Child Pornography
Board-certified Texas attorney works to safeguard fundamental rights
From the moment that someone is mentioned in connection with a child pornography charge, the damage to that person’s reputation begins. Even if evidence is scant or misleading, the nature of the alleged offense puts the fundamental rights of the accused at risk. It is critical to retain a lawyer who can vigorously defend you and counter unsupported allegations promptly and forcefully. My San Antonio firm, Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C., provides comprehensive representation for individuals accused of misconduct involving the purported creation, possession and distribution of offensive images of children.
Lawyer takes on cases alleging possession and sale of explicit materials
The ability to transmit sexual material online instantly and the frequency with which “nudes” are sent among teens have heightened the likelihood that someone could find themselves accused of a major offense under state or federal law. Regardless of what the original intent might have been, dealing with this type of charge demands strong legal counsel. South Texas clients can rely on my firm for knowledgeable advice and effective advocacy in matters stemming from alleged child porn that involve:
Possession — Someone who knowingly possesses or accesses content that includes an image of a child engaging in sexual activity faces felony punishment in Texas. In some instances, offensive photos or videos are sent unsolicited to recipients, who might not be aware of what is depicted. It’s important to assert your rights if you believe the case against you is false. I investigate each set of circumstances thoroughly to create the optimal defense strategy.
Production — Producing or promoting child pornography is a third-degree felony in Texas when the youth is over 14 years old. These offenses carry a penalty that includes a fine and a prison sentence running from two to 10 years. However, if the child is 14 or younger, the count increases to a second-degree felony where a convicted defendant faces up to 20 years behind bars. Given the severity of these sentences, it is critical to retain an attorney with experience handling these matters.
Distribution — Federal law does not require a child to be depicted in a sexual act in order for content to be regarded as sexually explicit material. A suggestive picture of a naked youth can meet the legal standard and can trigger federal charges if it is distributed across state lines or internationally.
First Amendment protections don’t apply to child pornography, and pornographic images of children are defined as illegal contraband under federal law. However, in their zeal to stop these types of offenses, law enforcement personnel might violate individuals’ privacy rights or use illegal deception in order to entrap a suspect. My extensive background in state and federal criminal defense helps me identify problems that might have unjustly prejudiced the case against you.
Contact a Texas criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation about a child porn charge
Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C. advises Texas clients who have been accused of criminal misconduct related to child pornography. If you or someone close to you is facing a charge of this nature, please call (210) 227-1500 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation at my San Antonio office.