The vulnerability of children makes the issue of child abuse and exploitation a critical concern that demands immediate attention from everyone. Despite the efforts of law enforcement and district attorneys to protect young lives from harm, their pursuit of justice sometimes leads to a violation of the rights of suspects, causing an innocent person to be wrongly accused.

Child pornography is a heinous crime that is not protected by the Constitution. In Washington and across the country, this crime is taken seriously, and those found guilty face severe consequences. The charges for child pornography are divided into two categories – possession and viewing. Whether you possess or actively view images of minors engaging in sexually explicit content, you will face criminal charges.

The severity of these charges depends on the nature of the explicit content and can range from first to second degree charges. Regardless of the degree, every charge of child pornography is a felony and carries severe penalties. Possession in the first degree, which involves minors engaging in sexual acts such as masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual intercourse, or penetration, can result in 12 to 14 months of prison time and three years of probation. Repeat offenders may face up to 10 years in prison. Possession in the second degree, which includes minors touching or depicting their clothed or unclothed genitals for sexual stimulation, can result in three to nine months in county jail and one year of probation. Repeat offenders may face up to five years in prison. Viewing in the second degree is punishable by up to one year of jail time and one year of probation. Repeat offenders may face up to five years in prison.

In addition to these legal consequences, a conviction for child pornography can have devastating personal consequences. You will be required to register on the sex offender registry, making your information accessible to the public and affecting your future prospects for employment and housing. A child pornography conviction can also alienate you from loved ones and have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.

Defendants charged with child pornography may also face federal charges, which carry even harsher penalties. If you or someone you know has been charged with child pornography, it’s crucial to seek the help of a seasoned Seattle child pornography lawyer as soon as possible.

The shocking reality of child abuse, neglect, endangerment, and exploitation shatters the innocence of childhood and demands our unwavering attention. It’s only natural for law enforcement and district attorneys to be diligent in protecting children from harm, but unfortunately, their pursuit of justice can sometimes lead to the violation of suspects’ rights and false accusations.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY LAWS

The viewing or possession of child pornography is not protected under the Constitution, and the law takes this heinous crime very seriously across the nation, including in Washington. Child pornography charges can fall under two categories: possession and viewing. Whether you have the images in your possession or are actively viewing them, you will face criminal charges.

Possession refers to knowingly having visual or printed material depicting minors in sexually explicit content, while viewing means knowingly viewing such material online. Under these laws, a minor is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

These charges can be further divided into first or second degree, depending on the nature of the explicit content. Any charge of possessing or viewing child pornography is considered a serious felony. Possession or viewing in the first degree means being accused of possessing or viewing material involving a minor engaging in acts such as masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual intercourse, penetration, and more. If convicted, you could face up to 14 months in prison and three years of probation, with the possibility of up to 10 years in prison for repeat offenders.

Possession or viewing in the second degree means being accused of possessing or viewing explicit content involving minors touching or depicting their genitalia, breasts, pubic or rectal areas to sexually stimulate the viewer. If convicted, you could face between 3 to 9 months in county jail and one year of probation, with the possibility of up to 5 years in prison for repeat offenders. Viewing in the second degree carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and one year of probation, with the possibility of up to 5 years in prison for repeat offenders.

The impact of a child pornography conviction is far-reaching and life-altering. You will have to register as a sex offender, making your information publicly accessible, potentially damaging your relationships and future opportunities for employment and housing. Furthermore, some defendants may face federal charges, leading to even harsher consequences. If you or someone you know has been charged with possessing or viewing child pornography, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced Seattle child pornography lawyer immediately.