Child Porn Conviction: How Devastating Can it Be?
The State of Pennsylvania exercises a zero-tolerance policy toward child pornography cases. So, both the distributor and the viewer of such sexually explicit materials involving minors are at risk of facing the most severe consequences available. Added to the penalties, there are several other lifelong consequences of living with the conviction of child pornography.
More often than not, people who are held for downloading or distributing child porn are completely unaware of what they are possessing. And even after they have been wrongfully accused, they get so worried about getting imprisoned that they become ready to accept any offer to get over the case, without thinking about what the long-term impact of such cases would be, and how a professional lawyer could’ve handled the entire scenario.
Let’s explore this blog till the end, and find out the devastating consequences of child porn conviction, and how a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you out if you’ve been convicted.
Charges for Child Pornography Conviction
Pennsylvania state laws clearly define that videotaping, photographing, or downloading of explicit sexual activities involving minors is illegal. Even if the whole thing is simulated, you can still be charged for it!
Besides that, you can also be charged if you try to sell, transfer, or distribute child pornography in any way.
So, what are the charges? Well, making, viewing, or distributing child pornography is considered to be a felony in Pennsylvania.
- If you’re caught distributing or possessing child porn for the first time, it is regarded as a third-degree felony.
- If you’re caught distributing or possessing child porn for the second time, it is regarded as a second-degree felony.
- If you’re caught photographing or filming child pornography, it is regarded as a second-degree felony.
And now for the most interesting part- child pornography offenses tick the checklist of state as well as federal crimes. So, if you’ve been charged, you could face federal charges in addition to those levied by the state! Hence, it is imperative to hire a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer who can fight to protect your rights and help you walk away with a clean slate.
Additional Consequences
Felony charges are just the tip of the iceberg! If you’ve been convicted of child pornography, several other consequences come along.
For instance, if you’re charged as a first-time offender in such cases, you have to register yourself as a sex offender for 15 years! And people who are convicted of subsequent, or more serious offenses, must register for 25 years or for a lifetime.
Other than that, if you get convicted as a sex offender, here are some things that you need to follow-
- You must live at a certain distance from parks, schools, and other prohibited places.
- You can be banned from using the internet, which can affect your job opportunities.
- It might get challenging for you to get or maintain a decent job.
- You might become a target within your own community.
Anyways, the consequences of a child pornography conviction are no short of life-shattering. Moreover, your reputation in society may never be the same again! So, if you’ve been wrongfully charged with such a crime, make sure to hire a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer from our Logue Law Group. We have years of experience handling such cases, and can guarantee a fair outcome for you!
Want an appointment with our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers? Place a call at 844.PITT.DUI or send an email to sean@seanloguelaw.com to book a free consultation today!