What Are the Penalties for Child Pornography in Georgetown?
Penalties for Possession of Child Pornography
It is illegal to own any child pornography, which, in legal terms, is called “possession.” Files on a hard drive, images on a phone, printed material, photographs, and the like are all illegal to own.
Owning child pornography typically results in a third-degree felony charge. Sentences can include 2 to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The severity of the charge can escalate with the amount of material involved.
Owning visual material showing six or more identical child images can lead to charges of intending to promote child pornography. Authorities classify this as a second-degree felony. Conviction can mean imprisonment for 2 to 20 years, a fine as high as $10,000, or both.
Penalties for Distribution of Child Pornography
The law makes it illegal to transmit or distribute materials classified as child pornography. Distribution includes "sexting" with minors, where individuals exchange nude or illicit photos. Minors are not capable of consensually sexting with adults.
Under Texas law, distributing child pornography is a State Jail Felony, punishable by 6 months to up to 2 years in the State Jail.
The offense upgrades if it is shown that the accused has prior convictions under this same statute.
Penalties for Use of a Minor in a Sexual Performance
The state implements strict penalties for sexual performances involving minors. Under Texas Penal Code Section 43.25, alleged offenders face a second-degree felony charge, carrying a potential 20-year prison term and a $10,000 fine.
Crimes against victims under 14 escalate to first-degree felonies, resulting in:
- A minimum prison sentence of five years
- A maximum sentence of 99 years
- A $10,000 fine
Producing a child's sexual performance also incurs significant legal consequences. Such acts constitute a third-degree felony with a penalty of 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Offenses involving victims under 14 intensify to second-degree felony.
Defending Against Child Pornography Charges
If you have been accused of child pornography, remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high burden of proof that is difficult to meet. Our team knows how to build a strong defense on your behalf. We will fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future.
We can conduct a thorough investigation into your case and gather evidence supporting your innocence. From there, we will handle all communication with the prosecution and work to protect your rights fully.
Our team is here to represent you in all hearings and court proceedings and fight to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. If your case goes to trial, we can build a strong defense and aggressively defend you in the courtroom.
Contact our Georgetown team online today, and we can get started on your child pornography defense case.
A Proven History Of Success
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No Charges Filed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
We represented a woman under investigation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault family violence. By demonstrating she was actually the victim and providing key evidence to authorities, we prevented any charges from being filed against her.
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Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Our client was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon family violence. We were able to get the case reduced to a misdemeanor and ultimately dismissed.
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Case Rejected Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
We represented a client charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. By acting early, reviewing the evidence thoroughly, and providing key information to the prosecutor, we built a strong defense that led to the case being no-billed and rejected.
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Case dismissed Assault Causes Bodily Injury of a Family Member
We represented a young man charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member. After conducting our own investigation into the alleged victim, we met with the prosecutor, and the county attorney declined to prosecute the case.
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Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a young man charged with assault family violence. By acting swiftly and conducting our own investigation, we achieved a dismissal of his case in under six months.