Texas Child Pornography Attorney

Law Firm Defending Clients Facing Federal Child Pornography Charges in Texas

While there are numerous offenses that may result in criminal charges at the state or federal level, crimes against children are considered to be among the most serious. Because children are more vulnerable to harm and may not be able to defend themselves or leave a dangerous situation, those who are accused of taking actions that could harm children will often face severe consequences. Sex crimes involving children are especially serious offenses, and they may involve accusations that someone has possessed, distributed, or sold child pornography. When child pornography charges are prosecuted at the federal level, defendants will need to work with a skilled attorney who understands the best approach to take in these types of cases.

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we know the serious nature of criminal charges involving child pornography. With our experience representing clients in Texas child pornography cases, as well as other sex crimes and crimes involving children, we can help those accused of these offenses determine the best defense strategies. We work to ensure that our clients are treated fairly, and we advocate for their rights at all times while helping them determine how they can avoid convictions and protect their reputations.

Federal Child Pornography Charges in Texas

There are numerous state and federal laws that address child pornography. Federal charges may apply when child pornography was allegedly accessed, distributed, or transported through interstate or foreign commerce. Since many child pornography cases involve images or videos that were allegedly accessed via the internet, federal charges will often apply, since these digital files may have been transmitted through computer systems or networks located in several different states or countries.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2256) defines child pornography as any visual depiction of one or more minors under the age of 18 engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This may include acts of sexual penetration or sexual contact, as well as simulated sexual intercourse, masturbation, bestiality, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or depiction of a person's genitals. Visual depictions may include photographs or printed images, digital images or videos, or computer-generated images, including images that have been adapted or modified to depict an identifiable minor engaging in explicit sexual conduct.

The penalties for child pornography charges are outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 2252, and they are as follows:

• Transporting, distributing, receiving, selling, or possessing with intent to sell child pornography - If these actions involve interstate or foreign commerce, including by use of a computer, or if they occur on Indian reservations or in property owned by the U.S. government, a person may be sentenced to a minimum of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years. A person who was previously convicted of child pornography offenses at the federal level or state offenses related to child pornography or child sexual abuse will face a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years.
• Possession of child pornography - Possessing one or more pieces of child pornography, including books, magazines, images, or digital files, may result in federal charges if materials were shipped or transported via interstate or foreign commerce or if they were possessed or accessed on U.S. government property or an Indian reservation. This offense may result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A person with a previous conviction of child pornography or child sexual abuse charges will face a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Contact Our Texas Federal Child Pornography Charges Attorney

Possession or distribution of child pornography is a serious offense with severe consequences at the federal level. If you are facing Texas federal child pornography charges, it is important to secure representation from a criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling these cases. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we have extensive experience representing clients in state and federal court in cases involving child pornography charges and other sex crimes involving minors. We understand how overwhelming this situation can be for our clients, so we work hard to ensure that they receive fair treatment throughout their cases while advocating for their rights every step of the way. Contact us today at 214-544-0061 to schedule a free consultation and speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys about your legal options.