Illinois Child Pornography Charges

 Posted on August 04, 2017 in Sex Crimes

Child pornography is a serious federal crime. Moreover, the use of child pornography can negatively impact all parties involved.

A child who is forced into this act is often left with depression as he or she grows older. The person who obtains child pornography can face serious consequences and even years in prison.

When does a Person Commit Child Pornography?

A person commits child pornography who films, photographs, or portrays any child under the age of 18 or any person with a severe intellectual disability. The individual affected is typically shown engaging in the acts of:

• Sexual penetration or conduct with another person;
• Masturbation;
• Lewd fondling, touching, or caressing with another person;
• Excretion in a sexual context;
• Sexual abuse; or
• Lewd exhibition while wearing no clothes or revealing clothes.

A person also commits child pornography when he or she possesses films or photographs of anyone under the age of 18 or a person with an intellectual disability. The individual affected is often shown engaging in any of the aforementioned acts.

Consequences for a Person Who Possesses Child Pornography

If a person knowingly possesses or receives child pornography, then he or she could face serious consequences, depending on the nature of the crime.

If the violation involves child pornography in photograph form, the beginning charges will include a Class 1 Felony with a mandatory fine ranging between $2,000 and $100,000. If the violation involves child pornography in the form of film or videotape, the person will face a Class X felony with a mandatory fine between $2,000 and $100,000. The charges can vary, depending on the nature of the crime.

In cases where the child depicted is younger than 13 years of age, the person who commits child pornography and has been previously convicted of any sexual crime will be guilty of a Class X felony, and he or she will also be sentenced to at least nine years in prison with a required fine between $2,000 and $100,000 for the offense.

Contact a Chicago Federal Crime Attorney

Pornography is a growing problem with bigger consequences. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel is highly respected in Chicagoland, bringing in almost two decades of experience in the federal crime practice, and is happy to help you in your case. To schedule your free initial consultation, please contact a skilled Chicago sex crimes lawyer at the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney. Call 312-629-0669 to get the assistance you deserve.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/072000050K11-20.1.htm