Minnesota Child Pornography Lawyer

Child pornography charges can land you behind bars and facing the possibility of sex offender registration requirements. However, being charged does not automatically mean you are guilty. People often assume that they do not have defense options in these cases and choose to plead guilty, but this could not be further from the truth. You have the right to a knowledgeable attorney and a strong defense.

To discuss your case with a Minnesota child pornography lawyer, get in touch with our office today. We could analyze your case and work with you to develop a defense that protects your constitutional rights and your way of life.

Child Pornography Charges

Child pornography is the depiction of a minor engaging in sexual behavior. Child pornography can take the form of photographs, videos, or any other type of expression. Criminal charges may stem from conduct related to child pornography, such as:

Possession of Child Pornography

Minnesota Statutes § 617.247 sets forth state law on possession of child pornography charges. Just having child pornography in a person’s possession is a criminal offense. The prosecutor is not required to prove that the defendant watched the material, only that they knowingly possessed it. Possession charges carry up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Distribution of Child Pornography

If a person distributes child pornography by sending or transferring it in some way, this becomes a more serious offense. A first-time offense may lead to up to seven years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Distributing child pornography for profit increases the potential penalties to ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Production of Child Pornography

When a person creates or helps to produce child pornography, they face a felony charge with up to ten years in prison and a potential $20,000 fine. Because the potential penalties associated with child pornography charges are so serious, it is imperative to retain the counsel of a skilled lawyer in Minnesota who could work to have the charges reduced.

Other Consequences of a Child Pornography Conviction

In addition to the years in prison and thousands in fines, a defendant in a child pornography case may face other potential consequences of a conviction as well.  These may include, but are not limited to:

• Sexual Predator Registration: If a person is charged with any form of child porn offense, a conviction will result in a mandatory requirement that the defendant register as a predatory offender for at least ten years. This carries many onerous requirements and puts a defendant’s personal information online.
• Loss of Constitutional Rights: For a felony conviction, a defendant may lose the right to possess firearms, the right to vote in elections, and to serve on a jury.
• Property Forfeiture: In addition to forfeiture of the pornographic material itself, properly used to store or transfer the material may also be forfeited to the state. This commonly includes a person’s computer and other electronics.
• Deportation: Any non-citizen convicted of a child pornography offense will face automatic deportation as a result of this offense.

A strong legal defense may help alleviate or even prevent the worst potential consequences of a conviction. Anyone facing charges of this nature in Minnesota is well-advised to consult with a child pornography attorney to discuss their options.

Defend Your Case with a Minnesota Child Pornography Attorney

Defending sex crimes can be tricky, as the State will often prosecute these cases aggressively. You need someone at your side who is ready to protect your rights tirelessly. At BK Law Group, our Minnesota child pornography lawyers could meet with you, assess your case, and work with you to develop the strongest defense possible. Call our office today to set up a consultation with a dedicated member of our legal team.