Child pornography charges are some of the most severe criminal charges you could face. Whether you have been accused of manufacturing, possessing, receiving, or distributing child pornography, many child sexual abuse material (CSAM) convictions carry mandatory prison sentences and require convicts to register as sex offenders upon their release. Do not let this become your future.
Your reputation and liberties are in jeopardy. Working with a dedicated and experienced Tempe sex crimes lawyer with Suzuki Law Group is the first step in taking control of your defense. Request a confidential consultation from a strategically aggressive Tempe child pornography defense lawyer today and find out whether the state’s case against you is strong, the extent of the evidence against you, and how to obtain the most favorable outcome possible based on the specific circumstances of your CSAM case.
The Benefits of a Knowledgeable Child Pornography Defense Attorney are Undeniable
Arizona has comprehensive sex crime laws and allows for harsh penalties when children are involved. Child pornography cases have become significantly more common over the years with the increased use of the Internet, technology, and sting operations by law enforcement officials. Individuals accused of child pornography or other related CSAM sex crimes involving children may require the legal advice and support of a top-rated child pornography defense lawyer in Tempe, AZ.
It is crucial that you understand the extent of your penalties. These vary widely depending on the type of child pornography charges you have been accused of, the number of visual depictions, and other aggravating factors. Your Tempe criminal defense lawyer will be responsible for ensuring you firmly understand how a negative outcome will affect you, not only now but in the future.
You should be able to rely on your child pornography defense attorney in Tempe to analyze the state’s evidence against you during discovery, conduct a private investigation, and utilize our resources to build the most powerful defense possible. In some instances, it may be a better option to work with the prosecuting attorney to secure a plea agreement. However, when you do not qualify or are at risk for unjust treatment or punishment, our defense law firm is here to help you protect your rights.
You Could Be Charged for CSAM by State or Federal Prosecutors
Unfortunately, one of the many risks that come with child pornography charges is the risk that they will be increased to a federal-level offense under 18 U.S.C. §2252. While state-level child pornography charges are not easy, the consequences of a federal conviction are often far more severe than those at the state level. Your case may be in federal court if:
- The alleged CSAM crime occurred on federally owned property
- You are a federal employee
- Child pornography crosses state lines
- There were a significant number of visual depictions of child pornography
- Child pornography came into Arizona from another state or country
The United States Federal Court is more likely to take over your case if you are accused of exploiting children via the dark web. Fortunately, your Tempe child pornography defense attorney has extensive experience defending clients in federal court. Our team has the insight you need to present the defense you are entitled to.
The Punishment for a Guilty Verdict in Your Tempe Child Pornography Case Could Be Severe
Child pornography charges come in multiple forms. The extent of the consequences you face will depend on the type of offense, the amount of child pornography, and whether aggravating factors apply. Examples of child pornography charges under ARS §13-3553 could include:
- Manufacturing CSAM
- Possessing child pornography
- Recording or photographing child pornography
- Viewing minors engaging in sexual conduct
- Distributing child pornography
- Transporting child pornography
- Distributing child pornography
According to the sentencing guidelines for child pornography offenses in Arizona from the Arizona Supreme Court, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison for every child pornography possession violation. This means that if you were accused of possessing more than 10 visual depictions, you could be facing life in prison. You will also likely be required to notify law enforcement officials in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office of your sex offender status and be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life.
A Powerful Defense Is Crucial When Facing Child Pornography Charges in Tempe
One of the most common ways to avoid a conviction in a child pornography case is challenging whether the prosecutor’s office has proven that the elements of the offense have been met. Each type of child pornography charge has its own elements that must be proven. For example, in sexual exploitation of a minor cases, the prosecutor must prove that the individual exhibiting themselves or engaging in sexual conduct is a minor, which can be difficult to determine based on a video or image alone.
There is also a possibility that you were unwittingly in possession of CSAM. If you did not know you downloaded child pornography, did so accidentally, or mistook it for adult pornographic material, the child pornography charges against you should be dismissed. However, even after introducing valuable evidence to support your case, there is no guarantee that the prosecutor’s office will believe you or be willing to dismiss the charges.
We need to craft a strategic defense, taking into consideration all the individual factors of your case. Your child pornography defense attorney in Tempe, AZ, with Suzuki Law Group, will carefully review which defenses are most likely to result in a favorable outcome for you and your family. However, if working with the prosecutor to obtain a plea agreement makes it possible for you to receive a lighter sentence or avoid incarceration or registration as a sex offender altogether, it may be in your best interests to consider a plea.
Tempe’s Prestigious Criminal Defense Law Firm Could Help You Clear Your Name
Being charged with child pornography-related offenses can be emotionally devastating and leave you terrified of what the future may hold. Do everything in your power to remain calm and begin crafting a compelling defense that introduces the reasonable doubt you need to dodge a conviction. Contact a highly experienced Tempe child molestation defense attorney with Suzuki Law Group to find out what your next steps should be.
Our firm offers the resources and undivided attention that extreme cases like yours require. This is your opportunity to assert your rights and take charge of your future. Fill out our secure contact form or call us to schedule your confidential defense strategy session as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form