Tempe Child Pornography Lawyer

The ramifications of a child pornography conviction extend beyond fines and prison terms, affecting all aspects of your life. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, we understand how terrifying it can be to face these types of allegations. It is essential to stay calm and let a legal professional handle your case.

A Tempe child pornography lawyer can help mount a robust defense that aims to protect your reputation and freedom. Let our skilled attorneys fight for your rights and advise you on navigating the legal proceedings.

Defining Child Pornography in Tempe

Arizona’s term for child pornography is the sexual exploitation of a minor. The statutory description of this offense, as outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3553, makes it a crime to knowingly engage in various behaviors involving the depiction of a minor engaged in sexual conduct. The following activities may amount to a chargeable offense:

• Recording, filming, or photographing illegal material
• Developing, duplicating, or exhibiting illegal material
• Distributing, transmitting, selling, exchanging, or transporting illegal material
• Receiving, possessing, or buying illegal material

The statutory language is broadly interpreted, and state and federal authorities aggressively prosecute these crimes. If you face charges under Section 13-3553 or 18 United States Code § 2251, you need dedicated counsel from a nearby child pornography attorney who will fight for your rights to avoid the harshest penalties.

Punishments for Child Pornography Convictions

Sexual exploitation of a minor is a class two felony, and the minor’s age dictates the severity of the punishment.

Penalties if the Minor is Younger than 15

When the child involved is less than 15 years old, Arizona applies an enhanced sentencing structure detailed in Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-705(E). Whether a first-time or repeat offender, the penalties are severe.

First-time offenders may receive prison sentences of 10 to 24 years. The presumptive amount of time is 17 years. If an individual has a previous predicate felony conviction, the sentencing guidelines increase to 21 to 35 years, with a presumptive term of 28 years.

Penalties if the Minor is between 15 and 17 Years Old

For pornography involving older minors, those 15-17 years of age, Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-702(D) establishes an incarceration range of four to ten years. If mitigating circumstances exist, the court may reduce the time behind bars to three years, and aggravating factors may increase the time in prison to 12.5 years. Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-703, repeat offenders may face additional imprisonment up to 35 years, depending on the circumstances.

In any child pornography conviction, Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-801 allows the court to impose fines up to $150,000. Additionally, anyone convicted of child pornography must register with the State as a sex offender per Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3821. Our experienced Tempe attorneys can assist those facing child porn charges to fight the allegations, avoid significant penalties, and obtain the best outcome under the circumstances.

Teen Selfies Can Result in Child Porn Charges

While most people think of child pornography as involving a minor and an adult, nude pictures shared among teenagers (sexting) may also constitute the sexual exploitation of a minor. Minors who send, receive, and share sexually explicit images may violate Arizona law and could receive misdemeanor sentences, as a knowledgeable attorney could further explain.

Call a Tempe Child Pornography Attorney to Defend You

It is crucial to remember that you are innocent until the State establishes its case. Your guilt is not a done deal. You have the right to fight back against these allegations, and a seasoned Tempe child pornography lawyer can help you every step of the way. If you are under investigation or have been charged with this offense, please do not wait. Reach out to the Grand Canyon Law Group for an initial consultation.