In California, being charged with a crime related to child pornography is serious. The impact on your life goes beyond scarring your reputation—you could also face penalties like major fines and even prison time. If you have been accused of possessing or distributing child pornography and live in the greater Los Angeles area, you need a lawyer who can stand up for you in court. The legal professionals at Okabe and Haushalter are among the best child pornography defense attorneys, and they can put their legal know-how to work for you.
Any materials depicting a person under the age of 18 engaged in some form of sexual conduct is considered child pornography by the state of California. These materials could include photos, videos or digital images. Even if the person in the materials appears to be over the age of 18, if they are in fact below the age of legal majority, you could face a child pornography charge if you own those materials. Furthermore, even if the sexual conduct does not appear to be overt, you can face a criminal charge if the material is determined to be designed for the arousal of the person possessing it.
There are different punishments for those convicted of a crime related to child pornography. Under California Penal Code Section 290, all people who are convicted will have to register as sex offenders. They also may face jail or prison time and fines as outlined in Section 311.
Possessing child pornography is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of 2,500 dollars. However, fines may be increased and the period of incarceration may be extended if the party in possession has been convicted of a related crime in the past.
Being charged with distribution or intent to distribute child pornography can result in a felony count and imprisonment for up to six years if the distribution is determined in court to have been for the purposes of monetary gain. In these cases, the fines imposed could be up to 100,000 dollars.
Previously convicted parties or parties who possess large volumes of materials face more extensive prison terms and steeper fines if convicted again for the same charges or related charges.
If you are facing criminal charges related to child pornography, you need a lawyer who will fights for your rights in the courtroom. Okabe and Haushalter are the premier child pornography defense attorneys in Pacific Palisades, and they can advocate for you in court using proven defense strategies. They have helped their clients get reduced charges and penalties, and they can help you too. Call today for a free consultation and learn why the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter are known for providing their clients with courtroom excellence.
