Child Pornography Lawyer in Raleigh
Sexual exploitation or a minor, or child pornography charges, carry one of the worst social stigmas. Being falsely accused of the crime is enough to tarnish your reputation for life. You will likely be an outcast in your community, and you may lose the respect and trust of your friends and family.
When you are accused of sexual exploitation of a minor, you may feel like no one wants to hear your side of the story. The criminal defense team at the Coolidge Law Firm want to make sure you get a chance to tell the court what really happened. Because your case involves children, prosecutors will do everything they can to prove you’re guilty.
Time is not on your side. The sooner you gain trusted legal counsel, the better. If you are approached by law enforcement at all about the possibility that you possessed child pornography, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Do not speak with anyone from law enforcement. The attorneys at the Coolidge Law Firm will listen to your story and develop a proactive defense plan that is in your best interest. Schedule a time to speak with the Coolidge Law Firm. Call today or submit your information in the online contact form.
The Coolidge Law Firm represents clients in communities in Wake County, NC that include Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Garner, and Wake Forest.
What is Sexual Exploitation of a Minor?
Sexual exploitation of a minor is the legal term used for child pornography. Creation, distribution or possession of the material are all charged as sexual exploitation of a minor.
Depending on the amount of material you are found with, the crime has the potential to be prosecuted under federal law. The federal government does not take child pornography charges lightly, so you will need a defense team that is experienced in defending clients in the U.S District Courts.
Whether you are convicted on the federal or state level, you will be required to register as a sex offender if you are convicted of the crime. As a registered sex offender your information will be made available to the public. You will also face restrictions on where you can live and employment opportunities.
A breakdown of the crime is as follows:
First-Degree Child Pornography
All child pornography offenses are serious, but the most serious offense involves using children to create the material. This can include filming, photographing and even allowing a child to participate in the production of the material.
You are not required to have actually created the material to be charged with the crime. Paying for the minor to be transported across the state so they can be involved in the production is enough to be charged with first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
The crime is a Class C felony that exposes you to at least 73 months in prison.
Second-Degree Child Pornography
You are looking at second-degree child pornography if you are caught distributing child porn. Also included in second-degree exploitation is the act of selling the material. Whether or not you received money for selling the material is irrelevant to the court.
Child porn can be distributed in many ways. Nowadays, the most common form of distribution is through file sharing. This is done by transmitting files from one computer to another over a network or the Internet. Other forms of distribution include physically copying the material and selling it.
The act of giving the explicit photos or video is enough to be charged with the crime. Second-degree exploitation of a minor is a Class E felony that is punishable by a minimum of 25 months behind bars.
Third-Degree Child Pornography
Possessing any photos, videos or other material that depicts minors engaging in sexual activity will result in third-degree charges. This charge is Class H felony that could land you up to four months behind bars.
It’s common for the government or local police departments to track your online activity if they suspect you are viewing child pornography. When they have enough evidence, law enforcement will raid your home and seize your computer. This can be a frightening experience.
If police raided your home and seized your computer, you should contact the Coolidge Law Firm. Do not wait to be formally charged with the crime. The sooner you act, the better your chances of a more favorable outcome in court.
Additional Resources for Child Pornography
Frist-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor– Follow this link to learn more about first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. You can read the precise legal definition of the crime, how it’s punished and interference. The statute can be read on the North Carolina General Assembly Website.
Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor– Visit the North Carolina General Assembly website to learn more about child porn charges in the second degree. You can read the exact legal definition, how it’s penalized, and interference.
Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor– Learning about the state statute that you could potentially be charged under is a wise decision. Follow this link to do just that. You can read the definition of the crime and how it’s charged.
Speak to a Child Pornography Lawyer in Raleigh Today
Being charged with sexual exploitation of a minor is devastating. Before the case ever makes it to court, you can face months of embarrassment and stress. You can be fired from your job and forced to stay away from your loved ones.
That is why it’s imperative that you contact the sex crimes defense attorneys at the Coolidge Law Firm. You do not have to go through this alone. The Coolidge Law Firm will guide you through every step of the complicated legal process and formulate a defense that is catered to you.
Schedule a time to speak with us more about your case. Call (919) 239-8448 or submit your information in the contact form below.
The Coolidge Law Firm defends clients of child pornography charges in comminutes in Wake County, NC including Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Garner.
Menu
Practices
Reviews
Contact