Child Pornography Defense Lawyer in Minnesota
Charged with a crime involving child pornography in Minnesota? Call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys right away.
Facing a charge of possessing, distribution, and receiving, or producing child pornography is a scary proposition. Child pornography charges carry the possibility of long prison sentences and registration as a predatory offender. Even getting charged with anything related to child pornography results in a serious social stigma against you.
Don’t let a child pornography conviction impact your life. Our child pornography defense lawyers may be able to get your charges or sentence reduced, or get your charges dropped altogether.
We provide free initial consultations to all clients. To schedule an appointment, contact us Today.
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When Will You Be Charged with Child Pornography?
Fighting child pornography charges can be challenging. While the fight is uphill, it is not an impossible battle to win. However, the fight starts early. Namely, the fight against the charges should start as soon as you become aware of any investigation involving you, or a loved one or friend.
Most of the time, you become aware of an investigation when the police execute a search warrant at your home. When executing the search warrant, the police will likely seize any computers, disks, flash drives, remote hard drives, or any other computer equipment that may hold child pornography.
Chances are that when the police seize these items, they will attempt to interview you about the charges. However, the police most likely will NOT charge you right away. You will not be charged immediately because the police will have to conduct a forensic examination of all the equipment seized, including the hard drive on any and all computers seized. This forensic examination will take time. We know from experience with many of these cases that you will not be charged until months or sometimes years after the search warrant was executed.
The wait can be excruciating. You may even come to believe that you won’t be charged at all. Most likely, you will eventually be charged with a child pornography offense, even if the police, at the time of the forensic examination, can no longer find any child pornography on your hard drive. The forensic examination may discover that, in the past, you had child pornography on your hard drive. The police will not care if you tell them that it was only there by mistake, because you thought that you downloaded adult pornography, and, as soon as you discovered the materials contained child pornography, you deleted them. Even this seemingly innocuous conduct can result in you being charged with a child pornography offense. We know, because it has happened to one of our clients.
If this is what happened to you, then your best option is to fight the charges. You can do so after the search warrant is executed, but before you’re ever charged – if you hire the right attorney. Avoiding charges at all is the best possible outcome. If you feel that the police are wrongfully targeting you for a child pornography investigation, you should contact our attorneys immediately.
Contact a Minnesota child pornography lawyer at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for help.
When Should You Hire a Child Pornography Defense Lawyer?
You should hire a child pornography defense lawyer as soon as you know you’re under investigation.
Even if you did download child pornography, and knew that the materials were child pornography and intended to download them, you aren’t out of options. Most importantly, you should be aware that there are significant differences between charges in Federal court and in State court.
Federal offenses for child pornography are MUCH harsher. The Federal Sentencing guidelines mandate stricter penalties for child pornography offenses than do the State guidelines. For example, Federal charges for distribution of child pornography carry a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. At the State level in Minnesota, there is no mandatory minimum associated with child pornography offenses.
Whether you are charged in State or Federal court can be dependent both on the circumstances of your case, such as the number of images or videos in your possession, any prior offenses you may have, and your individual characteristics, such as any medical or health issues you may have.
Hiring the right criminal defense attorney immediately after the search warrant is executed can be the difference between charging in State or Federal court and, as a result, the difference between a long prison sentence in Federal custody and a short jail sentence in a local county jail, or no jail time at all. Moreover, the right criminal defense attorney can help you find treatment programs in between the time when a search warrant is executed and when you are formally charged. These treatment programs greatly assist with getting a more lenient sentence in both State and Federal Court. A Judge is more likely to grant a departure (in State court) or a variance (in Federal court) from the sentencing guidelines for someone who has been participating in a treatment program.
Contact a Minnesota child pornography defence lawyer at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for help challenging your conviction.
What Are Minnesota’s Laws on Child Pornography?
In Minnesota, child pornography laws prohibit the production, distribution, possession, or viewing of sexually explicit images involving minors. Possessing or distributing even one such image constitutes a felony offense.
The severity of penalties varies based on factors like the number of images involved, the age of the child depicted, and any prior offenses. Offenders may face significant fines, imprisonment, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and restrictions on internet usage. Minnesota law also includes provisions for prosecuting individuals who are involved in internet sex crimes. This includes soliciting or attempting to entice minors to produce or share sexually explicit material.
What Are the Consequences of a Child Pornography Conviction?
A conviction of child pornography in Minnesota carries severe consequences. Offenders may face substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences, with penalties increasing for subsequent offenses. Convicted individuals are required to register as sex offenders, subjecting them to lifelong monitoring and restrictions on residency, employment, and internet usage. The social stigma associated with such convictions can result in damaged relationships, loss of employment opportunities, and difficulty reintegrating into society. Individuals may face civil lawsuits and forfeiture of assets. Seeking legal counsel is crucial to navigate the complexities of these cases and mitigate consequences.
Contact a St. Paul Pre-Charge Work Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
If you’ve learned that you’re the subject of a child pornography investigation, don’t wait until you’re charged with a crime to seek the services of an attorney who is experienced with child pornography cases. Failing to act before you’ve been charged can have long-lasting consequences. Call Keller Law Offices now at (952) 913-1421 to save your freedom, career, and reputation.
Child Pornography FAQ’s
What Are Some Offenses Related to Child Pornography?
Related offenses encompass online enticement, grooming, and the creation or possession of obscene materials depicting minors, all of which are subject to legal penalties and consequences. These crimes carry severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, and restrictions on internet usage. Prosecution for such offenses aims to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
What Are the Sentencing Guidelines for Child Pornography in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, sentencing guidelines for child pornography offenses vary based on factors such as the severity of the offense, the number of images involved, and any prior criminal history. Courts may consider mitigating or aggravating factors when determining sentences, aiming to address the seriousness of the offense and protect the community from further harm.
