Being accused of certain crimes can be extremely impactful and detrimental to a defendant's life. Facing allegations of possessing child pornography is not a situation to take lightly. Not only do these allegations damage a person's reputation but also they are criminal charges that carry with them serious penalties. Thus, it is vital to understand this matter to its fullest, exploring criminal defense options.
In the state of Virginia, anyone who knowingly possesses child pornography is guilty of a Class 6 felony, and any person who commits a second or subsequent violation is guilty of a Class 5 felony. A person guilty of intentionally operating an Internet website for the sole purpose of facilitating the access of child pornography through payment is charged with a Class 4 felony.
Those guilty of knowingly reproducing, possessing with the intent to sell, displaying or attempting to persuade another to send, submit or transfer child pornography shall be punished by not less than five years and not more than 20 years in a state correctional facility. If a second or subsequent offense is committed, this could be punishable with a five-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and shall be served consecutively with any other sentence, which is between five and 20 years.
Facing criminal charges for possessing or selling child pornography is extremely serious. Such allegations not only cause a person to face some harsh penalties, but it also means enduring other consequences, such as a tarnished reputation. Thus, it is important to take steps that could help reduce and even prevent these consequences form occurring. Initiating a criminal defense not only focuses on the rights of the accused but also the details of the allegations at hand. This helps one determine the best course of action to protect a defendant's rights and interests.
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