CHILD PORN/INTERNET SEX CRIMES

SKILLED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS HELPING PEOPLE ACCUSED OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND INTERNET SEX CRIMES

Our talented criminal defense attorneys can help if you’ve been charged with a child pornography offense or an internet sex crime.

Depending on the facts of your case and the agency conducting the investigation, you could be facing charges under either Washington law or federal law.

A few examples of child pornography charges are:

• Possessing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct,
• Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct,
• Distributing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and
• Producing child pornography.

A few examples of internet sex crime charges are:

• Communicating with a minor for immoral purposes,
• Attempted rape of a child, and
• Attempted enticement of a minor.

The child pornography and internet sex crime attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience fighting these types of charges. Our criminal defense lawyers are tireless in their efforts and passionate in their representation. Contact our firm now to get legal help that makes all the difference.

UNDERSTANDING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

In Washington State, child pornography charges are usually filed under RCW 9.68A. Per these laws, you could face criminal charges if you knowingly possessed or intentionally viewed sexually explicit images involving a minor engaged in sexual conduct. A minor is a person under the age of 18.

Prosecutors typically charge child pornography as a felony. The penalties may include months and even years in state prison or jail. Multiple counts will make penalties more severe.

Please keep in mind that child pornography charges can also be brought under federal law. This often occurs if a child pornography crime occurred in interstate or foreign commerce. 18 U.S.C. Sections 2252 and 2252A are the main federal statutes on the topic. They specifically prohibit the production, distribution, reception, and possession of images involving child pornography.

Federal law treats offenses involving child pornography as serious felonies. Convictions generally lead to more severe penalties than those imposed under state law, often up to years in federal prison. For example, a first-time offender convicted of producing child pornography will face 15 to 30 years in federal prison. Offenders facing charges of sending or receiving child pornography face a 5-year mandatory minimum prison sentence.

Note that you can challenge a state or federal child pornography charge with a legal defense. Common defenses include showing that:

1. You were the subject of an unlawful search and seizure,
2. Search warrants for your home, electronic equipment, or online accounts were deficient,
3. Other people owned or accessed the electronic equipment or online accounts where images were located,
4. You were not aware of the presence of the images found on the devices,
5. Any images found did not include images of a minor.

It is important to keep in mind that every case is different and the attorneys at Black & Askerov can craft a legal defense that matches the specific facts of your case. They have long experience in doing just that.

UNDERSTANDING INTERNET SEX CRIME CHARGES

Both federal and Washington state laws make it a crime to engage in any type of sexual-related contact with a minor on the Internet. This includes sending photographs, texts, emails, or any form of communication that is sexual in nature. Many internet sex crimes involve adults arranging “dates” with minors for sex. These cases often involve sting operations where law enforcement officers pose as minors. Many people don’t understand that in these situations the law permits prosecutors to charge people with the same crimes as if they involved real minors.

The main internet sex crime charges which can get filed under Washington law are:

• Communicating with a minor for immoral purposes,
• Attempted rape of a child (when an offender is caught by the police attempting to meet a supposed minor to engage in sexual activity), and
• Attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor (usually also involving a sting operation).

The main federal laws under which internet sex crime charges can be filed are:

• 18 U.S.C. 2422(b) and 2427 – Attempted enticement of a minor,
• 18 U.S.C. 2251 – Sexual exploitation of children/production of child pornography, and
• 18 U.S.C. 2241 – Attempted aggravated sexual abuse.

Internet sex crime offenses almost always result in felony charges being filed. Penalties can often lead to years in jail or state prison. Further, convicted offenders will usually have to register as a sex offender.