Philadelphia Child Pornography Lawyers

Any person who knowingly participates in the sale, making, or distribution of materials containing the image of any child under the age of 18 participating in sexual activity is said to be engaging in child Pornography or child exploitation.  According to the Pennsylvania Supreme court, defendants cannot have upgraded charges that involve the possession of multiple child pornography materials.  Likewise the courts have ruled that an offender of child exploitation cannot be charged for a second offence unless a separate first offence was made.

Some of the rulings on child exploitation, however, can adversely affect the very children they are trying to protect.  This happens as a result of teens that email and text explicit pictures of themselves (sexting).  This can result in the child themselves getting into serious trouble with the law for exploitation of a child.

Sentences for a first offense can range from probation to up to seven years in prison.  For a second offense, the sentence can range from probation to 10 years.

In Pennsylvania, charges of “Sexual Abuse of Children” or Child pornography are extremely serious.  The crime is a Megan’s Law offense and those convicted are designated as “sex offenders.”  Additionally, the perpetrator will need to undergo evaluation to determine if they are a “sexually violent predator” by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender’s Assessment Board.