Defense Against Obscene Child Image Charges
An arrest on a child pornography charge is a devastating experience, potentially threatening your freedom and your reputation. If you are convicted, you could face a lifetime on the sex offender registry. To stand up for your rights at this difficult time, it is important that you get legal representation right away.
I'm San Diego attorney Jim Pokorny, and I have more than 30 years of California criminal defense experience. If you've been accused of possessing, distributing or creating child pornography, contact me for a free phone consultation about your options.
Understanding Child Pornography Laws
Child pornography is a broad term for obscene matter, such as photographs, pictures, videos or films, depicting people under the age of 18 engaged in sex acts or simulated sex acts. Possession, distribution and production of child pornography are all illegal under California and federal law.
People accused of child pornography offenses often claim they did not know the children pictured in the images were underage. In many cases, this can be a very reasonable defense.
There are increased penalties for child pornography involving younger children. However, most child pornography cases involve older children, who typically strongly resemble the young adults who are heavily involved in the legal pornography industry in California.
Every case is different, and if you have been charged with a child pornography, you should speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately in order to get skilled advice that is focused on the facts of your specific case.
Assessing Electronic Evidence in Internet-Based Cases
The Internet is a global network, but many types of images that would be considered illegal child pornography in California are perfectly legal in parts of Europe and elsewhere. The moment you view an image on a Web site, a copy is at least temporarily stored on your computer, which could open you up to prosecution.
I am experienced at sorting out the technical issues involved in these cases. I am adept at evaluating the prosecution's evidence to determine if there are weaknesses. If you've been charged with child pornography based on alleged conduct online, don't hesitate to contact me.
