Child pornography offenses are treated seriously by the California legal system, and facing these charges can be a frightening experience. Both possession and distribution of child pornography is illegal under California Penal Code Section 311, and the penalties can be severe for those who are convicted, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime. Anyone accused of a child pornography related offense is urged to seek legal counsel immediately. If you need the help of a child pornography defense lawyer, contact Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your legal rights.
Owning, producing, or distributing child pornography is illegal in the state of California. Child pornography is defined as any materials—such as photographs, videotapes, or digital images or videos—depicting a minor person engaged in sexual acts or in acts designed to stimulate sexual arousal in the viewer. These materials are considered the result of child exploitation, and people who are convicted of being in possession of distributing these materials will face criminal charges in court.
California laws regarding child pornography outline different penalties for people convicted of these crimes. A person accused of a child pornography offense may face one or more charges related to any specific offenses they are alleged to have committed.
Distribution or transport of child pornography is illegal in California, and people convicted of this crime could face penalties of fines up to 2,000 dollars and incarceration for up to one year. Distribution as a business transaction, however—for commercial gain—is a crime that can result in up to six years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines if convicted.
Possession of child pornography could result in fines of up to 2,500 dollars and up to one year of incarceration if convicted. For legal purposes, “possession” includes not only physical materials, but also downloaded or saved digital media data on a hard drive or storage drive.
Repeat offenders—people who are charged with a crime they have been previously convicted of—face harsher penalties than first-time offenders in most cases. Steeper fines and longer periods of incarceration in a state or federal prison are possible consequences faced by repeat offenders. All people who are convicted of child pornography offenses must register with the sex offender database.
Don’t let being accused of crime ruin your life. You have the right to have an attorney by your side in court if you are facing criminal charges related to child pornography. If you need a child pornography defense lawyer in Torrance, the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can help. Our experienced legal team has a thorough knowledge of the California Penal Code and we are known for getting out clients results. We can negotiate on your behalf in the courtroom, possibly leading to reduced charges and reduced sentences. We offer no-cost case evaluations for all potential clients, so call today for your free consultation.
