Minneapolis Child Pornography Lawyer

Criminal offenses involving the unlawful possession, distribution, or creation of child pornography are prosecuted very harshly across the United States. Minnesota is no exception. Even if you have no prior criminal record, a single conviction for a charge of this nature could lead to thousands of dollars in fines and multiple years in state prison, along with mandatory sex offender registration.

However, as serious as this allegation is, it is important to remember that you still have important rights that must be upheld. A skilled private defense attorney could be crucial to ensuring your rights are enforced. Throughout your criminal proceedings, a dedicated Minneapolis child pornography lawyer could build a strong defense tailored to your circumstances and achieve the most favorable resolution possible.

What Qualifies as Child Pornography?

Child pornography possession is a felony offense. Minnesota Revised Statutes §§ 617.246 and 617.247 state that any picture, film, or visual depiction that displays an identifiable person under the age of 18 engaged in any form of actual or simulated “sexual conduct” constitutes unlawful child pornography.

In this context, “sexual conduct” includes:

• Masturbation
• Displays of genitals
• Penetrative and non-penetrative sexual intercourse
• Sadomasochistic abuse performed for sexual gratification
• Sexual acts with intimate areas of the body, clothed or unclothed

Additionally, as a legal professional in Minneapolis could explain, neither the consent of a minor’s parent(s) nor lack of knowledge regarding the minor’s age is considered a valid affirmative defense against child pornography charges.

Possible Penalties for a Child Porn Conviction

Child pornography possession carries serious penalties, including:

• First-time offenders: a maximum five-year prison term and a $5,000 fine
• Repeat offenders, registered sex offenders, and offenders involved with a child under the age of 14: 10 years of imprisonment along with a $10,000 fine

Dissemination of child pornography without any financial incentive carries the following penalties:

• First-time offenders: seven years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines for first-time offenders
• With aggravating factors: up to 15 years imprisonment and $20,000 in fines

Selling or producing child pornography carries:

• First-time offenders: up to 10 years of prison time and $20,000 in fines for first-time offenders
• With aggravating factors: up to 15 years in prison and $40,000 in fines

Support from a seasoned Minneapolis child pornography defense attorney could be vital in avoiding the most serious penalties associated with these charges.

Reach Out to a Minneapolis Child Pornography Attorney for Help With Your Case

No matter what circumstances led to you being accused of a child porn offense, you will need to act quickly and decisively in order to protect your rights and future best interests. Law enforcement and court authorities tend to move fast and aggressively with these types of cases and will rarely be sympathetic to you or anyone else who tries to fight their charges alone.

Seeking help from a Minneapolis child pornography lawyer should be your top priority. Call today for a confidential consultation with a dedicated member of the legal team at BK Law Group.