What Are Possession and Promotion of Child Pornography in Texas?

 Posted on April 24,2020 in Criminal Defense

Crimes against children are penalized especially harshly in the United States. Not only can a child-related offense result in heavy fees and jail time, but the defendant may also be required to register as a sex offender. This means that his or her name, address, picture, and a description of the crimes he or she has been convicted of will appear on the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. A conviction of possession or promotion of child pornography can result in considerable imprisonment as well as a lifetime of stigma. If you or someone you know has been charged with possession or promotion of child pornography, it is imperative that you contact a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so that you can start building a strong defense against the charges.

Possessing Child Pornography

Owning visual material that depicts a person under age 18 engaging in sexual conduct is against the law in all 50 states, including Texas. A child pornography charge may result from digital images or videos found on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It may also result from physical photographs or videos stored on DVDs or other mediums. Possession of child pornography is a third-degree felony in Texas. It is punishable by 2-10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. A second conviction for possession of child pornography is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years of incarceration. If an individual is convicted of possessing child pornography for a third or subsequent time, he or she can face up to 99 years in prison.

Promoting Child Pornography

The promotion of child pornography refers to the distribution or publication of material that depicts a child engaged in sexual conduct. If a person possesses more than six copies of sexually explicit images or videos involving a child, he or she could be charged with possession with intent to promote. Promoting child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years behind bars for a first offense. If an individual is convicted of promotion of child pornography for a second time, he or she faces up to 99 years in prison. Creating child pornography is a felony offense that violates Texas law forbidding the sexual performance of a child. Depending on the age of the child depicted in the material, the creation of child pornography is punishable by up to 99 years in prison.

Contact a Plano, Texas Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

Possession or promotion of child pornography charges can result in years behind bars and crushing blows to your personal and professional reputation. If you have been charged with a child pornography-related offense, contact a Collin County criminal defense attorney from The Crowder Law Firm right away. Attorney Darlina Crowder has secured over 300 acquittals and not-guilty verdicts in her accomplished career. We will ensure that your rights are fully protected and help you develop a robust defense against the serious accusations you face. Call our office today at 214-544-0061 and schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Sources:
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.43.htm