DC Child Pornography Penalties
Even after a jail sentence for child pornography is up, there are still consequences you may face. The most significant of these is having to register as a sex offender. This is a stigma that can follow you for the rest of your life and severely limit where you can live and work. A well-versed attorney can help you fight DC child pornography penalties to protect your rights and freedom. With the help of a knowledgeable child pornography lawyer, you may be able to minimize the impact of the charges against you.
Penalties for Child Pornography
A person convicted of child pornography charges faces some of the most serious consequences available under DC federal laws. Someone convicted of the possession, distribution, or receipt of child pornography charges faces a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment up to 20 years in federal prison. A person convicted of production of child pornography charges faces a minimum of 10 years in prison up to 15 to 30 years in prison.
Aside from the lengthy prison sentences, an individual also must register as a sex offender for life. This affects where they can live, whether they have access to a cell phone or Internet in their home, the jobs they can hold, and custody issues or visitation rights with their children. People convicted of child pornography may not be allowed to work in a field that involves children such as childcare, medicine, nursing, teaching. An attorney can further explain the impact of a child pornography conviction.
How to Minimize the Impact in DC
When someone thinks they are being investigated for child pornography allegations, it is important that they talk to a lawyer. It is not uncommon for law enforcement officers such as the FBI to surprise a person at their home, place of employment, or other location in an attempt to conduct an interview. The FBI may try to make an individual feel relaxed or have them believe it is in their best interest to talk to them. Usually, when the FBI talks to someone, they already have information about what they are investigating.
Before someone speaks to the FBI or any law enforcement agent, they should talk to a lawyer. Whatever they say to the authorities may be used as evidence against them.
Further, a person may make statements to federal law enforcement that are untrue because of fear or nervousness. A person can be charged with a crime for lying to the FBI or other federal law enforcement agencies even if they did not commit any other crime. This is why it is so important that an individual understands their rights and obligations before they have any conversations with the FBI.
Speak With an Attorney About DC Child Pornography Penalties
DC child pornography penalties can affect nearly every aspect of your life. Aside from the long periods of jail and heavy fines that accompany these allegations, they can also impact where you can work and live. Therefore, it is important to start fighting back as early as possible. An aggressive attorney can protect your rights throughout the legal process. Call today for a consultation to get started.