A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to charges that he possessed child pornography on his mobile phone. As a condition of his sentence, he must not have contact with minors and must also follow recommendations made by probation officials after undergoing a sex offender risk and needs assessment. He is also required to report his address to Pennsylvania State Police for the next 15 years, as mandated by the state's Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act, commonly known as “Megan's Law.”

If you have been charged with possession of child pornography, you need to take it extremely seriously. Your freedom and your reputation are both at risk, and you need a strong defense from an experienced criminal defense attorney. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team includes lawyers who have years of experience defending clients against serious criminal charges all across Pennsylvania. Call us at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help.

The Investigation and the Charges

According to a news report, the online social media video service Snapchat notified authorities that videos that included child pornography were being uploaded to the service by a user. The email address and device were eventually traced to the defendant. A search of the defendant's home uncovered a memory card that included a number of images and a video depicting apparent child pornography.

The news article stated that the defendant admitted to police that he had viewed and saved child pornography, and, according to police, he assisted them in their search for the files on his device. Because of the apparent ages of the children depicted in the files on the defendant's phone, he faced up to 10 years in prison. His attorney argued that probation was an appropriate sentence because the defendant had cooperated with investigators, had a good employment history, and was a good candidate for rehabilitation.

Pennsylvania's Sexual Abuse of Children Law

Viewing or possessing child pornography is prohibited by Pennsylvania's law against the Sexual Abuse of Children. Under that statute, a child pornography charge is a third-degree felony, except in cases where the pornography shows “indecent contact with the child” or the child is “under 10 years of age or prepubescent,” in which case it is a more serious second-degree felony. According to police, the defendant's video included children between the ages of 6 and 12.

The LLF Law Firm Can Defend You Against Child Pornography Charges

Child pornography charges are very serious and can lead to years spent in prison. Once released, you will most likely have to register as a sex offender for many years to come. If you have been charged with possession of child pornography, you need the help that only an experienced criminal defense attorney can provide. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team understands the laws and procedures that apply in felony cases in Pennsylvania. We are here to defend you and to protect your rights from the moment you're accused all the way through trial if necessary.

You have the right to a strong defense when facing any criminal charges. You really need a strong defense when you're facing allegations that you possessed child pornography. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys. We are here to listen and to help!