In a world proliferated by social media apps, cell phones, and cameras, criminal offenses related to child pornography or by the rise. FBI and other law enforcement agencies have made inroads into what used to be an anonymous space where pedophiles and other sex criminals might solicit children for sex online or trade or distribute pornographic images depicting children. These are all felony offenses some of which may have federal implications.

Possession of Child Pornography

When a person is charged with soliciting a minor for sex online or manufacturing and distributing child pornography, whether they’re innocent or guilty, it can be one of the most damaging and reputation destroying events of their lifetime. If they are convicted of a criminal offense related to child pornography or any other form of sexual exploitation of a child, it can be accompanied by a lengthy penitentiary sentence and a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender.

Internet Sex Crimes

Internet sex crimes are a broad category that encompasses all types of suspicious behavior that may take place on the Internet using a computer, video gaming system, or a mobile device. People never really know whom they are conversing with online. A person could be playing a videogame and then mention something about sex only to have the situation get out of hand and find themselves being SWAT teamed at work. In essence, any offense that involves interactions with a child or other minor that have the component of sexual intent is a crime. The most common Internet sex crime is the solicitation of a minor for sex and possession, downloading, or distributing child pornography.

Understanding Child Pornography Cases

Child pornography is defined as any form of media content which features the sexual exploitation of a child. In short, any file depicting a person under 18 in a sexually compromising manner is a felony sex crime. Although most offenders may not deserve it, they are considered child molesters in the eyes of the law. Courts feel that taking these people off the streets, just for looking at an image, results in a safer society. Due to the nature of the Internet and its ability to involve multiple parties across state lines, most of these cases are federal offenses which means a 90+ percent conviction rate.

Resources

• Texas Child Pornography Charge Information
• Texas Penal Code § 43.26
• Citizen’s Guide To U.S. Federal Law On Child Pornography

Ready to Fight Back?

Hire a Sex Crimes Lawyer

If you or a loved one were accused of a crime related to child pornography or any type of sex crime, we do not recommend taking the information you’ve read in this article as legal advice. The most prudent advice that we could give you is to make contact with a licensed criminal defense attorney that has experience defending people accused of crimes that could be seen as sexual, especially those involving minors.