Criminal Defense Lawyers

Wichita Child Pornography Sentencing Guidelines

Navigating Federal Child Pornography Charges: What You Need to Know

Facing federal child pornography charges can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. As you try to understand the complex laws and sentencing guidelines, you likely have a million questions racing through your mind.I know this is an incredibly difficult time. My goal with this guide is to walk you through the key things you need to know when facing federal child pornography charges, so you can make informed decisions when working with your defense lawyer. I’ll overview the common charges, potential defenses, sentencing guidelines, and what you can do to give yourself the best possible chance at the lowest sentence.

Common Federal Child Pornography Charges

There are a few main federal laws that prosecutors use to charge defendants with child pornography crimes:

• 18 U.S.C. Section 2252 – This law makes it illegal to knowingly transport, receive, distribute, reproduce, sell, possess with intent to sell, or promote visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Charges can include receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography.

• 18 U.S.C. Section 2251 – This law deals with the sexual exploitation of children and production of child pornography. Charges include inducing minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions.

• 18 U.S.C. Section 2252A – This expands on Section 2252 to cover child pornography that uses digital media or the internet. So charges for receiving, distributing, or possessing child pornography online would fall under this law.

The specific charges have a big impact on sentencing, which I’ll cover next. But in general, you‘re looking at a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison for most federal child porn charges. The maximum sentences can go up to 20 years or more depending on the specifics.

Sentencing Guidelines and Minimums

Federal sentencing for child pornography is largely dictated by the US Sentencing Guidelines. The guidelines provide a complex formula to calculate an advised sentencing range based on the charges, criminal history, specific offense characteristics, and other factors.While judges have some discretion, the guidelines exert substantial influence over federal sentencing.Here is an overview of the guideline ranges and mandatory minimums for common charges:

• Receipt of Child Pornography – 5 year mandatory minimum sentence. Sentencing range starts at 5 years and goes up significantly from there depending on factors like the type and volume of images, using a computer, sadistic content, etc.
• Possession of Child Pornography – No mandatory minimum for possession alone unless images depict prepubescent minors (under 12 years old), in which case there is a 5 year minimum. Sentencing ranges typically fall between 0-10 years.
• Distribution of Child Pornography – 5 year mandatory minimum. Sentencing ranges start at 5 years and are typically 8-10 years or more for distribution charges.

• Production of Child Pornography – 15 year mandatory minimum sentence if produced using minors under 16. Sentencing ranges start at 15 years.

As you can see, the charges and sentencing guidelines are complex. The best way to understand the specific sentencing exposure is to work closely with an experienced federal child pornography defense lawyer.

Common Defenses in Child Pornography Cases

While child pornography charges certainly carry steep penalties, there are often viable defenses that can get charges reduced or dismissed. Common defenses include:

• You did not “knowingly” download/possess the illegal content – If illegal images were found on your computer but got there through viruses, malware, mislabeled files, or without your intent or knowledge, this is a strong defense.

• Law enforcement violated your rights – If evidence was collected via an illegal search or seizure, it may be excluded. Other examples are Miranda rights violations, coerced confessions, or entrapment defenses.
• You were not in “possession” – If illegal files were found in cache/temporary folders or it cannot be proven you accessed the files, you may not have met standards for possession.
• The images do not depict real minors – If analysis shows images are digitally created or adults role playing as minors, they may not meet standards for child pornography.
• You have a mental health condition – Diagnosed disorders like depression, PTSD, bipolar, etc could potentially lead to reduced charges/sentences.

An experienced lawyer will thoroughly analyze the case against you to determine if any of these defenses could get charges dismissed or reduced to less serious offenses.

How Can You Get the Lowest Possible Sentence?

Even if charges cannot be dismissed, an experienced federal child pornography defense lawyer can make a huge difference in getting sentences reduced below the staggering guideline ranges.As this analysis shows, less than a third of child porn defendants actually get sentences within the standard guideline range. So while the charges are certainly very serious, there is often room for an experienced legal team to negotiate a better outcome.Here are some of the most effective ways skilled lawyers aim to reduce sentences in child pornography cases:

• Challenge sentencing enhancements – Many sentencing enhancements related to computer use, sadistic content, volume of images etc. can be challenged or negotiated down.
• Provide evidence of mitigating factors – Conditions like depression, PTSD, addiction, trauma, can be used to argue for downward departures from guidelines.

• Submit expert evaluations – Evaluations assessing low risk can counter assumptions that all child porn defendants pose a high risk of sexual violence.
• Make competent objections – Keeping damaging evidence or improper testimony out of sentencing hearings can help reduce guidelines.
• Negotiate plea bargains – Plea deals provide the most reliable way to get agreed upon reduced sentences. Skilled lawyers will negotiate aggressively.
• Submit departure motions – Well-researched and persuasive departure motions can convince judges to go below guidelines.
• Present meaningful sentencing memos – Sentencing memos humanizing the defendant can influence judges to go lower.

While the charges are deeply serious and carry extremely high stakes, an experienced federal child pornography defense lawyer can analyze all options and build the strongest case possible for reduced sentencing.

Finding the Right Lawyer Can Change Everything

As you navigate this difficult situation, the single most important step you can take is finding an exceptional defense lawyer to represent you. Not all lawyers are equal – having skilled counsel who specializes in federal child pornography defense can make all the difference.Look for lawyers with extensive experience in these complex cases and a proven track record of negotiating reduced charges and sentences for clients. Be sure to understand the specific strategies they will use to defend your case. The right guidance can help you get through this challenging process and achieve the best possible legal outcome.