Possession of Child Pornography is a serious crime that carries heavy penalties in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida.
Penalties for Possessing Child Pornography in Fort Lauderdale
A conviction for possession of child pornography brings severe consequences in our state. For a first offense with a small number of illegal images, it’s a third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, sentences quickly escalate based on the number of images and past criminal history.
Anyone convicted of this crime must also register as a sex offender. This brings lifelong restrictions on where you can live, work, and travel. Your name, photo, and address appear in online registries warning the public of your status.
Fort Lauderdale Child Pornography Defense Strategies
Skilled criminal defense lawyers have successfully defended these cases by challenging how the illegal images were obtained or introducing reasonable doubt about possession. Some potential defenses include:
- Invalid search warrant: If police didn’t have probable cause for a warrant to search your home and devices, evidence may be excluded.
- Illegal stop or detention: If officers detained you without justification, any child porn found later could be inadmissible.
- Not your images: It’s possible to prove the illegal files don’t belong to you, especially if others had access to your computer or IP address.
- Mistaken age: Some defendants avoid conviction by showing models who appeared underage were actually adults.
- Unknowing possession: You may not have realized the images were child porn when you received or downloaded them.
- Entrapment: Undercover officers induced you to seek out illegal content you otherwise wouldn’t have viewed.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Child Pornography Case
Facing a child porn possession charge in Broward County can be overwhelming. But a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will thoroughly examine the evidence, identify any police missteps, and build the strongest case for your innocence.
Look for a lawyer with specific experience defending child pornography charges. They’ll understand common prosecutorial tactics and how to counter them. It’s also essential to choose someone you feel comfortable confiding in. Sensitive personal details may emerge that require discretion.
Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case specifics. Many attorneys offer these at no cost. They can then advise if they’re able to help. It’s important to move quickly, as you have limited time to respond once charges are filed.
With an experienced lawyer on your side, you’ll have an advocate fighting for the most favorable outcome possible. They’ll negotiate firmly with prosecutors and not hesitate to take your case to trial if needed. Thorough preparation and skillful defense can sometimes lead to reduced charges or even avoidance of a conviction.
What to Do If You’re Under Investigation for Child Pornography
If police or federal agents contact you about an investigation into child porn possession, remain silent and immediately call a defense lawyer. Never consent to a search or try explaining yourself. Anything you say can be used against you.
A skilled attorney can intervene and communicate with investigators on your behalf. In some cases, they may be able to resolve the issue quietly or prevent charges from being filed. Having a lawyer can also ensure your rights aren’t violated if police do arrest you or search your home.
Take Steps to Protect Your Future Now
Being charged with possessing child pornography can permanently alter your life. Don’t leave the outcome to chance. Gain the advantage of experienced legal representation right away. A dedicated Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer will stand by your side and advocate aggressively at every stage. With their guidance, you can move forward and put this difficult situation behind you.