Georgetown Child Pornography Defense Attorneys

Challenging Child Pornography Charges in Texas

Child pornography is a term that describes any sexually explicit material that features a minor. Such material can include images, videos, and other types of media. It is a crime to produce, possess, distribute, or even view child pornography. It is also illegal to attempt any of these actions.

Child pornography is a serious charge, and Texas prosecutors try hard to convict alleged offenders. If you have been accused of this sex crime, you need a legal team that knows how to fight back.

Winters & Chidester has successfully represented those accused of child pornography in criminal defense cases. Our attorneys are known for aggressively defending our clients' rights and their ability to build strong cases. We are here to listen to your side of the story, and we are ready to help you.

Get in touch with our Georgetown child pornography defense lawyers today by calling (512) 961-4555 or contacting us online.

What Are the Penalties for Child Pornography in Georgetown?

Penalties for Possession of Child Pornography

It is illegal to own any child pornography, which, in legal terms, is called “possession.” Files on a hard drive, images on a phone, printed material, photographs, and the like are all illegal to own.

Owning child pornography typically results in a third-degree felony charge. Sentences can include 2 to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The severity of the charge can escalate with the amount of material involved.

Owning visual material showing six or more identical child images can lead to charges of intending to promote child pornography. Authorities classify this as a second-degree felony. Conviction can mean imprisonment for 2 to 20 years, a fine as high as $10,000, or both.

Penalties for Distribution of Child Pornography

The law makes it illegal to transmit or distribute materials classified as child pornography. Distribution includes "sexting" with minors, where individuals exchange nude or illicit photos. Minors are not capable of consensually sexting with adults.

Under Texas law, distributing child pornography is a State Jail Felony, punishable by 6 months to up to 2 years in the State Jail.

The offense upgrades if it is shown that the accused has prior convictions under this same statute.

Penalties for Use of a Minor in a Sexual Performance

The state implements strict penalties for sexual performances involving minors. Under Texas Penal Code Section 43.25, alleged offenders face a second-degree felony charge, carrying a potential 20-year prison term and a $10,000 fine.

Crimes against victims under 14 escalate to first-degree felonies, resulting in:

• A minimum prison sentence of five years
• A maximum sentence of 99 years
• A $10,000 fine

Producing a child's sexual performance also incurs significant legal consequences. Such acts constitute a third-degree felony with a penalty of 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Offenses involving victims under 14 intensify to second-degree felony.