CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN VIRGINIA

Child pornography is defined as sexually explicit visual material which features an identifiable minor. In Virginia, there are three types of child pornography crimes: production, possession and distribution. The second or subsequent offense entails harsher penalties.

The following are the penalties associated with each offense:

• Production – solicit or entices a minor to be the subject of child pornography, finances or attempts to finance child pornography, preparation for production, produces or attempts to produce child pornography, participates in the production of child pornography.
  • If the child is less than 15 years of age, then the prison sentence is between five and 30 years. However, if the suspected individual is at least seven years older than the subject of child pornography, then the prison term is 15-40 years.
  • If the child is at least 15 years of age, but less than 18, then the prison sentence is between one and 20 years. However, if the suspected individual is at least seven years older than the subject of child pornography, then
    the prison sentence is between three and 30 years.
• Possession – Knowingly possessing an item which depicts sexual acts or abuse of a child.
  • Any individual who knowingly possesses child pornography is guilty of a Class 6 felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence between one and five years.
• Distribution – Knowingly distributing an item of child pornography, such as reproducing, copying, selling, electronically transferring or giving away child pornography.
  • A first offense is punishable by a prison sentence between five and 20 years.

With more than 30 years of legal experience with handling sex crimes, we are capable of helping you get your life back on track. We will do everything within our power to protect your rights, reputation and freedom.

Contact our firm and schedule your free consultation today.