There are a number of internet crimes that can be prosecuted at the federal level, including the sending or receiving of child pornography, reproducing child pornography videos for the purposes of distribution or advertising such materials. Sending materials that depict a minor or someone that appears to be a minor, engaging in sexually explicit conduct to another minor is also a federal crime.
The penalties associated with these crimes include being imprisoned for at least 5 years. In some cases, if it has been determined that a person has engaged in a child exploitation enterprise, they could face from 20 years to life in prison. Federal prosecutors will aggressively try to prove your guilt and maximize the penalties imposed. This is why you need a tough Los Angeles child pornography attorney working on your behalf.
Depending upon the particular case, a defendant may face child pornography charges in either state or federal court. In California, child pornography is covered under the state’s obscenity laws. Distributing child pornography is a felony offense under state law, and it is also illegal to possess or produce any type of child pornography or depiction of a minor (a child under 18 years of age) in any sexual act.
U.S. federal laws prohibit the interstate distribution of child pornography as well as the distribution or possession of child pornography on federal property. Under federal law, child pornography is defined as “any visual depiction” of a minor engaging in “sexually explicit conduct”. This may include actual intercourse or any sexual activity, as well as the exhibition of the minor’s genitalia. For more information, see 18 U.S.C. Chapter 10, “Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children”.
Mark Haushalter and Ryan Okabe have been successfully defending those accused of internet and sex crimes for many years. Our lawyers understand that not everyone accused of a crime is guilty and that good people sometimes make a single mistake that can haunt them for the rest of their lives, if not defended properly. We feel that our client’s rights need to be protected and that they deserve the best defense that we can provide.
As former prosecutors, we have a unique understanding of how the justice system works and what actions we can take that can result in the best possible outcome for our clients. There are many different defenses that can be used, depending on the specifics of your case. All of your questions need to be answered and you need to be made fully aware of the strategies that can produce a winning defense. The sooner you consult with us, the more rapidly we can begin working for you.
If you are facing federal child pornography charges, quickly contact a Los Angeles child porn defense lawyer who is willing to fight on your behalf.
