Yes, you can still be charged, even if you didn’t know that the pornographic material involved a child. Your attorney can try to use ignorance as a defense, and that could be a valid legal strategy, but you’ll likely still be charged. Furthermore, prosecutors may argue that you should have known or verified the age of all persons in the material.
Huntington Beach Child Pornography Lawyer
Child Pornography Attorney In Huntington Beach, CA
Of all sex crimes, those involving children are often considered the most heinous. Even just being charged with these offenses carries social stigma, with people judging you well before the case ever gets to court. The legal punishments are far worse, carrying the potential for hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, and lifelong registration requirements. If you’re facing these charges, you want an experienced Huntington Beach child pornography lawyer by your side, working to protect your rights and freedom.
The skilled Huntington Beach sex crime lawyer from The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman can use the details of your case to build a strong defense against your charges.
Penalties for Child Pornography
Both federal and state laws apply to child pornography cases, with the exact jurisdiction often depending on the severity of the crime. Child pornography penalties include:
- Imprisonment. If convicted of a child pornography charge, your prison sentence will depend on the specific crime committed, with terms of imprisonment ranging from over a year to over two decades.
- Fines. Courts could impose fines of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the specifics of the crime. In many cases, convicted defendants are ordered to pay restitution to victims.
- Parole and probation. For lower-tier and first-time offenders, a probation sentence is possible. In some cases, a person can be released from prison to serve a parole sentence. These penalties require frequent check-ins with a parole or probation officer. They also place restrictions on contact with minors.
- Sex offender registration. If convicted, you’ll need to register as a sex offender with your local police department or other authoritative body, and information about your name, crime, and residence will be available on the state’s Megan’s Law website. This could be a lifelong requirement, depending on the severity of the crime.
- Technology restrictions. Depending on the nature of the crime, you could have your technology access restricted and monitored. Offenders may lose access to the internet or certain websites, and they may be required to install monitoring software on their computers, phones, and other devices.
Ready to defend your rights? Schedule your consultation with our child pornography attorney in Huntington Beach at 714-879-5770!
Renowned Success Rate
Criminal cases are often complicated. There are two sides to every story, and it is important that the court sees the situation clearly. We can help defend you in your criminal case and make sure your perspective is heard.
Legal Defenses Against Child Pornography Charges
Child pornography continues to be a serious concern in the U.S., with a 34.4% increase in cases from 2020 to 2024. If you’re facing child pornography charges, an effective defense strategy will be the difference between a conviction that follows you for the rest of your life and an acquittal that clears your name. Your Huntington Beach child pornography attorney may use any of the following defenses in your child pornography case:
- Illegal search and seizure. If the police illegally obtained evidence against you, it cannot be used in court. This could result in a case dismissal or acquittal.
- Entrapment. If you are tricked into purchasing or viewing child pornography, your lawyer could argue that your lack of intent makes you innocent. If you had not committed the act without intervention, you could be found not guilty.
- Lack of actual pornography. Not all nude images meet the legal criteria for pornography. Your attorney may argue that the content has artistic or educational purposes and does not break the law.
- Age. It isn’t always possible to tell from an image or video how old someone actually is. If possible, your Huntington Beach criminal defense lawyer may find proof that the subjects in the pornographic material are actually over 18.
How an Attorney From The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman Can Help
Facing child pornography charges is extremely difficult, with 96% of arrests leading to convictions or plea deals. With an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side, you can face your charges head-on. Your attorney can review discovery to build your case, safeguard your rights, and present a strong argument in your favor. If necessary, your lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to reach a plea deal, allowing you to avoid severe punishments in exchange for pleading guilty to a lesser crime.
At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we can assert your rights when you’re facing criminal charges. With over 20 years of experience in representing criminal cases, we have the knowledge and network to maintain your innocence, whether in the West Justice Center or the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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CHILD PORNOGRAPHY LAWS FAQ'S
Huntington Beach, CA
Hire a Huntington Beach Child Pornography Lawyer
These charges carry serious consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. Hire a child pornography lawyer from The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman to face these charges. Our firm can work to preserve your freedom. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.