Columbus Child Pornography Lawyer

Were you recently accused of possessing or distributing sexually explicit images of children in the state of Ohio? If so, you may be facing some severe penalties. The state of Ohio takes sex crimes very seriously, and you can count on the prosecution pouring time and resources into your case to get their desired conviction.

Contact a Columbus child pornography lawyer from the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC, today to begin fighting back against your criminal charge. We have successfully represented some of the toughest cases in the state of Ohio and offer a free initial consultation. Call us now to get started with your defense.

How Our Columbus Law Firm Can Defend You Against Your Child Pornography Charges

At James D. Owen, LLC, we believe that everyone who is accused of a crime should receive a vigorous legal defense. So, when you hire our Columbus criminal defense lawyers to help you fight back against your child pornography charges, we will:

Protect Your Constitutional Rights

When investigating you on suspicion of a child pornography offense, the state of Ohio and all of its representatives must not violate your constitutional rights. Most notably, they must respect your Fourth Amendment rights by securing a valid search warrant before looking through your computer or personal belongings for nude or sexually explicit images of children.

If a law enforcement officer steps over the line and violates one of your rights, our attorneys will intervene immediately. Depending on the nature of the violation, we may even be able to use it as grounds to have evidence thrown out or your case dismissed.

Provide You with Sound Legal Advice

The decisions you make and actions you take during the course of your Ohio child pornography case are likely to have a sizable impact on its eventual outcome. If you can consistently make smart moves, you may be able to boost your chances of clearing your name and avoiding prison.

The attorneys here at James D. Owen, LLC, have been working in the legal field for many years. As such, we know how to handle just about every difficult choice or tricky scenario you are likely to come across during your case. When you hire us, we will use our knowledge and experience to guide you toward the right decisions.

Negotiate a Plea Bargain Deal with the Prosecution

Shortly after you are taken into custody and processed at the police station, the prosecuting attorney may offer you a plea bargain deal. Though they may tell you that their proposal is non-negotiable, this is rarely the case. Almost all agreements have at least a little room for maneuver.

Over the years, our legal team has negotiated countless plea bargain agreements with Columbus prosecutors. As a result, we understand what they need to see and hear before they will offer more lenient terms. When we represent you, we will work tirelessly to try to land you a favorable deal.

Has a law enforcement task force in Columbus, OH, accused you of committing a child pornography offense? Then you need the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney from the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.

Commonly Charged Child Pornography Offenses in Ohio

Law enforcement agencies in the state of Ohio arrest people for child pornography offenses just about every day. They typically do so under one of the following statutes:

Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor (ORC § 2907.321)

According to section 2907.321 of the Ohio Revised Code, it is illegal for an individual to knowingly:

• Create, produce, or publish any obscene material that has a minor as one of its participants or observers
• Promote, advertise, sell, disseminate, exhibit, or rent any obscene material that has a minor as one of its participants or observers
• Create, direct, or produce an obscene performance that has a minor as one of its participants or observers
• Advertise, promote, or present an obscene performance that has a minor as one of its participants or observers
• Procure, possess, or control any obscene material that has a minor as one of its participants
• Bring obscene material that has a minor as one of its participants into the state of Ohio

Anyone who violates this statute can face a criminal charge of pandering obscenity involving a minor. In the Buckeye State, crimes of this nature can be classified as felonies of the second, third, or fourth degree.

Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor (ORC § 2907.322)

According to section 2907.322 of the Ohio Revised Code, it is illegal for an individual to knowingly:

• Create, record, photograph, film, or publish any material that shows a minor engaging in a sexually explicit activity
• Advertise, sell, distribute, transport, or exhibit any material that shows a minor engaging in a sexually explicit activity
• Create, direct, or produce a performance that shows a minor engaging in a sexually explicit activity
• Advertise, present, or participate in presenting a performance that shows a minor engaging in a sexually explicit activity
• Solicit, receive, purchase, or possess any material that shows a minor engaging in a sexually explicit activity
• Bring any material that shows a minor engaging in a sexually explicit activity into the state of Ohio
• Bring a minor into the state of Ohio to create sexually explicit material or take part in a sexually explicit performance

Individuals who break this law can be charged with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor – a felony of the second, third, or fourth degree.

Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performances (ORC § 2907.323)

According to section 2907.323 of the Ohio Revised Code, it is illegal for an individual to:

• Take nude photographs of a minor that is not their child
• Create, direct, transfer, or produce any material that shows a minor in a state of nudity
• Consent to having another party photograph their minor child in a state of nudity
• Possess any material that shows a minor that is not their child in a state of nudity

This law makes some noteworthy exceptions for material produced for bona fide:

• Educational reasons
• Artistic reasons
• Medical reasons
• Scientific reasons
• Judicial reasons, and
• Religious reasons.

Individuals who violate this statute can be arrested for the illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performances. This offense is generally punishable as a felony of the second, third, fourth, or fifth degree.

Have you been accused of violating one of Ohio’s child pornography laws? Then please do not hesitate to reach out to the experienced criminal defense attorneys here at the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC, in Columbus. We may be able to get your case dismissed or your charge reduced.

Consequences of Ohio Child Pornography Convictions

When an individual is found guilty of one of Ohio’s child pornography crimes, they are typically punished in accordance with the following sentencing guidelines:

• Fifth-Degree Felonies: 6 to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Fourth-Degree Felonies: 6 to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Third-Degree Felonies: 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felonies: 3 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
• First-Degree Felonies: 4.5 to 16.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Ohio residents who are convicted of the possession or distribution of child pornography are also required to register as sex offenders. The duration of their registration and the frequency with which they must sign-on depends on the tier that they are placed in:

• Tier I: Must register once a year for 15 years
• Tier II: Must register every 180 days for 25 years
• Tier III: Must register every 90 days for the rest of their life

Individuals who are found guilty of possession of child pornography are almost always classified as Tier II offenders.

Sex offenders in the state of Ohio are typically required to adhere to certain rules and restrictions, such as:

• Housing Restrictions: In Ohio, registered sex offenders cannot live near schools.
• Employment Restrictions: Convicted sex offenders are often forbidden from working with kids and vulnerable people.
• Computer Monitoring Requirements: Ohio authorities have the right to monitor the computer usage of registered sex offenders. The state can also restrict their access to certain websites.
• Alcohol Restrictions: Registered sex offenders are frequently banned from drinking alcohol.
• Weapons Restrictions: The state of Ohio does not allow convicted sex offenders to own or use guns.

Would you like to have a skilled sex crime defense attorney help you battle to avoid these life-changing consequences? If so, all you need to do is pick up the phone and call the law firm of James D. Owen, LLC. We are always ready, willing, and able to assist our friends and neighbors here in Columbus, OH.

Your Experienced Columbus Child Pornography Lawyer

The legal team here at James D. Owen, LLC, has been helping the people of Columbus with their child pornography cases for years. During that time, we have gotten countless charges dismissed and many more reduced. If you would like to have us stand up and fight for you, just give us a call or contact us online today. You will be glad to have us in your corner.