New River Child Pornography Lawyer

Arizona state law and law enforcement authorities harshly prosecute criminal offenses involving sexually explicit depictions of minors. In terms of criminal classification, there is little distinction in the state statutes between the possession and distribution of child pornography. Production of child pornography carries uniquely severe sanctions upon conviction.

Put simply, you should not try to handle these types of allegations on your own. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our dedicated attorneys understand the sensitive nature of charges alleging the sexual exploitation of a child. A New River child pornography lawyer at our firm can ensure you understand your rights and work diligently to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your circumstances.

Charges for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Most actions involving child pornography in Arizona are covered under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3553, which criminalizes “sexual exploitation of a minor.” Under this statute, any of the following actions may constitute a class 2 felony offense:

• Recording, photographing, or filming a minor engaged in “exploitive exhibition or other sexual conduct”
• Duplicating or developing any such depiction
• Distributing or selling child pornography to any other person
• Purchasing or knowingly receiving child pornography
• Transporting child pornography within state lines

Like other criminal offenses in Arizona targeting children, violations of A.R.S. §13-3553 are unique in terms of the sentencing guidelines that may be applied. If the depicted minor is between 15 and 18 years old, the offense is punishable upon first-time conviction based on the normal sentencing range for class 2 felonies established under A.R.S. §13-702. This allows a court to impose a prison term of anywhere from three to 12.5 years, depending on the presence of certain mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Enhanced Penalties for Children Under 15

However, if the depicted minor is under 15 years old, the enhanced sentencing follows the range for “dangerous crimes against children” established under A.R.S. §13-705. The sentence imposed for a first offense could range from 10 to 24 years, with a presumptive sentence of 17 years. Even harsher sentencing ranges apply to individuals with one or more prior convictions for other felonies or sexual exploitation of a child offenses. When the stakes are this high, it is crucial to work with a skilled New River child pornography attorney.

Enhanced Sanctions for Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Under A.R.S. §13-3552, charges for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor involve the following allegations:

• Enticing or coercing a minor to engage in exploitive exhibition or other sexual conduct so that it can be recorded or photographed
• Knowingly permitting a child in one’s custody to engage in such conduct
• Transporting a minor for such purposes
• Depicting a minor in an advertisement for prostitution

Guidance from a seasoned lawyer in New River is vital to effectively contest these types of child pornography charges, given the severe sanctions that may come with a conviction.

A first-time offender convicted under this statute could face between 13 and 27 years of imprisonment if the minor involved is between 15 and 18 years old. The range increases to 25 to 45 years for someone with one prior felony conviction and between 30 and 50 years for someone with two or more. If the minor involved is under 15, someone with a previous conviction for this offense may be sentenced to life in prison. Our experienced attorneys in New River know the severity of the potential penalties, and we work tirelessly to mitigate the consequences and protect a defendant’s future.

Discuss Legal Options with a New River Child Pornography Attorney

Even a single conviction for any child pornography offense in Arizona could lead to a permanent felony record, multiple years of imprisonment, and mandatory sex offender registration for life. However, it is essential to remember that you still have rights after being accused of an offense of this nature. Enforcing those rights with the right legal counsel is crucial to protecting your long-term best interests.

At Grand Canyon Law Group, a New River child pornography lawyer can be a vital ally from beginning to end of your legal proceedings. Call today to schedule a consultation.