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What Is Legally Considered Child Pornography?

Is Child Pornography Considered A State Crime Or A Federal Crime?

Child pornography can come in a lot of different forms. Mainly, the victim being depicted has to be under 18.

Typically, the content will be on a computer, on the internet, on the phone, or on a tablet. The police will get their hands on it and be able to prove that you intentionally downloaded it, distributed it, or stored it.

Child pornography charges can be prosecuted at the state and federal levels. California Penal Code 311 describes the crime of child porn at the state level. 18 U.S.C. § 2252 defines federal child porn charges.

Typically, the dividing line for whether or not a child pornography case will be federally prosecuted is the following:

  • amount of child pornography that is found, and
  • the type of child pornography that is found.

There is a big difference between simply possessing a few images to store thousands of videos related to child pornography.

A combined task force of both state and federal agents is often involved. Once they see what they can obtain from executing a search warrant, they decide whether or not to prosecute federally.

What About Cases Of Teens Sexting Or Passing Pictures Between Them?

Often, in sexting cases over where the two parties are approximately the same age, they are simply warned by law enforcement.

People get into trouble when one party is under 18 and the other is over 18. Those cases will be prosecuted, particularly in scenarios where the victim is vulnerable.

If you are sexting with someone under 18, you risk severe consequences. If you are being investigated or there is a charge against you, you should hire an attorney immediately.

What Are The Penalties For a Child Pornography Conviction?

If you get convicted of possessing or distributing child pornography at the state level, you are looking at a potential prison sentence.

In Los Angeles County, the head prosecutor has indicated that there is a presumption of probation for all felony cases.

What Are The Penalties For a Child Pornography Conviction in California?

However, there are some exceptions for sex crime cases so that it would depend on the exact scenario, such as:

  • how many images you had, and
  • what your criminal record looks like.

Suppose a federal government is prosecuting you for possession of child pornography. In that case, your penalties can be significantly more significant, depending on the number of images you have and the type of images you have.

There is a base level charge for possession of child pornography, and then there are enhancements if the child pornography is particularly disturbing or if there are many images.

These enhancements can take the sentence up to a seven-to 10-year ranging from a two to a three-year degree in federal prison.

It is much more difficult to generalize in federal criminal court regarding possession of child pornography because they can also charge you with the distribution of child pornography.

State charges are much more generalized. If you don't have many images at the state level, you have a fighting chance to get a probation sentence potentially.

What Are Potential Defenses To Child Pornography Charges?

Is Not Knowing I Had It Or It Was A Mistake Enough Of A Defense? It is a defense if somehow you did not realize you had child pornography.

Perhaps, you were on a legitimate pornography website, and you accidentally clicked on child pornography. Often, prosecutors try hard to prevent that defense from being utilized.

Criminal Defense for California Child Pornography Charges

In most cases, someone has downloaded child pornography onto their hard drive, which is very difficult to explain.

Another potential defense is that you are not the one who downloaded the child pornography onto the device.

There are defenses available. When I sit down with my clients, we go over everything and assess whether or not they might have a reason to possession or distribution of child pornography.

Many people do not realize that if you simply have child pornography on your computer that other people can share, that would be enough for a distribution charge.

It would help if you looked at your particular case's facts and circumstances to design a specific defense plan.

Hedding Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm located in Los Angeles County at 16000 Ventura Blvd #1208 Encino, CA 91436.

We serve people in all Southern California courts, including LA County, Orange County, Ventura County, Hollywood, Riverside, and San Bernardino. 

Contact Us Today

Hedding Law Firm is committed to answering your questions about state or federal sex crime issues in California and throughout the United States.

I'll privately discuss your case with you at your convenience. All consultations are free, discreet, and confidential. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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