SEATTLE DISTRIBUTING OR RECEIVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ATTORNEYS – FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATIONS

Federal charges involving the distribution or receipt of child pornography are among the most aggressively prosecuted criminal offenses in the United States. A conviction can result in years—or even decades—in federal prison, mandatory sex offender registration, substantial fines, and lifelong damage to your reputation and career.

If you have learned that you are under federal investigation or have already been arrested, it is critical to speak with an experienced Seattle federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Early legal intervention may significantly affect the outcome of your case.

WHAT IS THE FEDERAL CRIME OF DISTRIBUTING OR RECEIVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

18 USC 2252 is the federal statute that sets forth the law on distributing or receiving child pornography. There are a few key acts that this statute makes illegal. These include:

  • Transporting, shipping, receiving, distributing, or reproducing child pornography through interstate or foreign commerce,
  • Selling or possessing child pornography that has been shipped or transported through interstate or foreign commerce, and
  • Knowingly accessing child pornography with intent to view it.

Note that a federal prosecutor can bring criminal charges under federal law when an offense occurred in interstate or foreign commerce. A crime takes place in interstate or foreign commerce, for example, if an offender uses the U.S. mail system to transport child pornography across state or international borders. In addition, federal charges may result when an accused is suspected of using the internet to commit an offense.

CONTACT US NOW TO AVOID HARSH PENALTIES

The following are some of the penalties for violating 18 USC 2252:

  • Transporting, distributing, receiving, or reproducing child porn can result in 5-20 years in prison and fines,
  • Selling or possessing child porn can result in up to 10 years in prison and fines, and
  • Accessing child porn with intent to view it can result in up to 10 years in prison and fines.

Note that defendants will receive more severe penalties if they have prior convictions under either state or federal law.

DEFENSE STRATEGIES FOR DISTRIBUTING OR RECEIVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

Fortunately, people charged with a child pornography offense can contest the charge with a legal defense. A common defense is for an accused to show that they did not “knowingly” transport, distribute, sell, possess, or access child pornography. An accused can also show that the individuals depicted in any child pornography images or depictions were not minors.

Your criminal defense attorney may also try to show that the authorities somehow violated your constitutional rights. For example, it’s possible that law enforcement:

  • Arrested you without probable cause,
  • Coerced a confession, or
  • Arrested you after conducting an unlawful search and seizure.

If any of the above occurred, a judge may reduce a charge or dismiss a charge in its entirety.

Child Pornography Defense Attorney

Meet Our Attorneys

Chris BlackChris BlackTim AskerovTim Askerov

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

We serve clients throughout Washington including those in the following localities:

  • King County including Bellevue, Kent, and Seattle
  • Benton County including Kennewick
  • Chelan County including Wenatchee
  • Clallam County including Port Angeles
  • Grays Harbor County including Aberdeen
  • Kitsap County including Port Orchard
  • Kittitas County including Ellensburg
  • Pierce County including Tacoma
  • Skagit County including Mount Vernon
  • Snohomish County including Everett
  • Spokane County including Spokane
  • Thurston County including Olympia
  • Whatcom County including Bellingham
  • Yakima County including Yakima