Being accused of a crime related to child pornography can be a ruinous experience. The allegations can stain your reputation even before you have laid eyes on a courtroom, and if convicted of a child pornography-related crime, you could face steep fines and time behind bars as well as mandatory sex offender registration for life. However, you do not have to stand idly by while people point their fingers at you. You have rights, and one of those rights is to retain defense counsel who can advocate for your best interests in the criminal courts. If you need a child pornography lawyer, the experienced defense team at Okabe & Haushalter can be your courtroom advocates.
Child pornography is defined as any materials that show a minor under the age of legal majority—18 years of age—engaged in sexual behavior or depicted in such a way as to create a sense of sexual gratification in the viewer. Not all materials containing people under 18 are considered child pornography. For example, written materials or photos, videos or digital media that are deemed to be for educational purposes only do not fall under the umbrella of child pornography.
Possession, distribution, sales and production of child pornography are all considered crimes of child exploitation under the law. These crimes are defined and their penalties described in Section 311 of the California Penal Code, with each crime differing in terms of sentencing in the case of a conviction.
Penalties for those convicted of child pornography-related crimes are different depending on which crime the accused was convicted of and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime itself. However, all persons convicted of child pornography crimes face mandatory registration with the sex offender database for life in accordance with Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
Possession of child pornography is punishable by a fine of up to 2,500 dollars and a jail term not in excess of one year if convicted.
Distribution of child pornography is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 dollars and a one-year jail term for those who are convicted.
At the court’s discretion, these punishments could be increased if the convicted party has previously been convicted of the same crime or a similar crime in the past.
You should not sit back while these allegations are leveled against you and just wait for events to unfold—take action and take the first step toward taking your life back. If you need a child pornography lawyer in Santa Clara, Okabe & Haushalter can help. We are experienced criminal defense attorneys who have handled countless high-profile cases, and we have earned a reputation for courtroom excellence through the use of aggressive defense strategies that get results. We will fight to reduce charges or even get them dismissed so you can get back to living your life. Contact us today for a free case assessment.
