Fort Bend Child Pornography Lawyer

Fort Bend Child Pornography Attorney

Being accused of having, creating, or distributing child pornography can have some serious effects on your life. Even if the accusations are not true, it can be difficult to maintain the same reputation you had before they were made. If they are true, you are still entitled to a fair trial. The first step you should take after being accused is to find an experienced criminal defense attorney. A Fort Bend child pornography lawyer can be helpful in many ways.

Child Pornography Under Texas Law

Possession of child pornography in Texas is not treated lightly. The offense is defined as follows:

• A person knowingly or intentionally accesses content that involves a person under the age of eighteen engaging in sexual conduct.
• The person who is in possession of such material is aware that the individual in the content is under the age of eighteen.

The terminology in defining sexual conduct is broad, which allows the Texas court system to try individuals in a variety of circumstances.

Penalties for Possession of Child Pornography in Fort Bend, TX

While the penalties for possessing child pornography vary, such crimes are always treated as felonies. However, they may fall into either first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree felony classifications.

• Third-Degree Felonies: Individuals who are found with less than one hundred visual depictions of child pornography may be charged with a third-degree felony.
• Second-Degree Felonies: Those who are found with 100-500 visual depictions of child pornography may be convicted of a second-degree felony.
• First-Degree Felonies: This classification is for the most serious cases, involving someone possessing more than 500 visual depictions of child pornography.

There is no set standard for what type of felony a person will be charged with because specific details in the case may impact the way a person is tried. For example, if the accused person is a childcare worker, they may face a first-degree felony charge, regardless of how many depictions of child pornography they were found to be in possession of.

Sex Offender Registration

If you are found guilty of possessing child pornography in Texas, you will be required by state law to register as a sex offender for life. This also applies to individuals who plead guilty in child pornography cases. In other words, you do not have to be found guilty to be required to register as a sex offender. This is one reason why it is important to have an experienced Fort Bend Child Pornography Lawyer by your side.

Being registered as a sex offender can have drastic effects on a person’s life. Some implications a registered sex offender may face include:

• Travel restrictions. In some cases, a registered sex offender may not be allowed to use their current passport. They will need to get an updated one that identifies them as a sex offender.
• Residency restrictions. Sometimes, those who are registered as sex offenders may not be allowed to live in their current house. As a consequence of their conviction, they are required to maintain a certain distance from public places where children are often present, such as schools, playgrounds, parks, etc.
• Employment restrictions. Registered sex offenders cannot pursue certain careers and roles, such as teachers, daycare workers, bus drivers, and other positions where children would be entrusted into their care.
• Restricted Internet access. In some cases, a registered sex offender may no longer have access to the Internet for recreational purposes.
• Community event restrictions. Some communities may restrict registered sex offenders from participating in structured and planned events where children will be present.

FAQs

Q: How Are People Caught With Child Pornography?

A: There is an array of situations in which law enforcement catches those who possess, watch, or distribute child pornography. Examples include:

• Tracking the IP addresses of individuals who are involved in networks that share child pornography content
• Undercover operations in which law enforcement personnel pose as those involved in creating, viewing, or sharing the content
• Following leads from witnesses or others who are involved in the situation in some way
• Forensic evidence that points to a specific suspect

Q: What Is the Child Exploitation Law in Texas?

A: The child exploitation law in Texas refers to a law that protects children from being improperly or illegally used for monetary or personal gain or benefit. This law grants law enforcement the right to investigate instances in which they believe this type of activity may be happening. The terminology used within the outlines of this law is kept rather broad, with no strict interpretation of the word “improper.”

Q: Is It Illegal to Accidentally See Child Pornography?

A: It can be difficult to prove whether one’s viewing of child pornography was accidental or purposeful, especially once it has been downloaded on a person’s electronic device. To protect yourself from accidentally viewing such content in Fort Bend and other areas of Texas, there are a few steps you can take. Be cautious with the words you type into search engines, use only reputable websites that you are familiar with, and have reliable security software on your device can all help.

Q: What Are the Consequences of Being Caught With Child Pornography?

A: The consequences of being found in possession of child pornography in Texas vary based on the particular details of a person’s circumstances. However, possessing child pornography is considered a felony. You could be charged with anything from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony. Either way, the consequences will result in jail time and heavy fines if you are found guilty and convicted.

Greco Neyland, PC: Your Fort Bend Child Pornography Lawyers

Facing a charge of child pornography is no small matter. If even a hint of information that you may possibly have had something to do with such matters gets out, there can be serious implications for both your personal and professional life. Because everyone, whether guilty or not, is entitled to a fair trial, it is important for you to find an experienced Fort Bend Child Pornography attorney who can guide you through the process.

At Greco Neyland, PC, we have experience in handling such cases. We believe in the right of everyone in the United States to have a just and fair trial. Our team can work to defend you before a trial and in court. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you and answer any questions about your case.