Orangeburg County Child Pornography Lawyer

Criminal offenses involving child pornography are some of the most serious charges anyone in South Carolina could find themselves facing. Even someone with no prior record could face years in prison upon conviction on a single child pornography possessions charge, and allegations of distributing or creating this kind of material can result in even harsher sanctions.

No matter what the specific nature of your case is, a seasoned Orangeburg County child pornography lawyer may be able to help you seek a favorable final outcome. A sex crimes defense attorney with experience handling sensitive matters like these could help you build a comprehensive defense strategy and work to preserve both your freedom and your future prospects.

Child Pornography Possession Charges in Orangeburg County

Rather than explicitly criminalizing possession of child pornography in those exact terms, state law addresses offenses like these under the guise of sexual exploitation of a minor. As per South Carolina Code of Laws §16-15-410, anyone found knowingly in possession of material that visually depicts a minor engaged in sexual activity or posed nude in a sexually suggestive way may face charges for sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree. A conviction under this statute may result in a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

With this offense and all others involving the exploitation of a minor for sexual purposes, a defendant cannot contest charges filed against them by claiming they were mistaken as to the age of the minor in question. Furthermore, the court overseeing prosecution for this kind of offense may determine the age of an individual depicted in allegedly illicit material based on a number of different factors, some of which may be somewhat subjective.

An Orangeburg County child pornography defense attorney may be able to help contest child pornography allegations by arguing that the depicted individual is not actually a minor, or that the defendant did not knowingly and intentionally possess the material.

Consequences for Distribution and Production Offenses

When someone is accused of distributing, receiving, selling, purchasing, or soliciting child pornography in South Carolina, they will generally face charges of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor under S.C. Code §16-15-405. This section of state law also criminalizes the act of recording, photographing, developing, and/or copying visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit or suggestive behavior for the purposes of sexual stimulation. This offense may result in between two and 10 years in prison upon conviction, with at least two years non-suspendable.

Finally, individuals accused of employing or inducing a minor to engage in a live or recorded sexual performance, creates child pornography with the express intent to sell it to multiple parties, transports a minor for the purposes of a sexual performance, or knowingly allows a child under their legal custody to participate in a sexual performance may face charges of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor under S.C. Code §16-15-395. It is especially important to retain a skilled child pornography lawyer in Orangeburg County when facing this kind of charge, as a conviction could result in a minimum prison sentence of three unsuspendable years and a maximum sentence of 20 years.

An Orangeburg County Child Pornography Attorney Could Provide Legal Assistance

Being accused of any child pornography-related crime will bring your entire life to a screeching halt, even if the charges ultimately have no merit. In order to ensure your rights are upheld throughout every part of the case to come, you will almost certainly need representation from a legal professional who has helped individuals in similar situations achieve positive case resolutions before.

An Orangeburg County child pornography could discuss your case and possible legal options with you during a confidential consultation. Call today to set up a meeting.