Chicago Child Pornography Attorney

Sex Crime Lawyer in Chicago, IL

Cartoons, drawings, sculptures, and paintings do not qualify as "visual depictions" for the purpose of this law. The individual in the graphic representation must have been a minor at the time but does not necessarily have had to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Even altering photos so that it appears as if the minor was involved in sexual acts can lead to charges of child pornography.

When it comes to images of minors, most people would agree that anything that depicts children in a sexualized manner is vile and should not be tolerated. Child pornography is any depiction of a minor or an individual who appears to be a minor who is engaged in sexual or sexually related conduct, including still photographs, videos, and computer-generated content. Even altering an image or video so that it appears to be a minor can be considered child pornography.

These are incredibly serious charges that could lead to years in prison and a ruined reputation, so it is imperative that you immediately retain the legal counsel of a skilled criminal defense lawyer. Possession, creation, and distribution of child pornography are all illegal sex offenses under both state and federal laws.

Chicago Premier Attorney Mitch Furman handles clients accused of these charges. Lawyers at my Firm have zealously represented and vindicated individuals accused of possession of child pornography.

Child pornography is any visual depiction, such as:

• A photo
• Film
• Computer generated image
• Picture of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct

Is Child Pornography a State or Federal Crime?

Child pornography is both a state and federal crime. There are several offenses in both Illinois and federal courts for child pornography offenses. For that reason, an individual caught with these types of images can be prosecuted in either state or federal court or, in some cases, both.

In Illinois, the Child Pornography Statute is codified under Section 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1 and makes it a crime to possess, create, and distribute, child pornography.

Under federal law, the crime is codified under U.S.C. 2252. Child pornography can fall into one of three categories: actual children involved in sexual conduct (child Pornography), pictures or videos that depict simulated child sexual conduct (child pornography based on images), or visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (pornography).

Both state and federal agencies have designated Internet crime and child exploitation divisions responsible for investigating child porn cases. These agencies can bring criminal charges in either state or federal courts. The most serious First Degree of Sexual Exploitation involves the manufacture or production of child pornography. Second, Degree Sexual Exploitation covers the distribution and receipt of child pornography, while Third Degree Sexual Exploitation criminalizes the mere possession of child pornography.

Possession of Child Pornography

Most often, child pornography charges are brought about after evidence is found on a computer. Whenever legal issues involve computers and computer evidence, there are many possible violations of your rights and possible wrongful accusations. Someone else may have had access to your computer, you may have bought your computer or hard drive used, or someone could have planted the evidence to incriminate you for a personal reason.

A skillful criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the process where these images were obtained unlawfully. As a Chicago Premier Attorney, I Mitch Furman, will investigate all crucial aspects of your case.

Possession of any amount of child pornography can carry major penalties. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime, even sharing photos or videos of child nudity – without intent to produce child pornography – could land you behind bars.

If you are convicted of possessing, creating, distributing, or transporting child pornography, you could face felony charges and numerous years in prison. So whether you're surfing the internet at home or using a shared resource like a computer network at work – keep your eyes open for signs of child exploitation, and don't try to hide what you're doing. You could be held liable and face tough criminal penalties.

Penalties For Possession of Child Pornography in Chicago

Producing or disseminating child pornography – not involving film, video, and moving depictionsis a Class 1 Felony punishable by 4-15 years in prison. Producing or disseminating child pornography – involving film, video, and moving depictionsis a Class X Felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

I, Mitch Furman, will make sure that my legal team fully investigates your case and that you have professional, experienced representation on your side throughout each step of the case. Our team of lawyers is experienced and well-versed in the intricacies of these cases. Attorneys at Law Offices of Mitch Furman take on cases to win, and we will fight relentlessly against false accusations and rights violations.

Call my office today to schedule a free case consultation.