It is illegal to possess, create, or distribute child pornography. If convicted, a person must spend a minimum of one year in jail. Sentences can be much longer in some cases, depending on the amount of material involved.
It is crucial to be proactive against these types of severe accusations by reaching out to a New Britain child pornography lawyer. At Ruane Attorneys, our legal team could explain the concept of child pornography under the law and examine the information that led to your arrest. We are prepared to build a defense to mitigate the potential penalties and protect your future.
Criminal Accusations Related to Child Pornography
State law separates incidents related to child pornography into two main categories. These include allegations that a person simply possessed this material or that they played a role in its creation. A New Britain child pornography attorney is prepared to offer a defense against either type of charge.
Child Pornography Possession Charges
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-196f is the simplest example of a child pornography charge in New Britain. This statute says that it is a class D felony for anyone to possess between one and 20 images, photos, digital renderings, or video frames depicting child pornography. Convictions here bring a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence, with some cases resulting in a prison term of up to five years.
The main factor that determines the severity of a child pornography possession case is the amount of the material in a defendant’s possession. The most extreme examples are class B felonies that allege a person possessed over 50 of these items. In these cases, a court must sentence a person to no less than five years in prison.
Distribution of Illegal Material in New Britain
Prosecutors may also bring charges that allege a person has distributed or created child pornography in the state. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-196c makes it a class B felony to bring three or more depictions of child pornography into the state. Additionally, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-196a states that it is a class A felony to have employed a minor for the purposes of creating child pornography. A local child pornography creation lawyer is prepared to develop a defense against these severe allegations.
Defenses for Child Pornography Allegations
Those facing allegations involving child pornography need legal representation to protect their rights, freedom, and reputation. It is essential to mount a tailored defense to the charges, and there may be many strategies available depending on the circumstances of the case.
For instance, a child pornography attorney could dispute the actual possession of this material. Modern computers can allow third parties to gain access to a machine without the owner’s knowledge. In these cases, it may be possible to argue that a defendant never knew that these images were on their computer.
Similarly, a New Britain lawyer could argue that the person immediately contacted law enforcement upon discovering the illicit material. State law allows for an affirmative defense in these instances. Those accused of child pornography-related offenses should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine which defense is best suited to the case.
Speak with a New Britain Child Pornography Attorney Today
Every allegation involving child pornography is a matter of utmost concern. Each of these cases is a felony where a conviction comes with a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Accusations that you had a role to play in creating this material can even result in a prison sentence of 25 years.
Reach out to a New Britain child pornography lawyer immediately to discuss your case. At Ruane Attorneys, we are prepared to explain the relevant laws, evaluate the evidence that a prosecutor may bring to court, and develop a defense to help protect your freedom and reputation. Give our firm a call now to learn more.