Child Pornography
You deserve trial-tested and award-winning advocacy
The State of Tennessee considered crimes involving child pornography to be an “exploitation of a minor” offense, which can draw serious penalties. If you have been charged with such a crime, your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line. You don’t need to handle these charges on your own, however. Mr. Crain, a Murfreesboro sex crimes defense lawyer, can help you explore every avenue and option for your defense.
Exploitation of a minor charges
Child pornography crimes fall under the category of offenses that exploit minors. There are two different charges you may be facing, depending on the circumstances of your specific case:
- Exploitation of a minor: possessing child pornography
- Aggravated exploitation of a minor: Selling, distributing, transporting, promoting, or exchanging child pornography.
The severity of both charges can be increased, depending on the amount of materials discovered by law enforcement.
Exploitation of a Minor:
- Class D felony: 50 images/materials or fewer
- Class C felony: 50-100 images/materials
- Class B felony: More than 100 images or materials
Aggravated Exploitation of a Minor:
- Class C felony: 25 images/materials or fewer
- Class B felony: More than 25 images/materials
Especially Aggravated Exploitation of a Minor:
This charge is reserved for producers or creators of child pornography, and is a Class B felony. These charges are applied if you have knowingly:
- Used child pornography
- Transported child pornography
- Permitted a child to engage in the performance or production of child pornography
Penalties for child pornography
All offenses involving child pornography are considered felony offenses. They are subject to strict penalties, which may be increased if you are also convicted of other sex crimes, including, rape, sexual battery, or human trafficking.
- Class D Felony: 2 to 12 years in prison, and up to $5,000 in fines.
- Class C Felony: 3-15 years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Class B Felony: 8 to 30 years in prison, and up to $25,000 in fines.
In addition to fines and prison time, you also may be required to register as a sex offender, which can greatly limit your employment, education, and residence options. Furthermore, your assets could be seized and sold, if they were involved in your “exploitation of a minor” charges.