Registering on the Sex Offender Registry
If a person is convicted of a child pornography crime, they must register as a sex offender on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. They would have to register on the registry for at least 30 years. This information would be accessible online to family, friends, employers, and the public—and could have long-term consequences on an individual’s ability to obtain housing, education, and more.
Federal Child Pornography Offenses
Child pornography can also be charged as a federal crime. These laws make it illegal to engage in a wide range of activities involving the exploitation of minor children. Prohibited activities include possessing, distributing, or receiving visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving minors.
This offense would be charged as a federal crime if the crime took place in one or more states or outside the United States or utilized federal agencies, like the U.S Post Office, to transport the pornographic materials. Because child pornography is often obtained and transmitted through the Internet or email, it is often considered a federal crime.
The penalties upon conviction can be harsher under federal sentencing guidelines than those under North Carolina law. Here are examples of the punishments a person could face if convicted under federal law:
- If they were convicted of possessing child pornography, they could be sentenced up to 10 years in prison. If the minor child was 12 years old or younger, the prison sentence would increase to up to 20 years in prison.
- If the conviction was for receiving, distributing, or possessing child pornography with the intent to distribute it, the punishments could be 5 to 20 years in prison for a first offense and up to 40 years in prison for a subsequent offense.
- A person convicted of manufacturing child pornography could be incarcerated for up to 30 years for a first offense and 50 years for a second conviction.
Defenses to Child Pornography Charges
You could have strong defenses to the charges you face—even if you believe you are guilty. A few defenses include:
- The material was not pornography
- You were falsely accused of the crime
- The pornographic materials were not yours
- Your constitutional rights, such as the protection against an unreasonable search, were violated
Contact a Child Pornography Defense Attorney in Charlotte
Have you been charged with a child pornography crime in Mecklenburg County? Our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers understand the serious ramifications of a conviction on your life and will mount an aggressive defense for you so that you achieve the best possible outcome given your situation. To learn what to expect in your criminal case and how we can defend you, call our Charlotte office or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today.
Related Links: |