McKinney Child Pornography Lawyers
Attorneys for Charges Related to Child Sexual Abuse Materials in McKinney, TX
Have you been accused of possessing or distributing child pornography in McKinney, Texas? These are extremely serious charges that can change your life forever. A conviction could lead to a laundry list of penalties and consequences, including years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and lasting damage to your reputation.
At Texas Defense Firm, our legal team knows how devastating charges related to child pornography or other child sex crimes can be for defendants. Our McKinney child pornography attorneys have over 200 years of combined experience handling the most serious criminal charges in Texas. We have successfully defended clients in both state and federal courts, and we understand what it takes to challenge sensitive, high-stakes cases like this.
You are innocent until proven guilty, and you deserve a strong legal defense. Contact us today at 972-369-0577 for a free initial consultation to discuss your rights and next steps.
Legal Help After an Arrest for Child Pornography in McKinney, TX
When you are facing an accusation related to child pornography, it can feel like everyone has already decided that you are guilty. The police, the prosecution, and even people you know may jump to conclusions before hearing your side. However, it is critical to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
At Texas Defense Firm, we will fight to make sure your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process, including at trial if necessary.
Our McKinney sex crimes lawyers can:
- Investigate how the charges began and how evidence was obtained
- Review electronic data for errors or false links
- Challenge any illegal searches or seizures
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case
- Consult with forensic and digital experts to review the evidence against you
- Work to have your charges reduced or dismissed as the law allows
- Take your case to trial if it is in your best interest
We know what is at stake, and we know how to help you fight back effectively. Contact our child pornography lawyers today for a free consultation.
Child Pornography Laws in Texas
Texas law treats all forms of child pornography very seriously. Child pornography is also known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Under Texas Penal Code § 43.26, it is illegal to knowingly or intentionally:
- Possess or access visual material that depicts a child younger than 18 years of age engaging in sexual conduct, knowing that the material depicts such conduct and that the child is under 18
- Promote child pornography, which includes distributing, selling, or offering to distribute or sell such material
- Produce or direct the creation of visual material that involves the sexual exploitation of a child
Violations of this statute are classified as felony offenses, and the severity may increase based on factors such as the quantity of materials or prior convictions. In some cases, federal child pornography charges may apply as well, and a conviction in federal court can lead to even harsher penalties.
What Are the Penalties for a Child Pornography Conviction in Texas?
Offenses related to child pornography are always charged as felonies in Texas, and the penalties will typically depend on the type of conduct alleged:
- Possession of Child Pornography:Third-degree felony with two to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- Promotion of Child Pornography:Second-degree felony with two to 20 years in prison
- Production or Creation of Child Pornography:Second-degree felony in cases involving children under the age of 18 or first-degree felony with five to 99 years in prison in cases involving children under the age of 14
In addition to prison time and heavy fines, a conviction for a CSAM offense can also mean:
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Loss of employment opportunities and housing options
- Probation and/or parole restrictions
- Permanent damage to your personal and professional reputation
Because the stakes are so high in these matters, it is a practical necessity to have a defense attorney who understands both the law and the technology involved in your case.
What Defenses Can I Raise to Child Pornography Charges in McKinney, Texas?
There are many possible defenses you can raise in these cases, depending on the facts and circumstances involved in the situation. Every case is different at the end of the day, and our attorneys will examine every detail to find the best strategy suited for your specific proceedings.
Common defenses against charges involving child sexual abuse materials may include:
- Lack of Knowledge:You did not know the material was on your device.
- Unauthorized Use:Someone else used your account, phone, or computer.
- Illegal Search: The police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution cannot prove you knowingly possessed or distributed CSAM beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Mistaken Identity:The evidence was traced to the wrong person or device.
Our criminal defense firm can hire forensic experts and digital investigators to verify how the files were found, where they came from, and whether they were actually under your control. We will leave no stone unturned in defending you to the fullest extent of the law.
Contact Our McKinney, Texas Child Pornography Attorneys
If you have been arrested for an offense related to CSAM, it is extremely important that you take your charges seriously and get legal help as soon as possible. At Texas Defense Firm, we have over 200 years of combined experience helping clients respond to some of the most serious offenses on the books. We are confident that we can help you, so contact our McKinney child pornography defense lawyers today by calling 972-369-0577 to set up your free consultation and get started with your defense.
