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.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
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 Past Allegations of Sex Crimes Be Used Against You in Minnesota?

One question people charged with a sex crime in Minneapolis, MN, ask is: Can past allegations of sex crimes be used against me? Under Minnesota Rules of Evidence, past sex crime allegations aren't admissible as evidence in court to prove a suspect's character and argue that it contributed to the commission of the current crime. However, there are circumstances in which the court may allow prior allegations or bad conduct as evidence. These circumstances include when the prosecution can demonstrate that prior allegations or acts are key to establishing intent, identity, or pattern of bad conduct related to the current crime.

What If The Alleged Victim Was Drunk? Minnesota Consent & Alcohol Laws

Under Minnesota consent & alcohol laws, it is unlawful to engage in sexual contact or intercourse with someone drunk or intoxicated to a degree that prevents that person from consenting, understanding, or keeping his or her actions in check. Simply put, you should avoid sexual contact with a person who visibly looks impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances.

How Long Do Police Have to File Drug Charges in Minnesota?

People facing arrests or under investigation for drug-related crimes often wonder: How long do police have to file drug charges in Minnesota? Once police officers conclude their investigations and arrest you for drug trafficking, the law bars them from holding you in custody for long. But, even if they can't keep you in jail, the Minnesota statute of limitations allows the prosecution to file the charges within three (3) years of arrest.