cash, check, money order or credit card at the Citrus County Clerk of Court's office. If mailing, please include your name and case number to ensure proper credit to your case, and send to:

• Angela Vick, Clerk of Court and Comptroller
• 110 N Apopka Avenue
• Inverness, FL 34450

4. Where can I go to do Community Service?

• Community Service can be done at a non-profit agency of your choice.
• Proof of community service must be turned into our office within 30 days of the date of the citation.

5. If I do Community Service, is there a form that I need to submit as proof?

The Clerk's Office will accept proof of community service that is submitted on approved non-profit agency letterhead with the agency's address and phone number. The letterhead must list the dates and hours of work performed, and must be signed (initials are not acceptable) by an authorized individual of the non-profit organization.

6. How do I contest my citation?

• Appear in court on the date and time that is written on your citation.
• If the citation is contested and the court determines that the minor committed a noncriminal violation under this section, the court may order the minor to perform 8 hours of community service, pay a $60 civil penalty, or participate in a cyber-safety program, or any combination thereof.

7. What will happen if I do not comply with the citation?

A minor who fails to comply with the citation waives his or her right to contest it, and the court may impose any of the penalties identified above, or issue an order to show cause. Upon a finding of contempt, the court may impose additional age-appropriate penalties, which may include issuance of an order to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to withhold issuance of, or suspend the driver license or driving privilege of, the minor for 30 consecutive days.