One of the most severe sex crimes you can face in Michigan is the possession, transmission, or production of child pornography. Child pornography (or “child sexually abusive material”) refers to any picture, footage, sound recording, or depiction of a child under the age of 18 engaging in a sexual act. Over the years, child pornography charges have increased in Michigan and, unfortunately, the offense continues to carry life-altering consequences.
When charged with a child sex crime, it is important that the defendant fully understands the allegations and its penalties. A child pornography conviction could potentially devastate a person’s reputation indefinitely. The negative stigma associated with sex crime allegations can follow an individual for years, if not a lifetime.
If an individual has been arrested for child pornography charges, it’s important to act quickly and secure skilled legal representation as soon as possible. Time is of the essence and rights are on the line.
Child Pornography Defense Attorney in Oakland County, MI
Handling sex crime allegations can be extremely stressful. That is why it’s important to secure a skilled defense attorney that can utilize his valuable best practices for your defense. If you have been charged with child pornography in Michigan, don’t wait another moment. Contact J. Dallo at Dallo Law, P.C. today. He will use his experience in the courtroom to challenge the prosecution using his extensive skills, resources, and experience.
Dallo Law, P.C. accepts clients throughout the Bloomfield Hills area and surrounding counties including Oakland County and Macomb County including Clinton Township, Warren, Sterling Heights, Armada, Fraser, Utica, Madison Heights, Birmingham, West Bloomfield Township, Novi, Rochester Hills, Holly, Oak Park, Southfield, and Pontiac. Discover your legal options by contacting criminal defense attorney J. Dallo today at (248) 283-7000.
Information Center
- What Is Child Pornography in Michigan?
- Child Pornography Laws in Michigan
- Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry
- Additional Resources for Child Pornography in Michigan
What Is Child Pornography in Michigan?
Child pornography is a form of sexual exploitation. In the state of Michigan, the term is specifically referred to as sexually abusive activity or material involving a child or children. According to Michigan Penal Code 750.145c, a “child” is defined as a person who is less than 18 years of age.
“Child sexually abusive material” refers to any depiction that includes a child engaging in a listed sexual act, whether made or produced by:
- Electronic, mechanical, or other means, including a developed or undeveloped photograph
- Book
- Magazine
- Computer or computer storage device
- Footage or film
- Picture
- Sound recording
Child Pornography Laws in Michigan
The child pornography statute in Michigan outlaws many activities surrounding sexually abusive material involving children. According to Michigan Penal Code 750.145c, the penalties for child pornography are dependent upon whether an individual has engaged in production, distribution, or possession.
- Distribution of Child Pornography in Michigan: An individual who distributes or promotes, or finances the distribution of (or conspires, attempts, or prepares) any child sexually abusive material or child sexually abusive activity is guilty of a felony. Distribution of child pornography is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines.
- Possession of Child Pornography in Michigan: An individual who knowingly possesses child pornographic material is guilty of a felony. The crime of possessing child sexually abusive activity is punishable by up to 4 years of prison time and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Production of Child Pornography in Michigan: An individual who persuades, induces, entices, coerces, causes, or knowingly allows a child to engage in a child sexually abusive activity for the purpose of producing any child sexually abusive material is guilty of a felony. Production of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry
Being charged with a sexual crime in Michigan is a serious matter. Aside from crippling fines and imprisonment, offenders can have a difficult time regaining their freedom after they’ve completed jail time. Additionally, when convicted, Michigan requires them to register as a sex offender.
Sex offenders are required to register for at least 25 years, but it can last a lifetime in certain circumstances. According to Michigan Penal Code 28.729, failing to register or verifying information with law enforcement as required can result in severe penalties including:
- First Offense – Up to 4 years of imprisonment and up to $2,000 in fines
- Second Offense – Up to 7 years of imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines
- Third of Subsequent Offense – Up to 10 years of imprisonment and up to $10,00 in fines
Additional Resources for Child Pornography in Michigan
Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry – Visit the official website for the Michigan State Police to access their sex offender registry. Click the link to search for sex offenders in your area, register for email alerts, and view safety tips.
Michigan Penal Code: Sex Offenders Registration Act – Click the link to view Michigan Penal Code 28.729 which constitutes the Sex Offender’s Registration Act (SORA). The webpage lists violations and penalties for failing to register.
Enough is Enough: Internet Pornography – Visit the official website for Enough is Enough (EIE). EIE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the Internet safer for children and families. Their mission is to promote child dignity in the digital world by raising public awareness about the harms of Internet pornography, sexual predators, cyberbullying, sex trafficking, and other dangers.
Child Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Bloomfield Hills, MI
If you or someone you know has been arrested for child pornography, seek the experienced legal counsel of a dedicated attorney. Criminal defense lawyer J. Dallo at Dallo Law, P.C. has spent years defending against these charges and helping his clients avoid maximum penalties and mitigate the severity of damage to their reputation after being charged with sexual crimes. He will formulate the best possible defense for your charges.
Dallo Law, P.C. serves clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including Pontiac, Troy, Waterford Township, Oakland Charter Township, Clarkston, Rochester Hills, Southfield, Clinton Township, Warren, Sterling Heights, Mount Clemens, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, Romeo, and Utica. Schedule your free, initial consultation with Mr. Dallo by calling (248) 283-7000. He will thoroughly discuss your case.