Jun 28
Understanding the Seriousness of Child Porn Charges
by Anonymous
Earlier this month, Josh Duggar, a former star of the reality TV series 19 Kids and Counting, was arrested on federal child pornography charges. A conviction for child porn could mean that the reality star would spend up to 20 years in federal prison. Currently, he has pled not guilty to the charges against him and admits that he never knowingly possessed images of a minor.
This is not the first time Josh Duggar has been accused of a sex crime. As a teenager, he was accused of molesting five young girls, four of whom were his sisters. Since he was a teenager, he was not charged. Instead, he spent time at a Little Rock rehab facility to overcome sex addiction.
Child Porn Charges are Serious
Since much of today’s child pornography charges stem from digital evidence obtained over the internet, these crimes are often prosecuted as federal crimes. A violation of the federal child pornography laws is a serious offense. The penalties and consequences are life-changing and even an accusation of child porn can ruin your entire reputation and career. Even first-time offenders who are convicted of producing child pornography face hefty fines and a minimum of 15 to 30 years in prison for their crimes.
If you have a history of child pornography or sex crime offenses, you can face additional time in prison with possible life in prison.
It is possible to face prosecution under Washington state child pornography laws in addition to or instead of federal prosecution. However, the penalties for violating state child porn laws are still serious.
In Washington, you could face the following consequences if you are convicted of child pornography:
- Possession of child pornography in the first degree
- Class B felony offense
- 12 to 14 months in prison
- Multiple counts may lead to 10 years in prison
- 3 years mandatory Community Custody
- Possession of child pornography in the second degree
- Class C felony
- 3 to 9 months in jail
- Up to 5 years in prison for multiple counts
- 1 year of mandatory Community Custody
- Viewing in the first degree
- Class B felony offense
- 12 to 14 months in prison
- Up to 10 years in prison for multiple counts
- 3 years of mandatory Community Custody
- Viewing in the second degree
- Class C felony offense
- 0 to 12 months in jail
- Multiple counts may lead to 5 years in prison
- 1 year mandatory Community Custody
All child porn charges will result in mandatory registration as a sex offender. This alone has devastating and life-long consequences that impact your entire future. Registering as a sex offender may make it harder to find a residence, maintain employment, and even raise your children.
If you have been accused of child pornography charges, or if you are under investigation, it is important to build a swift defense against these accusations. At Lewis & Laws, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys know how to handle these tough criminal cases. We work quickly to get the charges against you dropped or reduced to lesser offenses.
Our lawyers know full well what is at stake. That is why we offer efficient and aggressive legal guidance through the entire legal process. At Lewis & Laws, our Seattle criminal defense lawyers will be with you every step of the way. We have defended clients in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, and throughout the state of Washington who have faced a variety of serious sex crimes. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our confidential contact form. Call us today!