Online chatting and websites can lead to criminal charges. Finding yourself charged with crimes from internet use including Possession of Child Pornography, Solicitation of a Minor and others is scary and life-changing. These charges can have long-lasting consequences. They can result in prison, loss of rights, and trigger mandatory minimum sentences. An experienced attorney can help to minimize the potential consequences. Crimes involving the internet are very serious charges and it is critical that you contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible to have the best chance of maintaining your freedom and protecting your rights. Being proactive on cases like these can mean the difference between prison and probation.
POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Possession of Child Pornography is a felony offense and significantly each individual image or video can be charged as a separate criminal offense. These cases can be charged out in state or federal court. These cases are often initiated by ICAC (the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force) which is a task force involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The investigations typically involve search warrants which authorize searches of digital devices such as computers, tablets, and cell phones. It is paramount that an attorney review the search warrant, particularly the statement of probable cause to ensure that the warrant is legitimate and that the warrant properly authorized a search of the relevant devices. Oftentimes charges come a year or more after the initial police raid, and consulting an attorney right away can get you on the path to avoiding prison. An attorney can also help with proactive steps that can be taken to help minimize the consequences of any conviction.
SOLICITATION OF CHILDREN TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL CONDUCT / COMMUNICATION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIALS TO CHILDREN
Both Solicitation of Children to Engage in Sexual Conduct and Communication of Sexually Explicit Materials to Children are illegal in Minnesota. Communication of Sexually Explicit Materials to Children is frequently seen via social media, such as SnapChat, TikTok, etc.) and chat functions attached to games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, etc. These situations sometimes arise where the child either misrepresents their age or where communications continue after the child reveals that they are a minor. Both intentionally seeking out a minor for sexual communication and continuing those communications after the minor has said their age is a felony offense. Sending sexually explicit images to children or someone you believe to be a minor is a felony offense. Charges related to communicating with a minor are very serious charges and it is critical that you contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible to have the best chance of maintaining your freedom and protecting your rights.
Contact us for a consultation if you are charged with a crime involving the internet. An attorney can review the case for factual or legal issues and can also help to minimize the potential consequences that you might be facing.