Few criminal accusations are as serious as those that allege the exploitation of children. Some of the most severe charges involve allegations involving the possession, creation, or distribution of child sexual assault material. Under state law, merely possessing this material is illegal and can result in harsh penalties. In other circumstances, people may face allegations involving the creation of this material or its distribution to others. Here, a conviction can have life-long consequences.

A Hartford child sexual assault material lawyer may be able to help you if you are facing criminal charges relating to the possession or distribution of illegal material. At Ruane Attorneys, our legal team could provide more information about the state’s laws and formulate a defense to protect your rights and reputation.

State Laws Concerning Child Sexual Assault Material

It is always illegal to possess or have anything to do with child sexual assault material. However, state law creates a variety of criminal offenses depending on how a person allegedly uses or distributes this material.

The core offense is outlined under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-196f. This statute makes it a felony-level offense for a person to knowingly possess and retain any image showing a child under the age of 16 engaged in a sexual act or as the subject of abuse.

More serious allegations involve the alleged creation or distribution of child sexual assault material. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-196a, it is a violation to solicit or entice a child to create this material or to take part in the production of child sexual assault material. A Hartford attorney could further explain the specific child sexual assault material laws under which a prosecutor has brought charges.

Criminal Consequences of a Child Sexual Assault Material Conviction

The law differentiates between the possession and creation of child sexual assault material by creating two different statutes. The law also authorizes different penalties for these separate offenses. The possession of child sexual assault material is a felony offense, even for a first conviction. Courts may order a prison term of up to five years, a fine of no more than $5,000, or both.

Allegations involving the creation of child sexual assault material are more serious. These are also felony cases, and a first conviction comes with a minimum prison term of ten years. Regardless of the specific child sexual assault material charges a person faces, a Hartford lawyer at Ruane Attorneys could help develop defenses to avoid these severe outcomes.

Contact a Hartford Child Sexual Assault Material Attorney Immediately

If you are facing criminal charges related to the possession, creation, or distribution of child sexual assault material, you must act swiftly to protect yourself. Even a misdemeanor-level conviction under state law could result in a jail sentence and the payment of stiff fines. More serious accusations are felonies that could lead to years in prison.

Work with a Hartford child sexual assault material lawyer to protect your rights and future. At Ruane Attorneys, we could explain the state’s laws, evaluate the strength of the prosecutor’s case, and build a defense to raise reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors. Reach out to our office now to get started.