Child sexual abuse is a very serious crime in the state of Connecticut. There are several different degrees of this crime, which will be covered on this page. Call a Connecticut child sexual abuse lawyer to further discuss.

Child sexual abuse is defined by a new Connecticut statute as: any visual depiction including any photograph, film, videotape, picture or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, digital, mechanical or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a person under sixteen years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct, provided whether the subject of a visual depiction was a person under sixteen years of age at the time the visual depiction was created is a question to be decided by the trier of fact.

This crime does not have to consist of photos of images of children performing sexual acts. Rather, any photograph or video that contains a sexual pose or is meant to sexually arouse constitutes child sexual abuse material.

Possessing/Transmitting Child Sexual Abuse Material By a Minor

If a minor is found in possession of child sexual abuse content, they face Class A misdemeanor charges. In many cases, minors receive “this type of material because they receive explicit photographs of friends or significant others. Also known as “sexting,” this phenomenon has increased in recent years. The penalties for this crime include up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. We have more information on possessing and transmitting child sexual abuse material by a minor on this page.

Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material in the Third Degree

An adult is guilty of possessing child sexual abuse material in the third degree when that person knowingly is in possession of less than 20 images/videos containing sexual material of children. This is a Class D felony and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of as much as $5,000. Learn more here.

Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material in the Second Degree

An adult is guilty of possessing child sexual abuse material in the 2nd degree when they knowingly have more than 20 but less than 50 depictions of sexual material of children. This is a Class C felony and the punishments include a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. You can learn more about how possessing child sexual abuse material in the second degree is defined on this page.

Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material in the First Degree

This is the most serious degree of child sexual abuse material possession. You can be charged with possessing child sexual abuse material in the first degree if you possess more than 50 depictions of child sexual abuse material. As a Class B felony, the penalties for this crime include a prison sentence of as much as 20 years and a fine of up to $15,000. You can learn more about some of the intricacies of possessing child sexual abuse material in the first degree on this page.

Importing Child Sexual Abuse Material

If a person knowingly imports three or more visuals of child sexual abuse material can be charged with this crime. This is a Class B felony and is accompanied by a fine of up to $15,000 and a prison sentence of up to 20 years. You can learn more about this crime here.

Sexting

Sexting is a crime that could involve minors. You can learn more about sexting laws and consequences on this page.

Call a Connecticut Child Sexual Abuse Material Attorney

If you have questions about any of the crimes mentioned here, please contact a Connecticut child sexual abuse material lawyer.