Mentor Child Pornography Lawyer

Mentor Child Pornography Attorney

Being accused of child pornography is one of the most serious charges a person can face. Even a simple accusation can spiral a person’s reputation and career, permanently damaging their relationships. If you have been accused or are under investigation for these crimes, it is important to contact a Mentor child pornography lawyer who can begin to fight for your rights and build an appropriate defense on your behalf.

For over 15 years, Fortress Law Group, LLC has defended people charged with sex crimes by ensuring their rights are protected through integrity and compassion, along with steadfast courage. Our firm battles against bullying tactics while pushing for excellence in advocacy to deliver the necessary defense for our clients.

A Mentor child pornography attorney at our firm can work side-by-side with you to develop a unique legal approach to defend your rights during any stage of your child pornography investigation or prosecution in Mentor at the Lake County Courthouse. By contacting us early, we can start working toward resolving your case while protecting your future.

Child Pornography Laws

In U.S. federal law, child pornography is any visual depiction of a minor (someone under the age of 18) engaged in sexually explicit conduct, whether a photograph, video, digital, or computer-generated image. The basic law criminalizing the production of child pornography is Title 18 of the United States Code: 18 U.S.C. § 2251, which prohibits the production of child pornography through persuasion, inducement, or coercion of the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct.

Several other laws prohibit the receipt, distribution, transportation, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) even if the material is digital or computer-generated. Offenders convicted of these crimes face very severe penalties. For instance, a first-time offender convicted of producing child pornography faces a statutory sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison.

Conviction for the distribution or possession of child pornography can also result in a lengthy prison sentence (generally 5 to 20 years), with much harsher penalties if certain aggravating circumstances are involved, such as violent or sadistic content, or in the case of distribution or possession, previous convictions.

Child Pornography Penalties

Of those convicted of child pornography crimes, 45.8% of these individuals were sentenced for possession, 43.1% were for trafficking child pornography, and 11.1% were for receiving it. Convictions for first-time possession of child pornography charges can lead to years in prison, depending on the facts. Additional charges for child endangerment or abuse frequently accompany other offenses.

If the pornography crossed state lines, which they often do if distributed online, federal charges may also apply, which tend to yield harsher penalties.

Jail or prison time is only one of the punishments you face when convicted of possession of child pornography charges. You will also be required to register with your local sheriff’s office as a sex offender in Ohio. Ohio has three tiers of sex offenders. The length of time a person must comply with registry rules varies from a few years to a lifetime, based on their conviction details and criminal history.

A conviction for child pornography is permanently recorded on your criminal record and may affect your job, business certifications, housing options, voting or gun ownership rights, and many other rights. Even an arrest can harm a person’s reputation, both personally and professionally, and registered sexual offenders may face even more difficult obstacles in these areas.

Hire a Child Pornography Lawyer

If you face accusations or an investigation for child pornography offenses, it is imperative to hire a child pornography lawyer because these child pornography cases proceed quickly while involving complex digital forensic evidence and can have lifelong penalties. An attorney can help protect your rights from the onset of an investigation, stop law enforcement from overreaching, and preserve and challenge the government’s evidence at every stage of the case.

A seasoned lawyer can work with prosecutors, advocate for reduced charges or alternatives to jail, and develop an effective defense strategy based on the unique facts of your case. At stake are your freedom, reputation, and future. Don’t face it alone.

FAQs

What Should I Do If I’m Being Investigated for Child Pornography Charges in Mentor, Ohio?

If you find yourself under investigation, there are a few steps to take. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you in court, even if you believe you have done nothing wrong. Do not access or delete any electronic files. Most importantly, contact a Mentor criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

What Are the Potential Penalties for a Child Pornography Conviction Under Ohio Law?

Penalties may include years of imprisonment, hefty fines, sex offender registration, and extended supervision. Felony convictions can lead to multiple years of jail time. Serious consequences, such as a longer sentence, may be imposed for aggravating factors, like a history of previous offenses. Mentor, Ohio has strict laws for child pornography.

How Can a Mentor Criminal Defense Lawyer Challenge Digital Evidence in a Child Pornography Case?

The defense attorney may challenge digital evidence based on how it was gathered. This may include challenging the validity of a search warrant or whether the police adhered to sound forensic practices in their investigation. Your lawyer might also bring up questions as to the accuracy of the software used to track downloads, how a malicious software program or a remote access program may have affected the use of the computer, or whether the computer user intentionally accessed the files.

Are There Defenses Available If Illegal Material Was Unknowingly Downloaded or Shared?

There are defenses available if illegal material was unknowingly downloaded or shared. Occasionally, illegal files are downloaded without a person’s knowledge because of malware, pop-ups, auto-syncing, or peer-to-peer sharing software, which automatically stores such files. The forensic analysis of a suspect’s computer may allow a defense attorney to argue that there was no intent, that the material was stored accidentally, or that another party had access to the suspect’s computer or electronic device.

Mentor Child Pornography Lawyer

If you were charged with child pornography, do not delay in seeking legal assistance. An attorney at Fortress Law Group, LLC can help you. Contact us today to speak with a representative.

Mentor Child Pornography Lawyer Reviews