Chicago Child Pornography Lawyer

Child Pornography Defense in Cook County, IL

Sex crimes are a serious matter in Illinois. A person who is charged with a sexual offense will face severe penalties if they are convicted, but simply being accused of a sex crime can cause permanent damage to their reputation, their career, and their relationships with family members and friends. Crimes against children are taken especially seriously by law enforcement, and some of the most grave offenses will involve child pornography. Anyone who has been accused of accessing, downloading, possessing, distributing, selling, or producing child pornography will need to understand their options for defending against criminal charges and protecting themselves against severe consequences.

Being charged with an offense involving child pornography can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. If you are facing such charges, it is important to obtain legal representation from a qualified criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we can provide knowledgeable guidance in these cases, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights. We will do everything possible to help you achieve a favorable outcome that will allow you to move forward with your life while protecting your reputation and your freedom.

Illinois Child Pornography Offenses

Illinois law defines child pornography as a depiction in a visual medium of a child under the age of 18 engaging in sexual activities. Child pornography may consist of photographs, videos, digital files, printed materials, or any other visual depictions. Images or videos of multiple different types of sexual activities involving children may fall under the category of child pornography, including actual or simulated sexual intercourse, sexual conduct involving touching a person's intimate parts, masturbation, urination or defecation in a sexual context, bondage or sadomasochistic abuse, bestiality, or nudity.

The specific charges related to child pornography will depend on whether a person is accused of possessing pornographic materials, distributing child pornography to others, or producing child pornography. Possession of child pornography that consists of still images may result in Class 3 felony charges, and a person who is convicted may be sentenced to two to five years in prison. Possession of child pornography that consists of films, videos, or other moving images is a Class 2 felony, which may result in a sentence of three to seven years. Class 2 felony charges will also apply if materials depicted a child under the age of 13.

Charges of distribution of child pornography may apply if a person is accused of reproducing or disseminating materials or possessing child pornography with the intent to sell or distribute it to others. In cases involving still images, this is a Class 1 felony, which may lead to a jail sentence of four to 15 years. Distribution of videos or moving images of child pornography is a Class X felony, which carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years. Distribution of child pornography depicting a child under the age of 13 is also a Class X felony.

The most serious child pornography charges will be related to the production of pornographic materials depicting minors. These offenses may involve photographing or filming children who are engaging in sexual activity, enticing or coercing children into appearing in child pornography, or publishing or advertising pornographic materials depicting minors. Parents, step-parents, or guardians who knowingly permit children to participate in the creation of child pornography may also be charged with these offenses. Production of child pornography is generally charged as a Class 1 felony for still images or a Class X felony for videos or in cases involving children under the age of 13.

For all child pornography offenses, a person may be required to pay a fine of up to $100,000 in addition to any jail sentence that is imposed following a conviction. Because offenses involving child pornography will often involve materials that are downloaded or distributed via the internet, federal charges may apply. A conviction on child pornography charges will also require a person to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life.

Contact Our Cook County Child Pornography Defense Attorney

In cases involving child pornography or related offenses in Chicago, it is essential to seek legal assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our firm has the knowledge and resources to help you build a strong defense strategy. We will aggressively advocate on your behalf during your case, fighting to help you avoid a conviction if at all possible and working to minimize the ways your life may be affected. Do not hesitate to contact us today if you need legal advice regarding child pornography or other sex crimes. Call our office at 312-627-9482 for a free consultation.