Wilton Child Pornography Lawyer
It is possible to effectively contest child pornography charges both in and out of court, but you will almost certainly have a difficult time doing so without guidance from an experienced defense attorney. Representation from a Wilton child pornography lawyer could make all the difference in your prospects of a favorable case outcome and your chances of avoiding serious criminal sanctions.
Types of Child Pornography Offenses
State law defines three different criminal acts that involve sexually explicit depictions of minors: possession of child pornography, promoting a minor in an obscene performance, and importing child pornography. First, Connecticut General Statutes §§53a-196d through 53a-196f set out three degrees of possessing child pornography, differentiating between levels of the offense based on how many instances of child pornography a person allegedly possessed and the nature of the conduct depicted in those instances.
In addition, C.G.S. §53a-196b addresses the promotion of a minor in an obscene performance, with “performance” in this context including both live and recorded explicit encounters involving a child. Likewise, C.G.S. §53a-196a prohibits the employment of a minor in an obscene performance, as well as any parent or guardian knowingly allowing a child under their care to participate in an obscene performance.
Finally, C.G.S. §53a-196c makes it a felony offense to knowingly import three or more instances of child pornography into the state of Connecticut. A knowledgeable Wilton child pornography attorney could help construct a defense strategy in response to charges filed under any of these state statutes.
What Consequences Could a Conviction Lead to?
With the exception of possession or transmission of child pornography by a minor, a unique offense codified under C.G.S. §53a-196h that is meant to prohibit minors from “sexting” each other, all child pornography offenses established under Connecticut state law are classified as felonies. Depending on the degree of charge a defendant is facing, a conviction for possession of child pornography may equate to a Class D, Class C, or Class B felony conviction, resulting in anywhere from five to 20 years of imprisonment and a $5,000 to $15,000 fine.
Importing child pornography and promoting obscene performances involving minors are also considered Class B felonies, so maximum punishments could include one to 20 years of imprisonment and $15,000 in fines. However, employing a minor in an obscene performance is one of only a few offenses in Connecticut classified as a Class A felony and punishable by 10 to 25 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
Various additional consequences may persist even after a person convicted on child pornography charges is released from prison, including mandatory sex offender registration and the loss of numerous civil rights. A child pornography lawyer in Wilton could provide crucial assistance explaining the sanctions that a particular charge could lead to and working to mitigate them on a defendant’s behalf.
Speak with a Wilton Child Pornography Attorney About Legal Options
No matter what your criminal history is or what specific type of charge you are facing, a conviction for a child pornography offense will invariably alter the course of your life. However, there are ways to defend your rights and best interests even from charges of this magnitude, and retaining seasoned legal counsel is often an essential step towards doing so effectively.
A tenacious Wilton child pornography lawyer could work on your behalf to obtain the best possible resolution to your case. Schedule your confidential consultation today and click this link to read why so many clients have left the Law Offices of Mark Sherman 5-star reviews.