Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:19 pm

A visual depiction of a minor, or someone who looks like a minor, engaging in conduct that is sexually explicit is committing the crime of child pornography. A minor is considered someone under the age of 18, and “sexually explicit conduct” is described as a depiction of sexual intercourse that is actual or simulated; masturbation; and abuse or lewd exhibition of a minor’s genitals or pubic area. The fairly recent explosion of camera phones and digital cameras has also created an explosion of opportunities for many people to produce self-portraits and to share them with the world. Sometimes this sense of freedom and fun can lead to criminal activity by some. With the ever-growing use of and growth of the internet, which is able to send images across the world, these kinds of crimes easily grow larger. They are spread with the use of films and photographs, video, digital- and computer-generated images or pictures, drawings, and animations, among others. This act may also be a crime if the face of a minor that is edited onto the body of an adult is shown in a sexual manner.
Child pornography is prohibited in all 50 U.S. states under several federal and state laws. Federal law U.S.C. Chapter 110, Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children, prohibits child pornography. Such federal and state laws cover the sexual exploitation of children; selling and buying of children; possession, distribution, and receipt of child pornography; activities that use material constituting or containing child pornography;. and the production of sexually explicit images of a minor to be used to import to the United States. A first-time conviction for child pornography may mean 15-20 years in prison in addition to fines, and these trials may be held in federal or state courts or both.
As severe as these federal and state laws appear, there is one exception to the definition of child pornography. An exception may be granted if it can be shown that the image or depiction has some true literary, artistic, or scientific value. In a child pornography case, the court may use the guidelines of U.S. v. Dost. This case from 1986 charged defendants Dost and Wiegand with enticing minor children and using them to pose nude. However, it was judged that, in one case, the photographs of a 10-year-old girl who was sitting nude on the beach did not meet the definition of “sexually explicit conduct.” Many courts now use these six criteria (although not all six must be present) that stem from the “Dost test”:
* Does the depiction focus on the genital area?
* Is the setting of the photograph sexually suggestive, such as a nude girl
sitting on a bed?
* Is the child photographed in clothing that is not appropriate for her age?
* Is the child nude or only partially clothed?
* Does the depiction make it seem as though the child is ready for sexual
activity?
* Is the depiction likely to induce a sexual reaction by the viewer?
If you feel that you have been unfairly charged with any depiction that involves child pornography, you need a firm that understands these laws and will work to get you the best and fairest results for your case. A charge of child pornography is a time of unbelievable stress, and at our firm, we not only take these charges seriously but we understand the turmoil that is involved. We pride ourselves on handling each case with individuality and understanding. We assure professional communication and our promise to use our experience in bringing you the best possible results.
Child Pornography Charges
The laws against child pornography are fairly strict. If you are convicted of possessing child pornography, you could face up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. If you are convicted of promoting or possessing with the intent to promote child pornography, you could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. If you are convicted of producing or possessing with the intent to produce child pornography, you could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In addition, if you are convicted of any form of child pornography offense, your name will be added to the sex offender registry (this is true even if it is your first offense).
Defenses Against Child Pornography Charges
If you have been charged with any form of child pornography offense, it is important that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. There are many defenses that can be used against these types of charges; for example:

• You did not know that the images were of a minor.
• You did not know that the images were of a minor. The images are not actually pornographic in nature.
• The images are not actually pornographic in nature. The images are part of a serious literary or artistic expression that does not exploit the child.
• The images are part of a serious literary or artistic expression that does not exploit the child. The images are medical/scientific in nature and non-sexually suggestive.
• The images are medical/scientific in nature and non-sexually suggestive. You were entrapped by law enforcement officers into committing an act you would otherwise have avoided (this is rare).
• You were entrapped by law enforcement officers into committing an act you would otherwise have avoided (this is rare). The images were found on your computer without your knowledge.
• The images were found on your computer without your knowledge. The search and seizure of the images was illegal.
• The search and seizure of the images was illegal. The evidence against you has been tampered with or mishandled by law enforcement officers.

Defining Federal Child Pornography Charges and How Courts Misinterpret Situations Related to Them

Individuals with federal child pornography charges have a tough road ahead of them, as these cases are some of the absolute hardest to defend. Individuals who are indicted with this charge are often publicly humiliated as well, even if they were falsely accused or set up. Federal child pornography offenses apply to anyone who possessed, received, viewed or distributed sexually-graphic visual depictions of a minor, meaning even accidentally viewing it could mean serious consequences. Charges can even apply in situations where a minor is depicted through CG imagery, an image of an adult actress is manipulated to look like a minor and/or with sexually-explicit drawings of minors.
The digital age has, unfortunately, made this charge significantly more common. It’s easier than ever to share images online, which is doubly true for child pornography. Individuals could find themselves accidentally viewing or receiving it without any intention to do so. federal courts don’t differentiate accidents and intentional viewings of images depicting child pornography though, meaning people can be hit with the full brunt of the law for a simple accident or misunderstanding; This is why retaining an experienced criminal-defense attorney to defend someone against child pornography charges is essential
There’s also the fact that some people are simply stuck in a dark part of their life and develop dangerous habits on the internet. This doesn’t mean it’s legal to pursue these habits, but it’s important for courts to understand situations where a mentally-ill individual may have the charges, but also pose almost no threat to children. These people can be highly-professional and/or successful individuals who made a mistake and a court won’t always understand that either; To take it further, courts don’t realize that simply indicting someone with these charges could ruin the rest of someone’s professional and personal life with prospective employers and family and friends. Having a knowledgeable attorney on the defense, however, can help explain how an individual is a productive or professional individual irregardless of the charges brought against them.

What Penalties One Could Face If They’re Convicted of Federal Child Pornography Charges

There are US sentencing guidelines that federal courts will strictly follow for child pornography charges; They specifically apply to cases involving possessing, receiving and/or distributing child pornography. The sentencing follows a very specific system that will affect how long a prison sentence is, but all prison sentences will start a mandatory minimum of five years, with a maximum of 20; Sentencing becomes much more strict if the individual was involved in the production of the work, as the mandatory minimum jumps to 15 years with a 30 year maximum. To make matters worse, offenders will also be fined and could be tried before both state and federal courts, which can double the charges and increase a prison sentence. Courts will enforce harsher penalties if the images depicting child pornography feature sexual abuse, sadistic or masochistic acts and/or the individual accused has prior convictions; These factors can cause an individual to face a lifetime of imprisonment. Every person convicted of this offense will also have a dent on their criminal record that prevents them from pursuing worthwhile careers; They will also have to register as a sex offender, which makes living in any area incredibly difficult.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Fight Unfair or Unjust Child Pornography Charges

federal cases involving child pornography can be very difficult; This is because one will only be indicted if the court has highly specific forensic evidence linking a computer to the person accused and/or links the individual’s computer to a server that has distributed child pornography. That’s why people need an experienced attorney in situations like this, as evidence can be planted against them. An attorney can also work on dismissing and disputing the case so that charges can be dropped or a hefty sentence can be lessened. Attorneys will also be able to help individuals realize what is and isn’t a defense for the case and will develop a strategic plan to work on defending them. Lastly, a knowledgeable attorney will be able to determine if law enforcement overstepped their boundaries and violated an individual’s rights and/or planted evidence on an individual.
If an individual is facing a child pornography charge, a determined prosecutor will already be building a case against them and they’ll have to experience public humiliation. This is why an attorney is absolutely necessary, as they can starting building a case for an individual instead of against them. They’ll work hard to disprove evidence and stand with their client every step of the way. Specifically, our firm can greatly help falsely-accused individuals and reformed offenders determine the best course of action with a quick consultation.

Understanding the Devastating Impact of Child Pornography and How to Fight the Charges

An explosive growth in technology usage, particularly camera phones and digital cameras, has given many people the opportunity to take self-portraits and share them with the world. This newfound freedom has, unfortunately, led to the increase of child pornography, a heinous crime that involves the visual depiction of minors engaged in sexually explicit activities.

Devastation of Child Pornography

The widespread usage of the internet and various means of sharing explicit content, such as films, photographs, videos, digital images, and animations, has escalated the production and distribution of child pornography. Even seemingly innocent images where the face of a minor is edited on to the body of an adult in a sexual manner may be considered a crime. The repercussions of child pornography charges can be severe and life-altering, not just for the accused but for the victims too.

Strict Laws Against Child Pornography and Their Exceptions

All 50 U.S. states have prohibited child pornography, and federal law also covers several aspects related to child pornography under U.S.C. Chapter 110- Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children. Consequences for convictions can be severe, with first-time offenders facing 15-20 years in prison and the possibility of trials in both federal and state courts.

There is, however, one exception to the definition of child pornography: if the image or depiction has genuine literary, artistic, or scientific value. Courts may use the guidelines of U.S. v. Dost, a landmark 1986 case, to determine whether the content in question meets the criteria for “sexually explicit conduct”. In this case, six factors are considered:

Anyone who feels that they have been unjustly charged with a child pornography offense should seek professional legal help. At our firm, we understand the unbelievable stress and turmoil these charges can cause, which is why we handle each case with sensitivity and individual attention.

Defending Against Child Pornography Charges

Potential defenses against child pornography charges include accidental viewing, seriousness of the depicted content, medical/scientific purposes, entrapment by law enforcement officers, lack of knowledge about the presence of images on one’s computer or device, and illegal search and seizure. It is essential to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you navigate this complicated and sensitive legal area.

Challenges and Misinterpretations in Federal Child Pornography Cases

Federal child pornography cases can be complex, often leading to public humiliation and drastic consequences, even for innocent or wrongly accused individuals. With the rapid growth of digital communication, it has become increasingly easy to share and accidentally view explicit content of minors. Unfortunately, federal courts do not differentiate between accidents and intentional viewings, leading to severe consequences regardless of intent.

It is vital to have an empathetic, experienced criminal-defense attorney who can guide you through the legal process, defending your rights and working towards the best possible outcome in your case.

Potential Penalties for Federal Child Pornography Convictions

US sentencing guidelines are stringent and specific for child pornography charges, with minimum prison sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years, depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, convicted individuals may be subjected to hefty fines, possible life imprisonment, and registration as a sex offender. The negative consequences of a conviction can severely affect a person’s professional and personal life.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

An experienced attorney is crucial when facing federal child pornography charges. They can help present a compelling defense, dispute evidence, and work towards a dismissal or reduced charges. Additionally, they can provide crucial guidance on proper legal defenses and strategies, while ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.

If you are facing child pornography charges, don’t wait.

Contact our firm today

for a consultation, and let us work tirelessly to help you navigate the complexities of this emotional and difficult legal issue.