Child pornography (also known as child porn or child sexual abuse material) predates the internet. But as high-speed Internet access and computers become increasingly common, the easier it is to access child porn. You may not think it’s a serious offense, but Florida law sees it differently. Child pornography is a form of indirect sexual abuse.
If you’ve been arrested for transmitting child pornography, you are up against a serious felony charge. You could be sentenced to a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. You could also be forced to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Your best line of defense is to speak to an accomplished criminal defense attorney.
Defense Attorney for Transmitting Child Pornography in Palm Beach County
Meltzer & Bell, P.A. has represented clients charged with a wide variety of sexual offenses. Our experienced attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of Florida law. We pride ourselves on ethical conduct and personalized care. You need someone you can trust when your livelihood is at stake.
We offer a free initial consultation. Call (561) 557-8686 or complete our online form. You can contact us 24 hours a day, any day of the week. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. represents Palm Beach County clients in Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Belle Glade, and other South Florida communities.
Overview of Transmitting Child Pornography in West Palm Beach, Florida
- What is Child Porn in Palm Beach County?
- How is Child Porn Transmitted?
- The Dangers of Sexting in Florida
- What are the Penalties for Transmitting Child Pornography in South Florida?
- Additional Resources
What is Child Porn in Palm Beach County?
Child pornography is defined by Florida Statute 827.071(5)(a) as any photograph, film, show, or other depiction or representation of a child participating in sexual activity. Florida defines a child as any person younger than 18 years old.
Possessing, promoting, creating, and transmitting child pornography are all felony crimes. Child pornography cannot spread unless it is shared, so Florida punishes transmission of child pornography more harshly than possession.
How is Child Porn Transmitted?
Transmitting child porn is illegal under Florida Statute 847.0137. Child porn is transmitted when it is sent electronically from one person or place to another person or place. Transmission methods include text messaging and other messaging applications, email, bulletin boards, and file-sharing applications.
An example of transmitting child porn can involve a user downloading a large batch of pornographic files using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program. The user could get in serious trouble if the large batch of pornographic material they downloaded contained child porn. If the user makes that material available and other users download it, they could be found guilty of transmitting child pornography.
The Dangers of Sexting in Florida
It seems like cameras are everywhere today. Many phones and computers now feature a built-in camera. As a result, the practice of “sexting” has become increasingly popular. Sexting involves taking a nude or sexually explicit photograph of oneself before sending it to a romantic or sexual partner. These messages are often sent over text messages, which explains how the term “sexting” was coined.
There is nothing wrong with sexting when it occurs between two consenting adults. Additionally, Florida recognized the law regarding child pornography was being used to charge minors who sexted one another, so new legislation was enacted. This resulted in the decriminalization of first-time sexting offenses committed by minors.
The law makes no such exception for adults. If an adult receives or finds a sext created by a minor and forwards it to another person, they are committing felony transmission of child pornography. Even a minor who sends a sext to an adult can be charged with transmitting child porn.
What are the Penalties for Transmitting Child Pornography in South Florida?
Transmitting child pornography is a third-degree felony. If convicted, you can expect a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. You could also be fined up to $5,000. Perhaps one of the most severe penalties is the requirement to register as a sex offender.
Registering as a sex offender will be a burden you’ll likely bear for the rest of your life. You will be required to check in with the sheriff’s office multiple times a year. You will also need to contact the sheriff’s office whenever you move, go out of town, change your phone number, create a new social media account, and other routine activities.
There’s still a chance to fight your charges. Contact Meltzer & Bell, P.A. today to speak to an attorney about your case for free.
Additional Resources
Ongoing Child Pornography Distribution Via Peer-to-Peer Networks | Thorn – Thorn is a nonprofit organization that aims to combat child pornography and sex trafficking. Visit this link to learn about how peer-to-peer file-sharing networks have supported the exponential growth of child pornography. You will also learn what steps Thorn is taking to fight the spread of child porn.
Child Sexual Abuse Material | NCMEC – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a nonprofit organization that focuses on finding missing children, reducing sexual exploitation of children, and preventing the victimization of children. Visit this website to read statistics about child pornography. Some of the statistics include who the victims of child pornography are as well as the number of victims identified by police.
Defense Lawyer for Transmitting Child Pornography in West Palm Beach
Child pornography charges are difficult to shake without help. You need the assistance of a trained legal professional. The attorneys at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. are ready to fight to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
Call (561) 557-8686 or complete our form online to schedule a free initial consultation. One of our experienced sex crimes attorneys will review your situation. From there, we can help develop a defense plan aimed at securing the most favorable outcome possible. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. represents South Florida clients in Jupiter, Lake Worth, Boca Raton, and all across Palm Beach County.
