Agoura Hills Child Pornography Lawyer

Agoura Hills Child Pornography Attorney

Criminal offenses involving children are treated very seriously and carefully, including crimes involving graphic depictions of minors. If you have been arrested or charged with possessing some form of inappropriate material, it’s a good idea to consult an Agoura Hills child pornography lawyer sooner rather than later.

At The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we are ready to represent you no matter the circumstances or complexity level of your case. James Silverstein has more than 20 years of criminal law experience. Our firm regularly handles a variety of criminal charges, including child pornography cases, as well as sex crime charges, white collar crimes, violent crimes, and more.

When to Hire a Child Pornography Lawyer

Child pornography laws in the state of California are taken very seriously. If you have been charged with distributing or possessing child pornography, also known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), do not hesitate to hire a child pornography lawyer right away. Child pornography is defined as any material, printed or video, that depicts a person under the age of 18 engaging in or simulating sexual acts, including:

• Sexual intercourse, including anal or oral sex, or lewd acts such as touching one’s buttocks, genitals, or breasts in a manner meant to arouse
• The use of objects or instruments inserted into intimate areas
• Masturbation
• Displaying the intimate areas or genitals of a person under 18 years old in a manner intended to arouse one viewing the material
• Lewd or sexual acts between minors and animals
• Other seemingly innocuous or normal acts, including performing bodily functions such as defecation, meant to arouse a viewer

In fiscal year 2023, over 1,400 cases involving child pornography offenses were reported across the country. Around 47 percent of defendants sentenced for child pornography were found guilty of trafficking the material, while nearly 44 percent of offenders were sentenced for possession of child pornography.

Child pornography cases in Agoura Hills are typically handled by the Van Nuys Courthouse West, which is located at 14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401. Depending on the details of your case, it may be processed elsewhere. Be sure to consult your attorney to learn which legal venue will oversee the case proceedings.

Potential Penalties for a Child Pornography Conviction

Child pornography charges are very serious and typically treated as felony offenses, so it’s critical to get in touch with a qualified Agoura Hills child pornography attorney as soon as possible. It is against state and federal law to produce, transport, sell, distribute, or possess pornographic materials that depict or involve minors. If you are convicted of any of these offenses, there are likely significant legal penalties and lifelong repercussions to follow.

Punishment for a child pornography offense typically includes a prison sentence, the length of which can vary depending on the details of your case. The period of incarceration can be influenced by whether you have a history of similar charges, how severe the nature of the offense was, and other relevant factors.

In the vast majority of child pornography convictions, the offender will also be required to register as a permanent sex offender. This can make life severely difficult as you can be restricted in your opportunities for employment, travel, affordable housing, and more.

FAQs About Agoura Hills, CA Child Pornography Law

What Is Considered Child Sexual Abuse Material?

Child sexual abuse material, also called child pornography, is any form of video or printed material that depicts a person under the age of 18 engaging in or simulating sexual acts. This means that the material may include actual minors or individuals meant to be viewed as minors engaging in sexual acts, whether simulated or real. Sexual acts can include intercourse, masturbation, inappropriate touching, and other lewd or innocent acts meant to arouse the viewer.

Can I Be Charged With Viewing Child Pornography?

Yes, it is possible to be charged with possession of child pornography even if you simply viewed the material without creating, purchasing, or receiving it. This is because, in the eyes of the law, there is generally no differentiation between actively downloading or saving the material and merely viewing it online. Accessing the material at all is considered possession since temporary storage on your device is needed to view it.

What Are the Penalties for a Child Pornography Crime?

The legal penalties for a child pornography crime in the state of California can vary depending on the details of your situation. Typically, sentencing is influenced by factors such as your previous criminal history and the severity of the offense itself.

Most child pornography convictions entail a prison sentence and mandatory registration as a permanent sex offender. Being in the sex offender registry can significantly impact your future, making it more difficult to find housing and work.

What Are Defenses Against Child Pornography Crimes?

There are multiple potential defense arguments against a child pornography charge. Depending on your circumstances, your defense attorney may use a variety of strategies in their efforts to dismiss or minimize the charges.

One defense is asserting that the defendant unintentionally came across the graphic material while online or that it was sent to them maliciously as spam, before being opened and viewed. Another defense is that the minor appeared or was advertised to be of age.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Pornography Charges?

You are not required by law to hire a defense lawyer after being charged with a child pornography crime, although it is strongly recommended that you work alongside a legal professional. Defending yourself within the criminal justice system can be complex, especially when faced with child pornography charges. By working with a qualified attorney, you can ensure you receive fair treatment and that your rights are protected.

Contact Agoura Hills Sex Crime Defense Attorney

No matter the circumstances of your situation, our team at The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein can help you through this stressful time. Reach out to us today to begin discussing your legal options and taking the next step.