Child Pornography Lawyer

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY—LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Individuals who are charged with child pornography crimes can face a serious challenge in court. Unfortunately, sometimes all it takes to ruin a person’s life is an accusation. The stress of a trial and the harsh consequences of a conviction have the ability to dismantle a person’s entire life as they know it.

If you were charged with child pornography you face felony charges, a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. Consult an aggressive and experienced sex crimes attorney immediately for a free consultation.

An arrest is not a conviction.

If found guilty of child pornography, you not only face a long-term prison sentence, but also the social stigma of being labeled a sexual predator. You may have trouble finding employment and housing and you may be required to register as a sex offender on a national registry for the rest of your life.

But child pornography charges can be fought in court. Talk to an aggressive and experienced attorney to help build a strong defense.

Justin Ketchel is an experience Pittsburgh sex crime attorney who will work hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

He will give your case personal attention and be there every step of the way to answer your questions and prepare you for hearings or a trial.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: TO HAVE YOUR SEX ASSAULT CHARGES DISMISSED

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

 

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA

The exact law on child pornography can be found in Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes under Title 18 §6312—Sexual Abuse of Children. The statute states that it is a crime for any person to intentionally view or knowingly possess or control any book, magazine, pamphlet, slide, photograph, film, videotape, computer depiction or other material depicting a child under the age of 18 years engaging in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such act.

Intentionally viewing pornography of children is defined as deliberate, purposeful and voluntary. An accidental or inadvertent viewing of an image involving child pornography is an exception.

Further, it is a crime to photograph, videotape, depict on a computer or film sexual acts with a child and/or disseminate any such material. You cannot deliver, transfer, exhibit or hold in your possession any materials that involve pornographic material depicting a child under the age of 18 years.

You can be charged with child pornography even if you believed you were looking at an adult. Mistake of age is not a defense to the crime. Nor is the prosecution is required to produce the child depicted in the pornographic images in order to obtain a conviction. They can use expert testimony.

It is important to understand that in addition to any charges you may face in Pennsylvania, you could also be guilty of federal charges as well as PA charges. If you used the internet, the U.S. mail, a DVD, or transported the child pornography over state lines or abroad you could also find yourself facing federal charges, which involve a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

TEEN SEXTING: CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OR NOT?

Unfortunately, in today’s technologically focused society, teen sexting has become a mainstream occurrence. Can your teen be charged with child pornography under the law? The simple answer is, yes.

In Pennsylvania, teen sexting does fall under child pornography laws. A minor is not considered capable of giving consent for sexually explicit photos or videos. The law applies regardless of who takes the photograph or video and sends it and who receives it.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: TO HAVE YOUR SEX ASSAULT CHARGES DISMISSED

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

 

PUNISHMENT FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN PENNSYLVANIA

The punishment for someone who is found guilty of child pornography can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Punishment is also increasingly more harsh if it is a subsequent offense.

If it is a first offense child pornography crime that involves dissemination, intentional viewing, or knowing possession of child pornography, you can be charged with a third degree felony.

The penalties for a third degree felony include:

  • Up to seven years in prison
  • Up to $15,000 in fines
  • Mandatory registration as a sex offender

A second, or subsequent offense can be charged as a second degree felony.

The penalties for a second degree felony include:

  • Up to ten years in prison
  • Up to $25,000 in fines
  • Mandatory registration as a sex offender

If you are arrested for a first offense child pornography crime that involves photographing, videotaping, depicting on a computer or filming children involved in sexual acts, you can be charged with a felony of the second degree. The penalties for a second degree felony are listed above.

REGISTERING AS A SEX OFFENDER REQUIREMENT

Under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) / Megan’s Law and the Adam Walsh Act, convicted sex offenders are required to register their names on an online national registry.

This registry is available for anyone to see. To register you are required to provide DNA, a photograph and addresses of where you live and work.

Failing to register is a felony. Recently the PA Supreme Court ruled that certain first time offenders may only have to register for 15 years instead of a lifetime.

If you were charged with a sex crime, call Justin Ketchel to day for a free legal consultation.

FIGHTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

An arrest is not a conviction.

Even being charged with child pornography has the ability to ruin your life and leave a lasting mark on your reputation. With the involvement of children, prosecutors are often unwilling to negotiate. You need the help of an qualified sex crimes attorney to protect your future.

Our Pittsburgh sex crime attorneys understand that not everyone accused of a crime is guilty of a crime. We work aggressively toward having your charges reduced or your case dismissed.

We will fully investigate all aspects of your case, examining all angles and gathering testimony and witnesses on your behalf. We will go over police reports, witness accounts and aggressively look for any evidence to build a strong case in your defense.

If your case goes to trial, we will be by your side at every turn, to prepare you and your family for possible questioning and keep you informed so that together we can make the best decision for you and your family.

Our goal is to have your case dismissed and charges reduced. We will fight aggressively to keep your name off of the national registry of sex offenders.

If you have been charged with a sex crime call Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney Justin J. Ketchel for a free consultation today.

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FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

We offer free legal consultations to anyone charged with a crime. Call us today to find out how we can help defend your rights.

Learn more about Ketchel Law and Sex Crime Laws in Pennsylvania:

Learn more about Ketchel Law:

Call Ketchel Law now for a free legal consultation at 412-456-1221.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221

FREE CONSULTATION