What to Do When Suspected of an Internet Sex Crime
Is a federal law enforcement agency such as the FBI is investigating you for any type of illegal sexual activity on the internet?
Contact the Ohio criminal defense lawyers at Gounaris Abboud, LPA for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation so that we can immediately begin working on a strategy for your defense.
The consequences of a conviction for this type of crime can have a profoundly negative effect on your future.
If you are under investigation or are facing charges, you cannot afford any delay in retaining legal representation.
Federal Laws Against Child Pornography and Other Internet Sex Crimes
Under federal law, child pornography includes any type of visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving an individual younger than 18 years old.
Using any means of interstate commerce-including websites, email, chat rooms, and other internet forums – to produce, distribute, receive, or possess an image of child pornography is a violation of federal law.
Specific statutes prohibiting child pornography and child enticement include:
- 18 U.S.C. § 2251, Sexual exploitation of children (production of child pornography) – Between 15 and 30 years in prison.
- 18 U.S.C. § 2252, Certain activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of minors (possession, distribution, and receipt of child pornography) – Between 5 and 20 years in prison.
- 18 U.S.C. § 2260, Production of sexually explicit depictions of a minor for importation into the United States – Up to 30 years in prison depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense.
- 18 U.S.C. § 2422, Coercion and enticement – Up to life in prison.
Contact an Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney Today
One of the key pieces of information to determine when defending against internet sex crime allegations is whether law enforcement officials may have in any way violated the suspect’s Constitutional rights.
Under the Fourth Amendment, you are legally protected against searches without a warrant or probable cause.
If you were subjected to unreasonable search and seizure, it may be possible to have the charges dismissed on the grounds that the alleged evidence is inadmissible. This is only one way of approaching a defense for this type of federal charge.
When you come to Gounaris Abboud, LPA, for a free, confidential consultation, we take the time to review every aspect of your case to build a defense.
Take the first step now by contacting our Ohio federal crimes lawyers so that we can put our five decades of experience to work for you!