Child Pornography: What You Need to Know
By H. Michel Steinberg, The Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Law Firm
Colorado Defense Against Allegations of Sexual Crimes
If you are charged with possession or distribution of child pornography, you are facing one of the most serious criminal charges. The right to remain silent is never more important than in these types of cases. Although the investigation and prosecution of child pornography cases is becoming more prevalent due to technological advancements, there is still one thing that even the most sophisticated criminal investigation cannot readily answer: Who is the individual behind the keyboard who downloaded the child pornography? The fact that child pornography is on a computer that you have used does not prove the crime of possession or distribution.
The issue in child pornography cases is that of constructive possession–who intended to exercise dominion or control of the items seized? If the child pornography is seized from a computer used by more than one person, the state of Colorado has the burden of showing that this illicit material was downloaded by the person charged with committing the crime.
At times individuals are accused of child pornography, but they had no knowledge or control of the downloading of the child pornography. I understand the elements that need to be successfully argued to mount a successful defense against such explosive charges.
Contact the law offices of H. Michael Steinberg for a free consultation
E-mail us [email protected], or call us at 303-627-7777 or 303-543-4433
In emergencies, call 720-220-2277
Child Pornography: Do’s and Don’ts
- Do exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent if arrested.
- Don’t make a statement to the police before you have spoken with a lawyer who is experienced in the area of computer crimes and sex crimes.
- Don’t go to the police station voluntarily. This is not a mandatory appearance.
- Do remember who else had access to your computer. Although the police can prove the existence of child pornography on a hard drive, they may not be able to determine who had access to the computer.
- Do contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The clock is ticking, and your future is at stake.
If you are reading this website, and you are being investigated for possessing or distributing child pornography, just call me. I will not charge you, and you are under no obligation to hire me. Rather, I will offer you honest, practical advice on how to proceed. Call 303-543-4433 or 303-627-7777.
Attorney H. Michael Steinberg
How We Can Help You
In a child pornography case, it is crucial to investigate the charges and find answers to the following questions:
- Was the evidence obtained the product of an illegal search and seizure?
- Were the images or videos in question actually of a minor?
- Who else had access to the computer?
A child pornography conviction can lead to significant (life sentence) prison time, large fines, and permanent registration as a sex offender.
At the law offices of H. Michael Steinberg, we understand the severity of these charges. We use both our legal knowledge and technological knowledge to investigate and fight these charges.
Find out more about sex crimes. Contact us for a free consultation