Federal Criminal Defense – Child Pornography Charges in Missouri
May 4, 2021
If you’ve been charged with a federal sex crime, it could lead to hefty fines and long prison sentences if convicted. Generally, any individual who possesses, produces, sells, or distributes materials that depict minors under 18 years old sexually, can be charged under Title 18 U.S. Code § 2252.
The use, production, and distribution of child pornography are a big problem in Missouri and other states. While they are serious charges, not everyone charged with child pornography is convicted. However, proving your innocence is not easy. The prosecution will not take it easy on you, regardless of the circumstances.
Child pornography is a serious federal crime that can lead to severe penalties. If you have been charged with federal child sex crimes in Missouri, it’s in your best interest to consult with a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
Contact us today at 573-222-0826 for your free, confidential consultation.
Learn more about federal child pornography charges below.
Federal Child Pornography Charges and Penalties
According to federal child pornography laws, you can be charged under 18 U.S.C., Section 2252 for many other related charges. A few examples of associated offenses include, but are not limited to:
- Mailing child pornography
- Importing or transporting obscene materials
- Sexually exploiting children
- Producing child porn abroad and importing it to the U.S.
As you can see, child pornography charges can lead to many other offenses. If convicted of federal child pornography offenses, you can face between 5 – 20 years, or even life in prison, fines, restitution, as well as registration on the child sex offender list.
Those convicted of federal child pornography charges can find it challenging to find a job or housing. That’s in addition to their reputation taking a hit with their family, friends, and community.
It is in the best interest of individuals charged with child sex crimes in Missouri to contact an experienced lawyer to handle their cases.
Possible Defenses for Child Porn Charges
If you’re facing child pornography charges in Missouri, it doesn’t always mean that you will be convicted. There are potential defenses for child porn charges, they include:
- Unintentional/accidental possession: You did not intend to possess child pornography or were unaware of its existence. This can occur if someone else uses your computer, or you accidentally download files with child porn on them. In this case, it’s essential that you convey to the courts that you did not have any knowledge of the obscene materials.
- Illegal search and seizure: This is a potential defense if law enforcement officials illegally obtained evidence of someone violating child porn laws. A skilled child porn criminal defense lawyer can potentially argue that their client’s Fourth Amendment rights were violated, making the evidence inadmissible.
- You were entrapped: Sometimes, to catch as many individuals as possible, the police perform “sting operations.” These operations can encourage someone (who would have otherwise not committed the crime) to download child porn. This and similar tactics could mean that you were “entrapped.”
- It’s not actually child porn: In certain circumstances, the materials in question do not actually meet the definition required for the government to get a conviction.
As you can see, there are many potential defenses to federal child porn charges in Missouri. However, mounting a successful defense requires the skill and knowledge of an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer in your area.
Contact A Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Missouri Today
Are you currently under investigation or already charged with child pornography offenses in Missouri? If so, don’t make any statements to law enforcement or anyone else until you’ve hired a federal criminal defense lawyer.
At Kirsch & Kirsch, we strive to protect all of our clients’ rights, regardless of the charges they face. We understand that just because you’re charged with child porn offenses doesn’t mean you’re guilty.
If you’re currently facing child porn charges in Missouri, we’re here to offer our unbiased help. Contact the attorneys at Kirsch & Kirsch today at 573-222-0826 for your free, confidential consultation.