Fairfield Child Pornography Lawyer
Allegations that you possessed or distributed child pornography could have catastrophic personal and professional consequences, and a conviction would likely lead to a lengthy prison sentence and permanent branding as a felon and a registered sex offender.
A seasoned Fairfield child pornography lawyer could negotiate with prosecutors, collect exculpatory evidence, and work to help you fight the charges.
What Constitutes Child Pornography?
Connecticut General Statutes §§53a-196d through 53a-196f establish three levels, or degrees, of child pornography possession, each of which allows for different tiers of sanctions upon conviction. In the context of these charges and all others of a similar nature, child pornography is any visual material that shows a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct of any kind, including actual or simulated intercourse, sexual contact, or “lasciviously exhibition” of the genitals or intimate areas, as per the definition laid out in C.G.S. §53a-193(13).
Is Possession of Child Porn a Felony?
Yes. The least severe version of child pornography possession codified under state law is possessing child pornography of the third degree, a class D felony offense which entails someone possessing fewer than 20 instances of child pornography and, upon conviction, could result in maximum penalties of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Child pornography possession in the second degree involves possession of between 20 and 50 illicit images and is considered a class C felony, meaning conviction could lead to a prison sentence between one and ten years plus a $10,000 fine.
Additionally, possession of any of the following may result in first-degree child pornography possession charges and class B felony consequences of one to twenty years in prison and a maximum $15,000 fine upon conviction:
- More than 50 instances of child pornography
- One or more instances of child pornography depicting a minor suffering or being threatened with serious physical harm
- Any film, videotape, or series of images depicting more than one minor participating in sexual conduct
- Any film, videotape, or series of images depicting more than one sexually explicit act by one or more minors
What is the Crime of Importing Child Pornography?
According to C.G.S. §§53a-196b and 53a-196c, the offenses of importing child pornography and promoting a child in a live or recorded obscene performance are also class B felonies. In the latter situation, a defendant must have reasonably known the age of the alleged minor involved in such a performance and the nature of said performance in order to be convicted.
Are There Any Other Child Pornography Related Charges?
Finally, C.G.S. §53a-196a makes it a class A felony to knowingly employ a minor in a sexually explicit performance or to knowingly allow a child to participate in such a performance as that child’s legal parent or guardian. Since a conviction for this offense is punishable by anywhere from 10 to 25 years of imprisonment as well as a fine of $20,000, assistance from a knowledgeable child pornography lawyer is especially crucial for anyone in Fairfield facing allegations of this nature.
Consider Retaining a Fairfield Child Pornography Attorney
A qualified Fairfield child pornography lawyer help protect your rights and reputation following an accusation. On Avvo.com you can read over 300 reviews explaining why past clients, just like you have rated us with 5-stars. Call today to get started on your case.