Los Angeles Distribution of Child Pornography Defense Lawyers

Vigorous Legal Defense Against Child Pornography Distribution Allegations in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis, and it’s also the center for major media and show business companies such as Universal Studios Hollywood, FOX Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, and Harpo Productions. With such a significant media presence, criminal prosecutions in Los Angeles are likely to get national exposure.

There is a lot of public pressure on district attorneys to go after people who have been accused of distributing child pornography, and ambitious prosecutors know that these cases will generate positive media attention.

It’s horrible to be accused of child pornography. These charges can turn your life upside down in a terrible way. That’s why it’s important to seek effective legal representation as quickly as possible to protect your freedom and reputation.

Distribution of child pornography is a serious crime, and the penalties can be severe, including heavy fines and jail time. If you have been charged with distributing child pornography, it is important to contact a Los Angeles sex crime defense attorney right away.

The sex crime defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP are experienced in defending clients against charges of child pornography. We know exactly what steps to take to help prevent conviction. Our firm has handled several high-profile cases in the past, and we know how to limit exposure and protect your reputation.

Call (213) 688-0460 to schedule a case review today.

What Is Considered Child Pornography in Los Angeles?

In California, child pornography is defined as any representation of a minor engaging in sexual conduct. The law does not require that the image be entirely sexually explicit, and there doesn’t need to be proof that the subject was sexually abused for prosecutors to get a conviction.

The term minor refers to anyone under 18 years old. When one of the participants is 17 years old, it is not regarded as child pornography if the parties involved are engaged, legally married, or emancipated.

Production is when an individual creates pornographic content. This can be done through a variety of methods, including:

• Using a computer to create or alter images or videos
• Buying materials (such as cameras or printers) that can be used to create pornographic content
• Recording sexual acts involving children

Another child pornography crime under California law is possession, which occurs when an individual knowingly possesses pornographic content involving children that was created by another person.

Distribution refers to sharing images, photography, or videos depicting minors engaging in sexual acts with others. This may include content that is passed along in the following forms:

• Computer software
• Videotape
• Photographs
• Books
• Magazines
• Text message
• Social media platforms
• Websites
• Sent as an email attachment.

State and Federal Penalties for Child Pornography

In California, many offenses related to child pornography are classified as felonies or wobblers, which are cases where either misdemeanor or felony charges may be brought against the defendant. Possession of child pornography is a wobbler, and felony prosecution carries up to six years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Conviction of felony production or distribution of child pornography carries a maximum prison term of six years and fines of up to $100,000.

A misdemeanor conviction of child pornography offenses requires a minimum of 10-year registration as a sex offender, whereas a felony conviction requires sex offender registration for life.

Child pornography is a serious federal crime. Viewing pornography on the internet may result in federal charges because, at this point, prosecutors will argue that the illicit content has “crossed state lines.” A federal felony conviction for possessing, creating, or distributing child pornography carries up to 10 years in prison. If the child involved is under 12 years old, the defendant could receive up to 20 years in prison. Subsequent violations of federal child pornography laws may result in a prison sentence of up to 40 years.

What Happens If You Get Arrested for Distribution of Child Pornography in Los Angeles

These are the steps in the legal process that must be performed for a person to be convicted of the distribution of child pornography:

1. The defendant is arrested by the police.
2. The district attorney reviews the evidence and decides if charges are to be filed.
3. There is an arraignment where the defendant is informed of the charges against them. At this point or later in the proceedings, the defendant’s attorney may request that the charges against their client be dropped due to lack of evidence or for other legal reasons.
4. If the charges are not dropped and the defendant pleads not guilty, they will be given a court date, and the trial will proceed.
5. Pretrial activities include discovery, legal motions, preliminary hearings, and possible settlement agreements.
6. If no settlement agreement is reached, the case will go to trial before a judge or jury.
7. When the trial is complete, the defendant will either be found guilty or not guilty.
8. If the defendant is found guilty, they will receive their sentence.

If a US Attorney wishes to press federal charges against a suspect, a grand jury will be convened to evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to indict the suspect. If the suspect is indicted by a grand jury, a federal trial will move forward.

Legal Defenses Against Distributing Child Pornography

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP will review every aspect of your arrest and the prosecution’s evidence against you. Then, we’ll employ every legal strategy to build a strong case in your defense. Effective defense arguments in these cases include:

• The person depicted is not a minor.
• The images depicted are not sexually explicit.
• Witnesses against the defendant are not reliable.
• The defendant did not knowingly possess child pornography.
• The government has not provided enough evidence to prove its case.
• The defendant was wrongfully accused.
• The material in question was being used for legitimate purposes, such as scientific, medical, or educational activities.
• The government performed an unlawful search and seizure.
• The defendant is the victim of entrapment.

Nationally Recognized Criminal Defense Lawyers Who Are on Your Side

If you’re facing child pornography distribution charges in Los Angeles, we want to hear about it. Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is a preeminent criminal defense firm in Los Angeles, and we’re committed to protecting the rights and freedom of the accused.

We have successfully represented clients in cases involving the distribution of child pornography, and our experienced trial lawyers will craft a powerful, custom-tailored defense designed to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed.

Call (213) 688-0460 to explore your legal options and start safeguarding your future today.

Additional Information

• What You Need to Know About the Sex Offender Registry