Skip to Content

Sawl Law Group

Available 24/7 559-205-7757

Top

Child Pornography Serving Families Throughout Fresno & The Surrounding Areas

Fresno Child Pornography Defense Attorneys

Protecting the Rights & Freedom of Clients in Fresno & Visalia, CA

California has harsh laws against the possession, distribution, transportation, production, and advertisement of child pornography. A conviction can lead to a long jail or prison sentence, costly fines, and registration as a sexual offender, possibly for the rest of your life. Even being merely accused of a child pornography offense can make you appear guilty to the public and media before you are charged for the crime. That is why you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you.

At Sawl Law Group, we understand how serious child pornography allegations can be and how to develop an effective and personalized legal defense to help you avoid serious criminal penalties. With more than three decades of combined legal experience, our Fresno child pornography defense lawyers can investigate your case, find supporting evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and help you get the best possible outcome in court.

Contact us today at (559) 205-7757 and request a free consultation.

What is Considered Child Pornography in California?

In California, child pornography is defined as material showing a minor child (a person under 18 years of age) participate in or perform a sexual act. If a person pretends to be underage, that isn’t enough to charge someone for child pornography. Furthermore, if the persons involved are lawfully married or emancipated, even if one of the participants is 17 years of age, it is not considered child pornography.

Most child pornography crimes are either felonies or wobblers, which mean the offense can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. It is important to understand that a conviction will also result in registration as a sex offender.

Types of Child Pornography Charges

The following are the most common types of child pornography offenses in California:

Possession of child pornography – Either a misdemeanor that carries a maximum jail term of one year and a fine no more than $2,500 or a felony, punishable by a prison sentence of up to six years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Distribution, production, or transportation of child pornography – Either a misdemeanor that carries a maximum jail term of one year and a fine of up to $2,000 or a felony, punishable by a prison sentence of up to six years and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Sexual exploitation of a child – Either a misdemeanor that carries a maximum jail term of one year and a fine of up to $2,000 or a felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to three years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Hiring or recruiting a minor of child pornography – Either a misdemeanor that carries a maximum jail term of one year and a fine of up to $2,000 or a felony, punishable, by imprisonment for up to eight years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

However, if child pornographic material was distributed or transferred from California to another state, or vice versa, then this could lead to federal charges. A conviction in federal court can lead to a minimum federal prison sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years.

Common Defenses Against Child Pornography Charges in California

Defending against child pornography charges requires a strategic approach, leveraging various legal defenses tailored to the specifics of each case. Here are some of the most common defenses employed by attorneys:

Lack of Knowledge: The defendant may argue that they were unaware of the presence of child pornography on their device. This defense can be effective if evidence indicates that someone else had access or control over the device.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: If evidence was obtained through an illegal search, such as without a warrant or probable cause, it may be possible to have that evidence excluded from the case. This could significantly weaken the prosecution's argument.
Entrapment: If law enforcement coerced or induced an individual into committing the offense, this defense may apply. Establishing that the defendant was not predisposed to commit the crime but was instead manipulated can be a strong argument.
Innocent Possession: This defense hinges on the argument that the defendant did not seek out or intend to possess child pornography. For instance, if a typo led to a pornographic site and material was acquired inadvertently, this may support a defense against intent.
Did Not Belong to the Defendant: If the defendant can prove they were not the person who possessed or distributed the material in question, this defense can create reasonable doubt in court.
Material Was Not Child Pornography: In certain cases, it may be argued that the individuals involved in the imagery were not minors, or that the material does not meet the legal definition of child pornography. However, this is a nuanced area of law that requires careful consideration.
Victim's Age Misidentification: Defense may rest on challenging the age of the individual depicted in the material, provided that credible evidence shows the person was above the legal age when the act was performed.

Utilizing these defenses effectively requires a knowledgeable attorney who can analyze the unique circumstances of each case and advocate vigorously on behalf of the client.

Understanding the Consequences of Child Pornography Charges

Being charged with child pornography can have serious and long-lasting consequences. It's vital to understand the potential legal and personal ramifications of these charges.

In California, child pornography includes any visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexual activity. This can range from photos or videos to cartoons or computer-generated images. The severity of the charges can vary depending on the circumstances, such as the age of the minor and the intent of the individual in possession of the material.

If convicted of child pornography charges, individuals can face:

Imprisonment
Fines
Mandatory registration as a sex offender
Loss of custody or visitation rights
Damage to personal and professional reputation

At Sawl Law Group, our experienced Fresno child pornography defense attorneys understand the seriousness of these charges and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom. Contact us today to schedule a free case review and start building your defense.

Schedule a Free Case Review Today

Just because you have been accused doesn’t mean that you are automatically guilty. You still have an opportunity to defend yourself with the help of our Fresno sex crime defense team. We are ready to help you clear your name immediately.

Contact us today for more information about our legal services from our Fresno child pornography defense attorneys.

Helpful Resources

Continue Reading Read Less

Clients Trust Us

Award-Winning Reputation with

"The Sawl Law Group really, really did an outstanding job for me. They were very invested in my interest to pursue a dismissal for some things I did as a young man."
The Sawl Law Group really, really did an outstanding job for me. They were very invested in my interest to pursue a dismissal for some things I did as a young man. We won the dismissal and my attorney Michelle did a great job and was really caring about my situation. I definitely recommend this group to anyone seeking legal representation!

- Rodney M.
"Corina is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend."
Corina Burchfield walked me step by step through the whole process she is very professional definitely recommend her. She is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend.

- Google Review - Brianna M.
"I will forever be grateful to this office who helped me."
I retained the office to help me with some very serious charges that would hurt my career and long time goals. I was wrongfully accused of taking materials from a job site. I did not take them, this law office help prove my innocence. They helped me find an investigator for my case. The staff was always ready to help me and willing to go the extra step when I had questions. The Attorney later was able to get my case dismissed. I will forever be grateful to this office who helped me. I recommend Sawl Law Group if you want someone fighting for you.

- Preston D.
"Previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding."
This was the first time I had ever been involved in any situation like this. I had spoken with a few lawyers before heading to Sawl Law Group. The previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding.
They took immediate ownership of the problem at hand. This problem had wrecked havoc on my life by draining my time and my finances. Sawl Law Group was affordable and handled the case so I wasn’t required to miss work and physically be present. I would highly recommend Sawl Law Group to friends, family and anyone who needs a tough lawyer to receive justice.

- Rebekah A.
"Had it not been for Sawl Law Group, I would not have been as far as I am today in my military career."
This is by far the most experienced and professional team of lawyers I've had the pleasure of working with. The staff was amazing, polite and very attentive to all my questions and needs regarding my case. Mr. Taleisnik was very reassuring regarding the best possible outcome for my case. While preparing my case I was kept well informed and was consistently and accurately updated with any new information. Had it not been for Sawl Law Group, I would not have been as far as I am today in my military carrier. I highly recommend this professional and well experienced team of attorney's.

- James M.
"I would highly recommend the Sawl Law group to family and friends if they were ever in need of their services."
Just wanted to thank the Sawl Law group for a job well done. Corina did a great job and was very helpful. Corina explained the procedure in great detail. She always kept me well informed and always made herself available to me via phone, email and in person. I would highly recommend the Sawl Law group to family and friends if they were ever in need of their services.
Thanks again for all your help and hard work!

- Google Reviews – Juan G.
"Sawl Law Group allowed me to rest easy at night."
Sawl Law Group allowed me to rest easy at night. I didn't have to follow up they were handling the matter so professionally. I would indeed go back to them if I had another issue. They were so kind and understanding.

- Valerie R.
"They are experienced in accident cases and fight for what money you deserve. They are honest and inform their clients on what to expect."
I highly recommend this firm. They are very busy, so sometimes you may need to be persistent in calling them. BUT they are experienced in accidents cases and fight for what money you deserve. They are honest and inform their clients on what to expect. Their lien doctors are excellent. You get all the medical treatment you need.

- April R.

Contact Us Today

Request a Free Case Evaluation

At Sawl Law Group, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
A Respected Reputation with the Judges & the D.A.
Caring Service with Proven Results
Attorney Taleisnik Speaks Spanish
Phone Is Answered 24/7