Houston Child Pornography Lawyer

Houston Child Pornography Attorney

Texas’ criminal laws prohibit the possession or distribution of child pornography. The penalties for a first-time conviction could lead to a felony on your record and potential time in a state jail. If you were arrested for possessing or distributing child pornography, you need the services of a Houston child pornography lawyer.

The Houston criminal defense lawyers at Segura & Kiatta understand how serious a child pornography charge can be for your professional and personal career. We can vigorously fight to protect you from the most serious consequences under the law by working to weaken the prosecution’s case against you.

Why Choose Segura & Kiatta?

At Segura & Kiatta, we know that child pornography charges can be devastating. In fact, a conviction could lead to mandatory registration with the state’s sex offender registration program. Our board-certified criminal defense attorneys have over 20 years of experience serving Fort Bend and Harris County clients, so we know how to prevent our clients from facing these serious penalties.

We prioritize your freedom and reputation, aggressively fighting against any charges without rushing to plea deals. Our dedicated team conducts thorough investigations to uncover any violations of your rights and ensure all evidence is properly obtained. Trust us to provide compassionate, confidential, and relentless representation tailored to your unique circumstances.

Penalties for Child Pornography Criminal Charges

In Texas, anyone convicted of possessing child pornography will have a third-degree felony on their record. This offense carries potential penalties, including high fines and between two to 10 years of prison time. Anyone with prior convictions or found to be involved in spreading child pornography could face punishments of up to 20 years in prison.

Incarceration is a serious potential penalty for anyone found guilty of this offense, but there are other serious ramifications as well. Texas requires anyone found guilty of a sex crime to register as a sex offender.

This registration requirement has far-reaching implications, affecting employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships. It also subjects individuals to ongoing monitoring by law enforcement.

In Texas, the legal system takes child pornography offenses seriously. The prosecution can be aggressive because district attorneys often seek to make examples of sex offenders. Following a conviction, someone with a child pornography charge on their record may have difficulty renting an apartment or home anywhere in the state.

There would be restrictions on where they could leave. Individuals convicted of child pornography offenses may face restrictions on where they can live, particularly in relation to proximity to schools, parks, and other areas frequented by children. Many jobs would screen and block applicants who have this type of criminal record.

Legal Defense Strategies Against Child Porn Charges in Houston

Facing child pornography charges in Texas is a serious matter, and effective legal defense strategies are crucial for protecting your rights.

Here are several approaches that defense attorneys may employ:

• Challenging Evidence: One standard defense for any criminal charge is to scrutinize the evidence presented by the prosecution. Defense attorneys may argue that the evidence was obtained through an illegal search, which would be a violation of the defendant’s Fourth Amendment Rights. If the court finds the evidence inadmissible, it could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Lack of Knowledge: Criminal intent may play a role in child pornography cases. The defense may assert that the defendant did not knowingly possess or view child pornography. This can be especially relevant in cases involving shared devices or unintentional downloads. Demonstrating a lack of intent can lead to reduced charges or acquittal.
• Misidentification: The defense may argue that the images in question are not what the prosecution claims. Forensic analysis may reveal that the content was misidentified or potentially misidentified. This could help establish reasonable doubt.
• Plea Bargaining: Negotiating a plea deal might be viable, potentially resulting in lesser charges or reduced penalties. If applicable, your attorney could present evidence that mental health issues should influence sentencing. This may lead to alternative treatment options rather than incarceration.

Houston Child Pornography FAQs

Q: How Do Police Catch People With Child Pornography?

A: Law enforcement employs various means of catching individuals involved in child pornography (CP). Techniques include online monitoring, undercover operations, and forensic analysis of seized devices. Agencies collaborate with tech companies and utilize peer-to-peer networks to trace illegal activity. Tips from organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children aid investigations.

Q: What Happens If You Accidentally Searched Child Pornography?

A: If you accidentally come across child pornography in Houston, it may be advisable to clear your internet browsing history and take steps to prevent visiting those sites again. Internet service providers may flag suspicious searches, potentially leading to an investigation. Avoid clicking dubious links and follow basic measures to protect yourself from following links that could lead to unlawful content.

Q: What Are the Consequences of Watching Child Pornography?

A: The consequences of watching child pornography are severe. In Texas, watching or possessing child pornography can lead to a felony charge and serious prison time. Steps should be taken to avoid even the risk that you could come across child pornography because viewing that content is illegal in Texas and elsewhere.

Q: Is Just Viewing Child Pornography Illegal?

A: Viewing child pornography is illegal in Texas. Simply viewing the video or photo would constitute possession, meaning you could be charged with a felony. Individuals charged with viewing CP can face severe penalties, including significant prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Even unintentional viewing can lead to legal consequences, emphasizing the seriousness with which Texas treats offenses related to child exploitation.

Schedule Your Child Pornography Consultation Today

Child pornography charges should be taken very seriously. A conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence, and registration as a sex offender would be mandatory. However, being charged with a crime does not mean that you will be found guilty of that charge.

If you have strong legal representation, there are many legal defense strategies that can lead to a favorable outcome. Segura & Kiatta can work to secure a resolution that allows you to put this unfortunate ordeal behind you. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.