Child Porn

Los Angeles Child Porn Defense Lawyer

We Will Fight to Protect Your Freedom & Reputation

Offenses involving child pornography are among the most serious of all sex crimes and frequently result in federal charges as well as state charges. If you are charged with a crime related to child pornography, it is critical that you contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners immediately.

You may be facing penalties that could adversely affect you for the rest of your life, so there is no time to waste. With more than 70 years of combined legal experience, we can fight to protect your future and reputation in the face of child pornography charges. Call us to discuss your legal situation.

What is Child Pornography under California law?

Child pornography is defined under California Penal Code section 311 as any material that depicts children engaged in actual or simulated sexual conduct. In this case, "sexual conduct" includes:

  • Intercourse or lewd and lascivious acts
  • Display of the genitals, or pubic/rectal area
  • Masturbation, oral sex or anal sex
  • Excretory functions performed in a lewd manner
  • Vaginal or anal penetration by an object
  • Sadomasochistic abuse for sexual stimulation

It is illegal to possess, distribute, mail/send, produce or sell any type of material that depicts an act of child pornography. According to the law, these materials can include—but are not limited to—film, pictures, photocopies, videotapes, computer software, CDs, or even computer-generated images.

Types of Child Pornography Offenses in California

There are a number of offenses that can be charged in relation to child pornography, including the distribution, possession, advertising, developing, printing, and exchanging of child porn. It is also a crime to employ minors for the purpose of participating in acts considered child pornography. Penalties depend on the exact offense committed, as well as the defendant's criminal history, and can include monetary fines, incarceration in prison, and lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Some of the most common child porn offenses include:

  • Possession of child pornography (Penal Code section 311.11)
  • Distribution of child pornography (Penal Code section 311.1(a))
  • Distribution of child pornography for sale (Penal Code section 311.2(b))
  • Employing minors for child pornography (Penal Code section 311.4)
  • Advertising child pornography (Penal Code section 311.10)

Possession of Child Pornography – Penal Code section 311.11

It is a crime to knowingly possess or control any sort of material that depicts a person under the age of 18 engaging in or simulating sexual conduct. This could include materials like pictures, videos, computer software or CDs. Possession of child pornography is a felony, and is punishable by up to one year in county jail or state prison and a $2,500 fine. If you have been previously been convicted of a similar offense, you could face up to six years in prison.

Distribution of Child Pornography – Penal Code section 311.1(a)

It is a crime to knowingly distribute child pornography. This includes sending child porn, causing it to be sent, bringing it into the state for sale or distribution, causing it to be brought into the state, preparing it, publishing it or developing it. Distribution of child pornography is a felony punishable by up to one year in county and a $1,000 fine; however, the penalties could be increased to three years in state prison and $10,000 in fines if the crime was more serious.

Employing Minors for Child Pornography – Penal Code section 311.4

It is crime to knowingly employ a person under the age of 18 to participate in child porn, or hire a minor to assist you in the distribution of child porn. If you are convicted of this felony offense, you could be sentenced to one year in county jail or state prison and asked to pay a $2,000 fine. If you are found guilty of coercing a minor to pose or participate in child porn, you could face much stiffer penalties. In fact, you could be sentenced to up to eight years in prison.

Penalties

The punishment for child pornography varies depending on the specific California law that is violated. Some child pornography offenses are charges as misdemeanors punishable up to one year in county jail and lifetime sex registration. Felony charges for child pornography range from 16 months to 8 years in state prison along with lifetime sex registration.

Mounting a Firm Defense

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, we have represented a number of individuals charged with child pornography. If you are being accused of a similar offense, it is important to know there are legal defenses to child pornography.

It may be possible to prove that you were the victim of entrapment by law enforcement, that you had no intent or knowledge whatsoever to commit a child pornography crime, or that you were arrested as a result of illegal search and seizure. We will fully explore all of your legal options in an effort to give you the best possible chance at fighting your charges.

Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners for a free consultation.

  • ABA
  • BAR
  • NACDL
  • CACI
  • Maba Logo
  • super lawyer

Client Reviews

  • God Bless you Stephen, wish you all the successes in life.

    “Stephen is a great contact and extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I am glad that I was his client in the past. Top lawyer, top man. God Bless you Stephen, wish you all the successes in life.”

  • Don't hesitate to contact them!

    “I was referred to this group of Attorneys. I was started with a low cost made arrangements. My case had to do with assault allegations. The case was dismissed they helped me not to loose my daughter to the system.”

Contact Our Firm Today

YOUR INITIAL IN-OFFICE CONSULTATION IS FREE – CALL (213) 481-6811
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter a message.