Florida Child Pornography Law

Child Pornography Criminal Offenses in Florida



What Is Child Pornography Law in Florida?

Mr. John Musca
By Attorney John Musca - Criminal Lawyer Florida

Musca Law - Child Pornography Lawyers Florida Musca Law
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Musca Law is a full-service criminal defense firm with 26 offices in Florida, serves clients throughout the state. Practice areas include child pornography and other sex crimes, federal crimes, DUI (drunk driving) charges, traffic offense, theft crimes, drug charges, violent crimes, juvenile offenses, white collar crime, probation violations, and other felonies and misdemeanors.
Sex crimes are aggressively prosecuted in Florida, including crimes involving the possession of child pornography. Simply possessing this harmful material even absent any production or transmission of this material is harshly criminalized. If you are arrested for possession of child pornography, it is important that you understand the nature of these charges and how to establish a defense against these crimes.

Federal Crimes for Possession of Child Pornography

State and federal law criminalizes the possession or production of child pornography. Child pornography is generally defined as any visual depiction of a minor child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Federal law defines sexually explicit conduct as:
  • Graphic sexual intercourse or lascivious sexual intercourse where the intimate areas of any person is exhibited;
  • Graphic or lascivious simulated masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse or simulated bestiality; or
  • Graphic or simulated lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of any person

Federal statutes prohibit the distribution, production and possession of pornographic images of a child. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines allow sentencing enhancements if the prosecutor can prove that the images depict a child under 12 years of age or can establish that the images are sadistic or masochistic in nature. Under federal law, each count of possession of a child pornographic image carries a five-year prison sentence. Production of child pornography carries a 15-year sentence for each count. However, the potential sentence that a criminal defendant may receive depend on a number of factors. One critical factor is whether the defendant is charged with possession of child pornography involving a minor 12 or older or a prepubescent minor. The minimum penalties associated with a possession of child pornography charge depend on whether any of the following aggravating factors are present:
  • The age of the children depicted
  • Whether the children are involved in sadistic, masochistic or violent acts
  • The number of images involved
  • Whether the defendant used a computer
  • Whether the defendant distributed child pornography
  • Whether there is proof that the defendant had previously engaged in a pattern of activity that involves the sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor

Possession of child pornography of a child 12 or older is classified as a Class D felony, which is punishable by up to ten years imprisonment, lifetime supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Possession of child pornography of a prepubescent minor or minor under 12 is a Class C felony, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, lifetime supervised release and $250,000 in fines.

Basics of Child Pornography Laws in Florida

Florida defines child pornography as knowingly possessing, controlling or viewing child pornography. Child pornography can include pictures, motion pictures, shows, images, data files, representations, exhibitions, computer depictions or other visual presentations. The images or other depictions must show some form of sexual conduct to be considered pornographic. This may include the depiction of the child's intimate body parts, actual sexual activity, simulated sexual activity or physical contact with a child's clothed or unclothed intimate areas with the intent to arouse or gratify either party's sexual desire. Every separate image is considered a separate criminal count in Florida. Each possession of an image is treated separately as a separate and distinct criminal offense.

Alerts of Child Pornography

In some situations, an Internet Service Provider or search engine company may become aware that child pornography files have been downloaded through their server. These entities may report this information to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or local law enforcement agencies. Florida has multiple task forces that also address issues related to child pornography. These task forces are often able to use resources to determine which computer was used to download these illegal files. Similarly, federal task forces often have many tools to allow them to find hidden child pornography. They may be able to obtain search warrants for the address that is linked to the IP address to search for physical images as well as computer images. They use these warrants to search computers, phones, disks, other electronic devices and the home. Forensic experts may run lengthy diagnostic tests to try to find the possible location of child pornography in computers and other devices. If child pornography was found, law enforcement returns to the defendant's address. They may interview the individuals in the home or they may arrest them if there is sufficient evidence.

Many law enforcement agencies put together sting operations and use computer hackers and computer technology experts in cases involving child pornography. These operations may identify individuals who are in possession of child pornography or in distribution of these images. These charges can be filed even when a person views a computer-generated image even if he or she does not download it. Other forms of child pornography include short film clips, hundreds of individual images or simulated or actual sexual performances by children.

Penalties for Possession of Child Pornography

Possession of child pornography is considered a third degree felony. This crime carries a maximum jail term of five years in prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine for each count. This offense is assigned a Level 5 offense severity ranking under the state's criminal punishment code. The judge is given wide discretion in these cases and is able to give a defendant sex offender probation up to the maximum of five years in prison. However, there are different rules for individuals who are charged with four or more counts of possession of child pornography. These individuals must be given a prison sentence in accordance with the state's criminal punishment code unless there are grounds for a downward departure. The minimum mandatory prison sentence is one year, plus four months in prison for each additional count. A defendant can be sentenced to five years imprisonment for each count. Producing or promoting child pornography is considered a second degree felony. It is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.

Sex Offender Registration

Individuals convicted of possession of child pornography are placed on sex offender probation. They are also considered a sexual offender and required to register under this classification. Defendants who are considered a sex offender must comply with state and federal sexual offender registration laws. Registration may be for 15 years, 25 year or lifetime, depending on the severity of the offense.

Florida has two classifications regarding sex offender registration: sexual predators and sexual offenders. Sexual predators are considered the most serious offenders. Individuals convicted of luring or enticing a child, procuring a minor for prostitution or certain lewd or lascivious offenses may be considered sexual predators. Lifetime registration may be necessary for a person convicted of one first degree felony sex crime or two or more second degree felony sex crimes.

Sex offender registration requires providing basic information about you, including your name, date of birth, age and physical description. You must also provide information about your address and place of work. You must also provide information about your offense, including when it occurred, when you were convicted and the age of the victim. This process may be completed while you are incarcerated, or you may be responsible for contacting your local sheriff's office to register after you are released. Depending on the sex offender classification, you may be required to report every three, six or twelve months with the sheriff's office in the county where you reside in order to have your picture taken. This picture is posted to the county's sex offender registry and is accessible by the public.

Because this information is accessible to the public, many sex offenders encounter difficulties in their living environments. They may be harassed or shunned by neighbors who see their offender classification. They may also find it difficult to find a place to live where sex offenders are allowed to live. There may be certain areas where the offender cannot live, such as communities in which the sex offender would be near a school, playground, daycare center or park. Additionally, the sex offender may not be able to work in certain fields or in certain jobs, such as those involving providing services to children or areas where children frequent.

Local rules may provide even greater restrictions than those established under state or federal law. Additionally, sex offenders may not be permitted to own a firearm. The restrictions imposed on sex offenders are generally greater than those imposed on other types of convicted felons.

Potential Defenses to Possession of Child Pornography

There may be viable defenses that can be raised if a person is facing charges for possession of child pornography. Some potential defenses that may apply include:

Illegal Search and Seizure
Many child pornography cases are based on the search and seizure of computers, mobile devices and other property. Usually, law enforcement must have a warrant before searching or seizing these devices. If the warrant was illegally procured or there was not a warrant exception that allowed law enforcement to take or search this property, a criminal defense lawyer may challenge the legality of the search or seizure.

Adult Depiction
This crime is based on the image being that of a child. If the picture is actually depicting a person age 18 or older at the time the image was created, a criminal defense lawyer may establish that this element has not been met. Even if the image appears to depict someone under the age of 18, if the person is an adult, the crime of child pornography should not be charged.

Not in Knowing Possession

Another potential defense is geared toward the mens rea or mental state of the defendant. Possession of child pornography requires the prosecutor to prove by proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was in "knowing" possession of child pornography. There are many situations in which the defendant is not in knowing possession or is only in transitory possession.

One situation in which this situation may arise is when a person is unwittingly sent a child pornographic image but immediately deletes it once they realize what the image depicts. However, a person may still be charged with the crime for the temporary possession of the image. Alternatively, there may be a thumbnail image that stays on the electronic device or in a memory cache even though the primary image was deleted. A criminal defense lawyer may argue that the image was not intentionally viewed and any residuary thumbnail image or memory cache image was not knowingly possessed. He or she may argue that the defendant should not be punished for such transitory possession of an image when there was no intent behind the crime.

In other situations, a person may not be aware that they are in possession of child pornography. For example, a computer virus or hacker may cause such images to be sent on a computer, unbeknownst to the defendant. In situations in which there are roommates or several people in one residence that use a shared computer or other device, it may be difficult to determine which person actually knew about the image. Sometimes computer experts may be hired to help aid the defense in these types of cases to show that the defendant was not in possession of these images or not in knowing possession.

Good Faith Destruction or Reporting
For federal charges, a possible defense to possession of three images or less of child pornography is that the defendant made a good faith effort to delete the images or report them to law enforcement.

Substantial Assistance
If the defendant provides substantial assistance to identify, arrest or convict another person involved in child pornography, the prosecutor is authorized by statute to reduce or suspend a person convicted of possession of child pornography.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer for Assistance in Defending Against Charges Involving Possession of Child Pornography

If you are facing criminal charges for possession of child pornography, it is important that you contact a criminal defense lawyer for assistance in defending against these charges. A conviction of even one count of possession of child pornography can result in years behind bars. You are also facing the possibility of being given a hefty fine, a long period of probation and the requirement to register as a sex offender. If convicted, you may find it difficult to find a place to live and work. You may be unable to obtain a professional license if you are convicted of a crime of this nature. To minimize the potential ramifications of a conviction for a sexual offense, it is in your best interest to contact a criminal defense lawyer who has experience in defending individuals accused of possession of child pornography and other sex crimes.

If you are suspected of child pornography, it is important that you understand your legal rights. It is important to invoke your right to remain silent if you are interviewed by police. It is also important that you refuse consent for any voluntary searches or seizures so that you do not inadvertently give the prosecutor information to use against you at a later trial. Any admission to possessing child pornography can potentially lead to your arrest and prosecution.

A criminal defense lawyer can help explain your rights to you. He or she can help you navigate the criminal justice system and explore ways to ensure a better outcome in your case. He or she can negotiate a plea agreement on your behalf in which you receive a lighter sentence in exchange for pleading guilty, or he or she can defend you during a trial to establish that the prosecution cannot meet its high burden.


Child Pornography FL Articles

  • Basics of Possession of Child Pornography Charges in Florida

    Prosecutors in Florida and federal law enforcement agencies fight diligently to convict individuals who are found to be in possession of child pornography. Often, they refuse to plea these cases and will seek the maximum punishment possible. It is important for defendants to understand the nature of the charges against them and the potential penalties that can result from being found in possession of child pornography in Florida.

  • Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Charges in Florida

    Sex crimes are an ever present issue in most states in America including Florida. The many consequences of conviction include registration, potential prison time and loss of custody of children.

  • Florida Molestation and Child Abuse Penalties

    Potential charges of child abuse and molestation are severe crimes with potentially devastating consequences.

  • Florida Prostitution: Crimes and Punishments

    The varied crimes of prostitution that a person may engage in within the state of Florida may cause severely damaging sentences when facing a conviction for the charges. It is important for a defendant to know what the charges mean for the type of crime and how to defend against them to avoid the serious punishments that conviction may bring.

  • How do I Remove my Name from the Florida Sex Offender Registry?

    In Florida, a select group of individuals can file a petition to request to have their name removed from the Florida sex offender registry. Due to how serious prosecutors and law enforcement take sex crimes, the ability to be removed from this registry is severely limited and only available in special circumstances.

  • Types of Sex Crime Laws in Florida

    Understanding what types of sex crimes that exist in the state of Florida is important to avoid committing a legal violation against another person and preventing any negative effects on the life of everyone involved. In many cases, a Florida sex crimes lawyer is important to defend against the charges of any criminal sexual activity.

  • What Can I do if Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime in Florida

    False accusations of sexual crimes in any state are damaging to the life of the individual accused of engaging in the activity, and in Florida, it is important to hire a criminal sex crimes lawyer to defend against such allegations. The devastation false accusations cause is life-altering, and only through a successful defense is the individual able to start mitigating the damage.

  • What is the Florida Sexting Law?

    The act of sending erotic text messages or using pictures along with text to someone else in the state of Florida does not usually carry any possible criminal charges unless the other person is a minor. However, another minor may face sexting crimes and possible penalties even when engaging in the act with another minor in Florida.

Child Pornography Lawyers FL

Related Sex Crime Laws FL

  • Child Pornography Criminal Offenses in Florida

    Sex crimes are aggressively prosecuted in Florida, including crimes involving the possession of child pornography. Simply possessing this harmful material even absent any production or transmission of this material is harshly criminalized. If you are arrested for possession of child pornography, it is important that you understand the nature of these charges and how to establish a defense against these crimes.

  • Criminal Law Florida

    Individuals who are charged with a criminal offense in Florida should have a strong understanding of the criminal justice system and the possible defenses that they may be able to raise.

  • Federal Crimes Law

    While it is always important to consult with a criminal defense lawyer if you are being charged with a crime, it is paramount in cases involving federal crimes.

  • Sex Crime Law Florida

    Florida sex crimes are serious crimes that can result in severe penalties. Studies indicate that one in nine women in Florida has been the victim of forcible rape at some point during her life. Prosecutors respond to these allegations in a serious manner. It is important for individuals who are accused of sex crimes to understand the nature of the charges against them, their rights and how to protect their freedom.

  • Sexual Assault and Abuse Law Florida

    The penalties for conviction of sexual assault or sexual abuse in Florida are severe. Individuals who are being charged with a sex crime in Florida should be aware of the nature of the charges against them, the possible consequences they face upon conviction, potential defenses that they may be able to raise and other important information related to these charges.

Child Pornography Law Articles US

  • The Evolution of Federal Sentencing Practice During the Era of The Sentencing Guidelines
    The federal sentencing guidelines emerged from the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 (SRA) and first became effective on November 1, 1987. Prior to the guidelines, federal judges had virtually unfettered discretion to mete out a wide range of “indeterminate” sentences, and the U.S. Parole Commission would then decide when inmates were actually released from prison. The SRA abolished federal parole and instituted mandatory sentencing guidelines binding on all federal judges. Over the years, the guidelines have continually changed in substantial ways through numerous amendments, new legislation, and case law. This article takes a look at how federal sentencing practice has evolved alongside the guidelines over the past 34 years.
  • Making Sense of the January 6 Sentences
    As the number of sentences imposed against the January 6 rioters increase, they are hitting the news headlines with more regularity – and raising questions about their fairness. The sentences have been wildly disparate, some for good reasons, but others for reasons that are not entirely clear. This article takes a look at the sentences that have been imposed thus far, and attempts to explain the reasoning for the divergent outcomes.
  • The Federal Grand Jury Explained
    Federal grand juries are invested with broad powers, operate in secrecy, and have sweeping authorities to investigate individuals based merely on tips and rumors. So, what could there possibly be to fear? For the vast majority of law-abiding citizens – nothing. The grand jury is an institution that has been around for centuries and is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Still, most people have little understanding of the grand jury process, which can lead to unfounded fears about the work it does. This article looks at the basics of the law of federal grand juries, including their purpose, how they’re organized, and how they operate.
  • Compassionate Release in the Era of Covid-19
    The First Step Act of 2018 authorized, for the first time, a federal inmate, rather than solely the Federal Bureau of Prisons, to file a motion seeking compassionate release. Not surprisingly, a significant increase in motions were filed the following year in 2019, the majority of which were filed by inmates, resulting in a five-fold increase in the number of motions granted. Of course, COVID-19 struck the following year, resulting in an even greater increase in motions filed by federal inmates in 2020. This article looks at the requirements for compassionate release in federal cases and examines data from the year 2020.
  • Why Sentence Disparity in Federal Non-Production Child Pornography Cases Continues to Increase
    Sentence disparity in federal non-production cases began to increase after passage of the Protect Act in 2003, which added a series of enhancements to the child pornography sentencing guideline. In the years since, sentence disparity has persisted and continues to increase at a significant rate. This article looks at recent sentencing outcomes in federal non-production cases, and discusses the primary factors that cause sentence disparity.
  • Surviving Federal RICO Charges
    Federal prosecutors use RICO charges to convict as many members as possible of a criminal organization of multiple offenses. Whereas RICO charges were historically used to combat organized crime, federal prosecutors today use RICO charges to prosecute a wide range of common crimes. Moreover, the complexity and breadth of the law can be intimidating to defense attorneys and defendants. This article breaks down the basic elements of a RICO charge, and suggests how they can be effectively challenged.
  • Understanding “Grouping” Rules Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
    In any federal criminal case with more than one count of conviction, the court must apply the guidelines’ “grouping” rules to determine a single, combined offense level and sentencing range. The rules are complex and not well-understood by most federal practitioners. This article looks at the key points for federal criminal defense lawyers and defendants to understand to properly apply the grouping rules under the guidelines.
  • Sentencing Advocacy in Federal White Collar Criminal Cases
    The evolution of federal sentencing in white collar crimes has shifted consistently in the direction of harsher sentences. In particular, amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in recent years have resulted in higher sentencing ranges for economic crimes. While federal judges are willing to resist the harshness of the sentencing guidelines in white collar cases, they are often frustrated from doing so because they are not provided with the information they need during sentencing. This article discusses the most important factors and types of information that federal criminal defense attorneys should focus on to obtain the most favorable results in white collar criminal cases.
  • The Art of the Federal Plea Bargain
    The vast majority of federal criminal cases are resolved pursuant to a formal written plea agreement. In a typical plea agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence and/or the dismissal of some charges. A plea bargain often seems like a good choice because it brings some certainty compared to the unknown risks of a trial. However, many defendants accept a plea bargain without knowing its full impact on their rights and potential sentence. This article discusses what both defendants and defense attorneys most need to know about federal plea bargains.
  • Understanding “Relevant Conduct” Under The Federal Sentencing Guidelines
    “Relevant Conduct” is one of the guidelines’ foundational principles that impacts nearly every aspect of guideline application. It is a complex set of rules and definitions that serves as a gatekeeper in determining the extent of a defendant’s conduct that may be considered in applying the guidelines. This article looks at the key points of relevant conduct that are most crucial for federal criminal defense lawyers and defendants to understand.


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