If you are a defendant facing child pornography charges in Tucson, AZ, it’s important to know exactly what you’re up against and get help right away. These cases bring serious legal risks, including long prison sentences, sex offender registration requirements, and lasting effects on your personal and professional life.
Our legal team will help you understand the legal process and fight for you every step of the way. At Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have 45 years of experience helping clients secure favorable outcomes. Contact our Tucson child pornography attorneys today for a free consultation at (520) 510-0439.
How Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Arrested for Child Pornography in Tucson, Arizona
If you’re arrested for child pornography in Tucson, our firm is here to help you every step of the way. Our Tucson sex crimes lawyers are some of the most skilled and experienced in the area, and we have a track record of success that you can count on. Here’s how we can help:
- We carefully review the search warrants and digital evidence to find out if the police or investigators violated your rights during the investigation.
- Our legal team can explain Arizona’s requirements for registration, sentencing, and possible defenses, clarifying exactly what’s at stake before any decisions are made.
- Our attorneys work hard to negotiate plea deals to have charges dropped if possible or to help you avoid having to register as a sex offender.
- We’ll represent you at all court appearances, including at trial if necessary.
Every detail matters in a child pornography case in Tucson, Arizona, and our team is here to fight for you every step of the way. Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
Overview of Child Pornography in Arizona
In Arizona, it is illegal to create, copy, share, or even simply have any kind of image, video, or digital file that shows a child taking part in sexual acts or being exploited sexually. The law applies whether you’re accused of producing this material, sending it to others, downloading it, or keeping it on your computer, phone, or other device.
Child pornography law in Arizona is especially strict, as serious charges can result even if you only have or view these files and did not actively distribute or make them yourself.
What Are the Penalties for Child Pornography in Tucson, Arizona?
In Tucson, child pornography charges are prosecuted as Class 2 felonies, which means even a first conviction for possessing or sharing this material can result in between 4 and 10 years in prison.
If the material depicts a child younger than 15, Arizona law treats it much more harshly. A first offense in these cases can carry a prison sentence of up to 24 years. These penalties can also increase if there are aggravating factors present, such as if you have a prior criminal history.
No matter the circumstances, most people convicted under these laws must register as a sex offender, which creates permanent restrictions and obligations after the case is done.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Child Pornography in Arizona?
If you are accused of child pornography in Arizona, there are a few defenses that a criminal defense attorney may use, depending on what the evidence shows. Some common ones include:
No Knowledge
A strong defense in some child pornography cases is proving that you didn’t know illegal material was on your computer or device. Sometimes files are downloaded without your intent, like when spam emails, background programs, or pop-ups save them automatically.
In other cases, hackers might plant materials on your system, or shared file folders can make you appear connected to content you never saw. To use this defense, you’ll need evidence showing you didn’t deliberately look for or keep these files.
No Minor
Under Arizona law, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the images at issue actually involve someone under the age of 18.
If there’s evidence showing the person pictured is an adult or if experts determine the file is a realistic but computer-generated image, not a photo of a real child, you could get the case dismissed or be found not guilty at trial. This defense may require expert witnesses or age verification records.
Unlawful Search and Seizure
You have constitutional protections against illegal searches, and the police can’t just go through your personal devices or home without proper legal authority. If officers obtained evidence by skipping required legal steps or acting outside the scope of what was allowed, a defense lawyer can argue to have that evidence excluded. Without it, the state’s entire case could fall apart.
The right lawyer will carefully examine all the facts and explain what defenses may apply in your specific circumstances, working to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Tucson Child Pornography Lawyers
Getting accused of such a serious offense as child pornography in Arizona can be frightening and isolating, but you do have rights and a chance to defend yourself. With experienced legal guidance, you can face this challenge knowing you have someone working hard for you.
Reach out as soon as you find out you’re facing charges. Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys today to set up a free consultation with a Tucson child pornography lawyer.