Oakland

Child Pornography Charges

When a person is accused of committing a child pornography offense, they may face severe legal consequences upon conviction. It is important for a person who is facing Oakland child pornography charges to retain legal counsel immediately. A skilled child pornography lawyer could work with an accused individual and help advocate on their behalf. Call and set up an appointment to start building a credible defense.

Understanding Charges Regarding Explicit Material of a Minor

In most cases, child pornography is viewed as a serious offense. There are many different violations that could result in Oakland child pornography charges. Some offenses extend beyond possessing, producing, selling and distributing explicit material of minors. A person may also incur such charges if they are accused of hiring or recruiting a minor for the purposes of creating child pornography. Furthermore, a person could be charged with a child pornography offense if they attempt to advertise it.

Legal consequences often depend on the severity of the allegation. For example, producing and distributing material that is considered to be child pornography may incur harsher penalties than simply possessing it. However, possession charges are still regarded as significant violations and an accused person should speak with an attorney who understands Oakland child pornography charges.

Defending Against Child Pornography Allegations

When defending against a child pornography charge, a person may have several options. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense, a lawyer could work to demonstrate that other individuals had access to the same computer or place where the illegal material was supposedly found. This could create reasonable doubt and potentially damage the prosecution’s claims. Another strategy may be to enlist a computer expert, they could examine the computer and potentially help determine if the material was generated from a malicious virus. In some cases, a person may unknowingly download a file with illegal material of a minor, as it could be attached to another file. A diligent attorney who is familiar with child pornography cases could investigate the accusations and potentially search for evidence that supports an individual’s defense.

Who Decides to File Charges

While law enforcement makes the initial arrest for child pornography offenses, the District Attorney’s Office generally determines which charges are formally filed. The District Attorney also has the authority to drop or file the charges. Most child pornography cases are heavily pursued by both law enforcement and the prosecution. In cases where charges are not filed, it generally is due to evidentiary issues or lack of proof.

Regardless of the possibility of evidentiary issues or lack of proof, a person who is alleged to have committed a child pornography offense should reach out to a skilled attorney immediately. Cases involving children are not ignored and appearing in court without proper legal representation could expose a person to a higher risk of conviction.

Contacting a Lawyer About Child Pornography Charges in Oakland

If you were accused of committing a child pornography offense, consider retaining the legal services of a skilled attorney who is familiar with child pornography cases. Oakland child pornography charges are serious and a person could face substantial legal consequences upon conviction. Call and schedule a legal consultation as soon as possible to get started on your case.