Child Exploitation Lawyer in Raleigh
The negative stigma that comes with being accused of sexual exploitation of a minor can tarnish the reputation you have worked so hard to build. Your community will consider you guilty until proven innocent, and you may lose the trust and respect of your family and friends.
When you are accused of sexual exploitation of a minor, you may feel like everyone is against you and no one is willing to listen to your side of the story. The Coolidge Law Firm wants to ensure your side of the story is told. We evaluate the facts of your case and formulate the best defense possible
Do not speak with law enforcement, and contact an attorney immediately if you are approached about child pornography. Prosecutors will use anything you say to further their case against you. Now is not the time to be idle. The sooner you retain legal counsel, the better.
Every case that comes through the door at the Coolidge Law Firm is treated with zeal, and yours is no exception. To schedule a time to speak with the defense team at the Coolidge Law Firm, call or submit your information in the online contact form.
The Coolidge Law Firm represents clients in communities in Wake County, NC including Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Garner, and Wake Forest.
What is Exploitation of a Minor?
Sexual exploitation of a minor is the legal term used for child pornography offenses in Raleigh. Possession, creation and distribution of material depicting children under 18 in a sexually explicit manner are all crimes charged as sexual exploitation of a minor.
Not only is the crime illegal in under North Carolina law, but federal laws as well. If you were caught as part of a sting operation conducted by a federal law enforcement agency such as the FBI, the federal government could prosecute your case. Child pornography is a crime that is not taken lightly by federal prosecutors. You will need representation from a defense team experienced in defending crimes in the U.S District Courts.
If convicted on either the state or federal level, you will be required to register as a sex offender. Being a registered sex offender can have a major impact on your life. You will be restricted on where you can work, live, and, in some cases, who you can interact with. Another implication of being a registered sex offender is your information will be available to the public via the internet
Sexual exploitation of a minor encompasses several different offenses including:
First-Degree Exploitation of a Minor
First-degree exploitation of a minor is the most serious child pornography offense in Raleigh. This offense includes filming, photographing or allowing a child to participate in the production of child pornography.
Taking part in the production is not the only way you can be charged with first-degree exploitation. Paying for a child to be transported across North Carolina so they can be involved in the creation of the material can also result in charges for first-degree exploitation of a minor.
This offense is a Class C felony punishable by at least 73 months in prison.
Second-Degree Exploitation of a Minor
Child porn can be distributed in many ways. With the invention of the Internet, the most common form of distribution is through file sharing. File sharing is the transmission of files from one computer to another over the Internet.
Distribution doesn’t just take place on the Internet, though. Physically copying the material and selling it or giving it to others is also considered distribution. Whether or not you received money for selling the material is irrelevant to the court.
Distributing child pornography, such as posting pictures and videos or hosting the images, is considered second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. This offense is a Class E felony punishable by a minimum of 25 months in prison.
Third-Degree Exploitation of a Minor
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, possession of child pornography accounts for 72% of the child porn convictions in the United States. You will be facing third-degree sexual exploitation of a Minor charges if you are found in possession of photos, videos, or any other material depicting minors engaging in sexual activity.
Local and government law enforcement officials will track your activity online if they suspect you are viewing child pornography. When law enforcement has collected enough evidence to prove you have been viewing the material, they will raid your home and seize your computer(s) and other electronic devices.
Do not wait to be formally charged with this crime if your home has been raided. Contact the Coolidge Law Firm immediately. The window between having your home raided and being formally charged is crucial to a defense attorney. They can speak with prosecutors about having the charges reduced or dropped altogether. An attorney can also help prevent your case from being handled by the federal government, drastically reducing your potential prison sentence.
This offense is a Class H felony punishable by up to four months behind bars.
Speak to a Child Exploitation Defense Attorney in Raleigh
Before your case makes it to court, you could face months of embarrassment and stress. You may be fired from your job or forced to stay away from your loved ones. It is imperative you contact the defense attorneys at the Coolidge Law Firm if you have been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.
The Coolidge Law Firm understands the devastating impact these charges can have on your life. That is why we want to help. The Coolidge Law Firm takes pride in treating clients with the respect they deserve. We vow never to leave you in the dark and always keep your best interest in mind.
Schedule a time to speak with the Coolidge Law Firm more about your case. Call (919) 239-8448 or submit your information in the online contact form. The Coolidge Law Firm defends clients of child pornography charges in communities in Wake County, NC including Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Garner.
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