Phoenix hands down extremely harsh sentences for people found guilty of possessing, distributing or manufacturing child pornography. If you are arrested for child pornography crimes in Phoenix, your life can be totally ruined both personally and professionally speaking. According to Arizona Revised Statute A.R.S. 13-3553, which falls under the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor statute (A.R.S. 13-3551 et seq.):
- A person commits child pornography by knowingly or intentionally recording, filming, photographing, developing or duplicating any visual depiction in which a minor is engaged in exploitative exhibition or sexual conduct—or by distributing, transporting, exhibiting, receiving, selling, purchasing, electronically transmitting, possessing or exchanging any visual depiction in which a minor is engaged in exploitative exhibition or other sexual conduct
In addition to the very strict sentencing guidelines for child pornography crimes in Phoenix, the social stigma that comes from such accusations makes it essential to immediately consult a reputable attorney who can help defend you against these heinous charges. You should also seek out a competent, aggressive defense attorney who has experience defending child pornography cases, and who will vehemently fight for your rights.
How a Phoenix Attorney Defends You Against Child Pornography Charges
Child pornography charges can be either state or federal offenses. If the sharing or obtaining of images or videos occurs over the Internet and thus, transcends state or national boundaries, then federal authorities may become involved in your case.
If this happens, you can face much harsher penalties and fines than you will otherwise. A reputable, experienced defense attorney can help build a defense based on various factors related to your case, including:
- Disputed or unproven computer ownership
- Whether the evidence was obtained while upholding your constitutional rights
- Whether the evidence was tainted or handled improperly in any way by authorities
Penalties for Child Pornography Crimes in Phoenix
Child pornography crimes in Phoenix are charged and punished based on each individual image. This means that if you have 100 images, you will face 100 separate counts.
- Each image results in a consecutive sentence, so 100 images means 100 counts and thus, 100 consecutive sentences if you are convicted
If you are found guilty of child pornography crimes in Phoenix, you face sentencing under a class 2 felony conviction for each count. This includes:
- 10 years in prison for each image of a child under 15 years of age
- No possibility of parole or early release
- Up to $150,000 in fines per count (so per image), plus any civil liabilities you might incur
- Very strict supervised probation upon your release
Additionally, you will also be ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. This can adversely affect your life in many ways, including:
- Dictating where you can and can’t live
- Restricting you from holding certain jobs
- Limiting and/or stigmatizing your social and societal interactions
Trust Phoenix Criminal Attorney with your Child Pornography Crimes Defense in Phoenix
The best way to guarantee you never face child pornography charges is to make sure that if you choose to view, possess or manufacture pornography, you verify that all participants are 18 years of age or over. However, if you find yourself charged with child pornography crimes of any type in Phoenix, you should immediately consult an attorney with extensive experience defending people from child pornography charges. We will not stop fighting for your rights, by making sure that every possible legal option and defense strategy is available to you. If you are facing any kind of child pornography charge in Phoenix, no matter how severe, contact us today for a private, no obligation consultation at 602-551-8092.
