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Many states have extremely harsh punishments for child pornography offenders. In general, the laws regarding child pornography include prohibiting the making or distribution of images depicting or involving a minor under the age of 18. “Images” includes videos, films, or photos of minors participating in sexual acts or showing body parts specified by Illinois law. The state will also punish people for allowing their children to participate in child pornography or who coerce their children to participate. The state also prosecutes those who merely possess pornography depicting minors.
If you've been accused of possessing, making, or distributing child pornography, you will face some severe penalties, legally, fiscally, and socially. Ensure that you have someone you can count on to defend you. Talk to one of our skilled Arlington Heights sex crimes attorneys about your case.
Call us at (847) 749-1131 or fill out our online form to schedule a case review today.
Penalties
Most offenses in this category are considered Class 1 felonies, which can result in imprisonment in a range from 4 to 15 years. However, this varies depending on the circumstances of the crime. Possession of child pornography might only be prosecuted as a Class 3 felony, which can lead to 2 to 5 years in prison. Likewise, for each subsequent offense, the prosecution might seek increased sentencing. The state might also fine an accused person anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000 depending on the situation.
One of the worst parts of a child pornography or aggravated child pornography charge is mandatory sex offender registration in the state. Sex offenders must register at least each year for life, beginning with the date of conviction or, if the defendant is sentenced to probation, beginning with the date of release from prison.
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Life as a sex offender can be tough. Residency requirements can often be difficult to handle, and registration also comes with a heavy social stigma. Talk to one of our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Wierenga | Chiapelli. We are highly rated attorneys who are dedicated to advocating for people's rights and freedoms.