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 mean 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 these charges are for defendants. Our McKinney child pornography attorneys have over 200 years of combined experience handling the most serious criminal charges in Texas. We’ve successfully defended clients in both state and federal court and 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 an initial consultation to discuss your rights and next steps.
How Texas Defense Firm Can Help After an Arrest for Child Pornography in McKinney, TX
When you’re facing an accusation of child pornography, it can feel like everyone has already decided you’re guilty. The police, the prosecution, and even people you know may jump to conclusions before hearing your side. However, what’s critical to remember is that you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
At Texas Defense Firm, we’ll 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 the evidence was obtained
- Review the available 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’s in your best interest
We know what’s at stake, and we know how to help you fight back effectively. Contact our child pornography lawyers in McKinney, TX, today for a free consultation.
Child Pornography Laws in Texas
Texas law treats all forms of child pornography very seriously.
Under Texas Penal Code § 43.26, it’s 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; OR
- Promote, which includes distributing, selling, or offering to distribute or sell, such material; OR
- 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 material or prior convictions. Related federal charges may be imposed as well, and can lead to even harsher penalties.
What Are the Penalties for a Child Pornography Conviction in Texas?
Child pornography is always a felony in Texas, and penalties depend on the type of conduct alleged:
- Possession of child pornography: Third-degree felony with 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- Promotion: Second-degree felony with 2 to 20 years in prison
- Production or creation: First-degree felony with 5 to 99 years in prison
In addition to prison time and heavy fines, a conviction 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 reputations
As the stakes are so high in these matters, it’s 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 may include:
- Lack of knowledge: You didn’t 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 can’t prove you knowingly possessed or distributed illegal material 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 Child Pornography Attorneys for an Initial Consultation
If you’ve been arrested for child pornography in McKinney, Texas, 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 even some of the most serious offenses on the books.
We’re confident that we can help you as well, so contact our McKinney child pornography lawyers today to get started with your defense.
