Prepubescent enhancement is a possible enhancement of penalties or charges that a defendant may face in conjunction with child pornography charges. The term “prepubescent” means at the stage of life just before puberty, when a body becomes sexually mature. This specific enhancement is focusing on the understanding that the child being depicted in photos, illustrations or videos is below the age of understanding and consent, which in most states is granted at the age of 13. Prosecutors will aggressively pursue these charges given the child’s apparent age.
This form of child pornography charge is especially damaging and can draw additional years of incarceration or probation. You need an experienced team of sex crime defense lawyers who understand the charges, can dissect the specific photos or videos in question, and work with experts to defend your rights. Some may think that child pornography refers only to prepubescent individuals, but in California and according to federal child pornography law, the depiction of a minor (a person under 18 years of age – prepubescent or not) in any form of sexual activity may constitute child pornography. Depending upon whether a defendant faces child pornography possession or distribution charges, he or she may face increased penalties. For example, the distribution may be an automatic felony charge under California law.
Facing simple child pornography charges is serious enough. However, when you face the possibility of additional charges or increased penalties, it becomes all the more important to consult a defense lawyer as soon as possible and fight your charges.
Okabe & Haushalter may be just what you need. At our firm, we have extensive experience and resources as well as expertise in the area of child pornography charges in particular. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and represent clients throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. We understand just how serious it can be if you are facing enhancements for prepubescent pornography, and we know what defense techniques are most likely to benefit your case.
It is our goal to minimize the penalties you face and to diminish the negative consequences that even a child pornography accusation can have upon your reputation and your life.