Child Porn Conviction for Woman Attempting to Frame Husband

Meri Woods was convicted of downloading child pornography (“child Porn”) in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. She tried to frame her husband by downloading the photographs of child porn. She downloaded 40 pictures of child porn on the home computer and then turned it into the police. She then told police that her husband was the one who downloaded child porn or child pornography. She was just recently convicted in Pennsylvania. Unbeknownst to her, the police were able to detect when the pictures were downloaded. The police discovered that the pictures were downloaded after her husband moved out of their home. Woods’s defense relied on the unreliably of the time stamps.

She was also convicted of one count of unsworn falsification to law enforcement. Woods could face up to nine years in prison for the two convictions. She could also be looking at a $20,000 fine. She will be sentenced on December 15, 2014.

Possession of Child pornography and distribution of Child Porn in Minnesota

Individuals convicted of possession of child porn or distribution of child pornography must register as a predatory offender. Prison time is also a likely outcome of a possession of distribution charge. If convicted of distributing child pornography, the sentence could be up to ten years in prison with a $20,000 fine. Consent and mistake of age is not a defense in Minnesota to a charge of distributing or possessing child porn. However, a valid defense could be that the individual was actually 18 years old or older. The consequences are serious and they will likely follow you for the rest of your life.

If you have been charged with possession of child pornography or distribution of child pornography or dissemination of child porn, contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation. Max Keller has handled many similar cases throughout Minnesota. We will fight for the best possible outcome, and will take the time to explain the criminal process to you. Max Keller is an aggressive Minnesota defense attorney. Call 952-913-1421 today to ensure you have the best defense possible.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.