Collin County Possession of Child Pornography Defense Attorney
Texas criminal defense attorney fights state and federal child pornography charges
Child pornography charges have serious consequences. An individual charged with a child pornography crime may face jail time, fines, loss of employment, and possible registration as a sex offender for life. Attorney J. Michael Price II aggressively defends clients when they have been charged with child pornography crimes. Mike ensures your legal rights are thoroughly protected through every phase of a case.
What are the types of child pornography charges in Texas?
There are several different types of child pornography crimes in Texas.
The first types of crimes involve the possession of child pornography. The intentional possession of child pornography is generally a third-degree felony.
According to the criminal laws of Texas, if an individual possesses six images, videos, or other media of a minor under 18 years of age engaged in sexual activity, it is presumed that the individual intentionally possessed child pornography with the intent to distribute it. In this case, the crime is a second degree felony.
Additionally, child pornography charges encompass the production or distribution of child pornography. If an individual promotes, directs, or produces pornography that includes a minor under 18 years of age, the crime is a third degree felony. If there is a child under the age of 14 in the material, it becomes a second degree felony.
Employing children under 18 years of age for sexual conduct or performance is also a serious crime in Texas. These crimes are second degree felonies. However, if the child is younger than 14 years old, the crime is a first degree felony.
The punishments for various felonies are as follows:
- First-degree felonies are punishable by between 5 and 99 years in prison. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be ordered.
- Second degree felonies are punishable by between 2 and 20 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third degree felonies may result in a prison sentence of between 2 and 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition to these penalties, others may also be ordered. For example, an individual may have to complete community service or register as a sex offender.
Are defenses available in child pornography cases?
In Texas, child pornography charges crimes require that the individual intentionally or knowingly committed the crime, such as possessing material that depicted children engaged in sexual acts. If the individual did not knowingly or intentionally commit the crime, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.
Additionally, evidence that is seized during an investigation must be obtained in a lawful manner. In most cases, a warrant must be issued. If it is discovered that evidence was not lawfully obtained, and that evidence was used to charge someone with a crime, the charges may be reduced or dismissed. Unlawful searches and seizures of evidence are a violation of an individual’s constitutional rights.
Your chances of a favorable outcome increase significantly with leading Collin County child pornography attorney J. Michael Price II on your side. My experience includes handling more than 2500 cases over 23 years. Trust my proven results when you are facing potentially life-altering criminal charges.
Contact Collin County child pornography attorney J. Michael Price II today for a free initial consultation
At the law office of J. Michael Price II, we take pride in providing excellent legal representation to our clients. We have represented thousands of clients in an array of criminal charges and are dedicated to protecting your legal rights and obtaining the best possible outcome. To schedule your free initial consultation, call 214-465-8000 or contact us online.