The state of Arizona has extensive child pornography laws in place that are designed to protect minors from being sexually exploited. Child pornography charges in Arizona carry with them steep and lasting penalties, so it is important that any individual who has been charged with child pornography seeks the counsel of an experienced Tempe attorney.
Sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Arizona is a class 2 felony charge. A person can be convicted of this crime if it is proven that they have purposefully or knowingly created, duplicated, developed, sold or purchased images of a child in a sexually explicit manner. This can include images or videos of a child engaged in a sexual act, or of a child in an explicit manner or position. It is important to note that child pornography charges can be issued if a person electronically transmits or physically transports exploitive images of a child. The Sexual Exploitation of a Minor charge is intentionally broad and is designed to protect children from being exploited. According to the law, a minor is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
Child pornography penalties in Arizona
The penalties for a child pornography charge are very steep. Sentencing may include:
A 10-24 year prison sentence. The length of the prison sentence will be determined by the number of charges.
- Requirement to pay significant fines.
- Requirement to endure a lasting probation period.
- Requirement to register with the Arizona Sex Offender Registry.
- Possibility of loss of parental rights.
Anyone who is charged with child pornography in Arizona should be aware that child pornography is not covered by the First Amendment right to free speech. A more severe sentence will be imposed on an individual whose charges involve a minor under the age of 15.
What to do if you have been charged with possessing or soliciting child pornography
An individual who is charged with possessing child pornography, distributing child pornography, transporting child pornography or selling child pornography can expect to have their personal property confiscated by the police. Law enforcement officers will likely take your computer and other electronics into their possession. It is important that those who are charged exercise their right to remain silent, and contact an attorney as soon as they can. This is a very serious charge with an incredibly broad definition, so it is imperative to work closely with an experienced attorney.
Child pornography charges in Arizona are considered to be some of the most serious offenses in the state. Any individual who has been charged with possession of child pornography or solicitation of child pornography needs to hire a qualified attorney as soon as possible. An attorney who has experience dealing with these types of charges will be able to provide you with the service that you need at this time.
For more information on what to expect if you have been charged with child pornography in Arizona, contact our Tempe office today to set up a consultation appointment.
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
