Understanding Pennsylvania Child Pornography Laws

The humiliation and stigma of being criminally charged of child pornography is severe. It will affect every aspect of your life including work, personal relationships, and family members. You will face harsh disapproval and irreversible damage to your reputation if convicted. Do not risk losing your freedom. Hire a Philadelphia child pornography attorney that will provide innovative defense strategies to zealously protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

Definition of Child Pornography under Pennsylvania Law

Child pornography is covered under Pennsylvania law. State law strictly prohibits:

• The photographing, videotaping, or filming of a child under the age of 18 engaging in or simulating sexual acts.
• The distribution of child pornography photographs, depictions, and films.
• The possession, voluntary viewing, and control of child pornography.

Penalties include mandatory sex registration if convicted. You may also face a violation of federal law if interstate or international commerce was involved.

What to Do If You Are Charged

• Do not discuss with the arresting officer or police. This includes defending your innocence.
• Hire an attorney immediately.
• Do not speak to the police or prosecutors without your attorney present.
• If the police question you, politely refuse to answer their questions and tell them you want an attorney.
• Do not let the police search your home, office, or computer without a warrant.

Role of Your Attorney

Your attorney will:

• Determine if there is evidence supporting your accused charges.
• Make every effort to refute any evidence against you.
• Carefully review every detail of your case and see if there is any evidence to support your innocence
• Investigate whether anyone else had access to your computer if the child pornography was found there.

Successful Defense Strategies

Prosecution of child pornography charges relies heavily on evidence obtained during a search and seizure by law enforcement. Attorneys can challenge the prosecution’s use of the evidence if the search violated your Fourth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. If it is determined that the police violated your Constitutional rights, any evidence they obtained cannot be used against you. We work with leading national forensic computer scientists to prove accidental or involuntary viewing of the prohibited materials. These experts can also prove that there was no intent to possess child pornography, or that the individual being charged with possession, distribution, or creation of child pornography never received the illegal child pornography.

Do Not Take Child Pornography Charges Lightly

Child pornography is a serious crime that affects your entire livelihood and it should be taken very seriously. Hire an attorney from van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin immediately if you are charged with child pornography. Our experienced, highly skilled Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys provide quality legal representation. We fight vigilantly to defend your freedom and clear your name.