When you are charged with a crime related to child pornography, it’s essential to be proactive about protecting your rights and freedom. The first and most important thing you should do in this situation is to reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can provide you with invaluable legal advice and services.
A conviction for any child porn-related crime can result in many years of prison potentially 10-20 years if you are convicted of distribution and/or production. Mere possession, however, can result in up to 30 years of prison if the child depicted is younger than 13.
What Is Child Pornography?
Child pornography is any visual depiction of minors under the age of 18 engaged in sexual activity or portrayed in a sexual manner. If the visual portrayal of a child in a photograph, video, or other media includes lewd display or erotic behavior intended to arouse the viewer, then it may be considered child porn.
You may be charged with a child porn-related crime if there is evidence of the following:
- You possessed visual media of someone younger than 18 years old engaged in sexual activity or otherwise depicted in a sexual manner. The media in question may be analog, such as a magazine or photograph, or it may be a digital photograph, video, or other media.
- You received sexually explicit photographs from a minor via text message or email.
- You downloaded or sent child pornography over the Internet
- You sold or otherwise distributed child pornography by any means
- You produced child pornography media
In response to the growing prevalence of child exploitation, state and federal law enforcement agencies have initiated a comprehensive effort to apprehend anyone associated with this crime. With increased resources and specially-created task forces, authorities are strongly committed to rooting out those responsible for these offenses.
What Do I Do If I’m Accused of a Child Porn Crime?
If you are charged or under investigation for child pornography, adhering to some basic principles can help you avoid unnecessary legal complications and protect your rights.
First, never offer evidence to law enforcement. While you may think that cooperation can make you look innocent enough to drop the investigation, anything you provide to law enforcement can and will be used against you. Don’t answer questions without your lawyer present and never hand over anything without a legally obtained warrant.
Second, seek immediate legal assistance. If you have yet to hire a criminal defense attorney for help, now is the best time to do so. You might think that hiring a lawyer might make you look guilty, but it’s only common sense to have legal counsel guiding you through such extremely serious matters.
Lastly, you should never accept a plea deal without legal counsel. Accepting a plea deal means admitting guilt to your charges, which can be unfair or inaccurate even if they’re reduced. Also, taking a plea deal when you’re accused of a crime involving child porn may require you to register as a sex offender. Always consult with your lawyer to assess if any offered plea deal is fair or if going to trial is a better way to protect your freedom.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
We at the Law Office of Steven Fine can help those accused of child porn crimes build a defense that protects their rights. Such serious criminal accusations require a serious legal defense strategy, and our attorney has the experience and skill necessary to develop one for you.
You can learn more during a free consultation. Contact the Law Office of Steven Fine online now to request one.
