Being accused of possessing or distributing child pornography can come as quite a shock. Of all the criminal offenses, sex crimes involving children carry the worst stigma. You could be facing life-changing damage to your reputation as well as significant criminal penalties, including imprisonment.
Our Bristol child pornography lawyer understands what you are going through and is here to help. Attorney David McKenzie of the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. believes that every criminal defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He and the rest of our criminal defense team can help you fight for your innocence.
According to 18 Pa. C.S.A § 6312, an individual may be charged with child pornography if he or she intentionally views, possesses, or controls photographs or other media depicting a child under 18 years of age engaged in prohibited sex acts or the simulation of sex acts.
Child pornography offenses fall under the umbrella of child sex abuse. If convicted, an individual accused of photographing, filming, or videotaping a child engaged in a sex act or simulated sex act faces second-degree felony charges punishable by a maximum prison sentence of ten years.
The penalty for possessing, viewing, or being in control of child pornography depends on the person’s previous criminal history. For a first-time offense, possessing child pornography is a third-degree felony punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years. However, a second conviction for possessing child pornography is a second-degree felony punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Being convicted of a child pornography offense can lead to years behind bars. It can also lead to irreparable damage to your professional and personal reputation.
Individuals convicted of child pornography are also required to register as a sex offender. The Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board maintains a registry of individuals who have been convicted of certain sex crimes and crimes against children.
If you are required to register as a sex offender, you will appear on the sex offender registry, which is publicly available to anybody with Internet access. The following information will appear on the sex offender registry:
For many people, the thought of their picture and name being listed on the sex offender registry is even worse than the thought of going to prison. As you can see, the consequences of a child pornography conviction are severe, which is why it is so important to present a robust defense against your charges.
Many people who are convicted of child pornography offenses feel completely alone. They do not know who to talk to or how to handle this situation. When you work with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., you know that you are not alone. We believe in the presumption of innocence and that criminal defendants deserve to be treated with compassion and respect.
Attorney David McKenzie has represented clients in a wide range of criminal defense cases. He knows what it takes to present a robust defense backed by strong evidence.
In order to convict you of a crime related to child pornography, the prosecution must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., our job is to be your fierce legal advocate. We will gather evidence and use the evidence to fight for your freedom.
Prosecutors must meet a very high burden of proof in order to convict somebody of a criminal offense. Attorney David McKenzie can evaluate the prosecution’s case against you and look for any inconsistencies or flaws in their case.
For example, if you were accused of possessing child pornography, can the prosecution prove it was you who possessed the pornography? What if you share a computer with roommates? How do they know it wasn’t one of the roommates who downloaded the child porn?
Our Bristol child pornography lawyer understands that facing criminal charges is unnerving, to say the least. Our team will keep you updated about your case and ensure that your questions and concerns are answered. We will not keep you in the dark.
In some criminal cases, the prosecution will offer a plea deal or plea agreement. A plea deal is a situation in which a person pleads guilty to a crime in order to gain some type of advantage. Often, the advantage is reduced charges, reduced criminal penalties, or dropped charges. For example, you may be offered a deal where if you plead guilty to one of the offenses you are accused of, the prosecution will drop the charges for the other offenses.
Attorney David McKenzie is experienced in plea deal negotiations. He will fight to get you a favorable plea bargain, if possible. Attorney McKenzie can also advise you about all of your options and help you decide whether taking a plea deal is the right choice for you.
Crimes related to child pornography are penalized harshly. You may be sentenced to years behind bars and required to register on the public sex offender registry.
Bristol child pornography lawyer David McKenzie can represent you during your case and advocate strongly on your behalf. You do not have to face this situation alone. Call the McKenzie law office today and set up a confidential consultation.
