FAQs About National Child Pornography Laws

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Accusations of sex offenses such as child pornography are dealt with severely. If you’ve been accused of a child pornography offense, retain the services of a defense attorney promptly. A child pornography defense attorney can advise you of your legal rights and explain the legal process to you. During your consultation with your sexual assault attorney, you may wish to ask for clarification regarding the following topics.

How is Child Pornography Defined Under Federal Law?

Your child pornography defense attorney in Columbus can help you understand the federal laws that are applicable to your particular case. Under federal law, child pornography is considered to include any photographs, videos, or any other type of visual depiction of an individual under the age of 18 that involves sexually exploitive conduct. Furthermore, child pornography is considered to include any type of visual media that involves modified or adapted images that depict a minor. It’s a common misconception that images that were entirely produced in a digital manner that do not depict a real child are exempt from child pornography laws. In fact, under federal law, computer-generated images that cannot be distinguished from a real child are still considered child pornography. It is illegal to possess, receive, produce, distribute, or import any form of child pornography. Additionally, it is also illegal to conspire or attempt to produce, possess, or otherwise handle child pornography.

When is Child Pornography Considered a Federal Offense?

Child pornography is illegal on both the state and the federal levels. Federal jurisdiction may apply if the offense involved foreign commerce or interstate commerce. If the Internet is involved in a child pornography offense, the case will almost always be prosecuted on the federal level.