Child pornography defense lawyer in Branson, MO. Confronting accusations or charges related to the possession or distribution of child pornography poses a significant risk to your personal and professional standing. If you find your accused of possessing or distributing child pornography in Branson, MO, you may be looking at serious felony charges and mandatory Missouri sex offender registration upon conviction. It is vital not to leave your defense to chance in such a critical situation.
Reach out to the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online to schedule a complimentary, no-strings-attached case review. Our skilled child pornography defense lawyer is ready to meet with you personally, analyze the details of your case, and offer insights on the appropriate course of action.
Legal Videos
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
What Can Lead to Child Pornography Charges in Branson, MO?
While there might be many stereotypes, child pornography charges come about in all walks of life in and around Branson, MO. Missouri Revised Statute § 573.010 defines child pornography as any obscene material or performance depicting sexual conduct, contact, or sexual performance, including a minor under 18 years of age as a participant or portrayed observer of the material.
According to RSMo § 573.037, a person is charged with the offense of child pornography if such person knowingly or recklessly possesses any child pornography featuring a minor less than 18 years old or obscene material portraying what appears to be a minor below 18 years old.
A few examples of specific child pornography charges in Branson and across the state of Missouri are:
- Possessing Child Pornography: Having child pornography in your possession, regardless of the quantity or form – digital, physical, etc.
- Promoting Child Pornography: Distributing or selling child pornography to an adult, or promoting adult pornography to a minor.
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: Encompasses filming, photographing, or participating in any aspect of the creation process of child pornography.
If you are facing charges or have been questioned regarding any of these examples – or any other child pornography charges in Branson, MO – call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Having an knowledgeable advocate by your side is crucial to safeguarding your reputation, your rights, and your future.
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
What Are the Penalties for Child Pornography in Branson, MO?
From a statutory perspective, as outlined in RSMo § 573.037, the offense of child pornography is considered a class D felony when possessing just one still image of child pornography or one still image considered obscene. The severity of the offense escalates to a class B felony in Branson, MO if any of the following conditions are met:
- Possess over 20 still images of child pornography
- Possess over 20 obscene still images
- Possess child pornography in the form of one motion picture, film, videotape, videotape production, or other moving image
- Possess obscene material comprised of one motion picture, film, videotape, videotape production, or other moving image
- Prior conviction for an offense under this section
Penalties for Promotion of Child Pornography in and Around Branson, MO
Engaging in the promotion of child pornography to an adult is classified as a class C felony, carrying potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison and fines. Also:
- Knowingly promoting child pornography to a minor or distributing obscene material featuring a child under the age of 14 could escalate the charges to a class B felony – punishable by 5-15 years imprisonment.
- Branson, MO residents with a prior child pornography conviction, engaging in widespread promotion of child pornography or promoting it to a minor, may face a class D felony, punishable by 4 years in prison and fines.
Legal Ramifications for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the Branson, MO Area
Charges related to sexual exploitation of a minor are categorized as a class B felony. However, if the child involved was under the age of 14 the charges increase to a class A felony, which carries a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
Taney County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Taney County and Missouri.
Who Has to Register as a Sex Offender in Branson, MO and Throughout Missouri?
Under RSMo § 589.400, individuals charged with specific crimes are obligated to register with the Missouri Sex Offender Registry within three days of their conviction or release from jail, prision, or probation:
- Possessing and/or promoting child pornography
- Using children in sexual performances
- Promoting sexual performance by children
- Sexually exploiting a minor
- Public display of sexually explicit material
- Promoting pornography for minors
- Promoting obscenity
- Coercing others to accept obscene materials
- Promoting prostitution
- Sexual contact with nursing home residents
Missouri classifies offenders into different tiers for sex offender registration requirements, including:
- Tier I Offenders: These individuals have a 15-year registration requirement and must report to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in person once a year. These offenses do not include child pornography, and are for misdemeanor sexual offenses or minor statutory offenses.
- Tier II Offenders: Offenders in this tier face a 25-year registration requirement and must report to the CLEO in person semiannually. Offenses in this category may include possession of child pornography, indecent exposure, and other nonviolent sexual crimes against minors.
- Tier II Offenders: These have a lifetime registration requirement and must report to the CLEO in person every 90 days. Offenses in this category usually involve violent acts such as rape, child molestation, sexual assault, as well as repeat offenses.
Penalties for Not Registering as a Sex Offender in Branson, MO
Failure to register as a sex offender is a class E felony unless you are required to register after being charged with an offense in chapter 566 which was an unclassified felony, a class A or B felony, or a felony involving a child under the age of 14, in which case it turns into a class D felony.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Branson, MO child pornography attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Branson, MO:
What Are Common Defenses Against Child Pornography Charges in Branson, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte skilled Branson, MO child pornography defense team boasts a collective experience of over 60 years, dedicated to defending clients across the Branson, MO area in cases similar to yours. While every case is different with unique circumstances, some defense strategies our lawyers have used include:
An Unintentional Possession Defense
Also known as “unintended possession,” this defense argues that you did not intend to possess child pornography in or around Branson, MO, or that the material didn’t belong to you. You also may not have even been aware of the existence of child porn. This may be used if child porn was discovered on a computer or hard drive that is shared, or to which individuals other than you may have had access without your knowledge. You also could have used an unsecured or shared network which enabled another individual to download child porn. An angry co-worker, employee, friend, ex-spouse, or other revengeful individual may be motivated to download child porn on your computer or hard drive in order to frame you in Branson, MO.
Your knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can establish the most important factor – that you didn’t possess child pornography to your knowledge. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
An Accidental Possession Defense
The internet poses various threats, and your computer is susceptible to viruses, spyware, malware, spam, or other elements without your knowledge. These intrusions could include child pornography or other obscene materials. Many individuals throughout Branson and Missouri have files on their computers that they are in the dark about. An accidental possession defense argues that you did not knowingly possess child pornography, emphasizing the unintentional nature of its presence on your device.
A “Not Child Porn” Defense
This defense is based on the prosecution’s burden to prove that material in question involves any individual under the age of 18. Additionally, if the material in question serves a scientific, religious, or educational purpose it should not be considered child pornography.
Illegal Search and Seizure
Law enforcement may make procedural errors, violating an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights under the Constitution. The defense team at Combs Waterkotte always has your rights, your future, and your best interests in mind in Branson, MO. If evidence was seized illegally, your Branson, MO child pornography defense lawyer will argue its inadmissibility.
Entrapment
Entrapment can manifest in various circumstances throughout Missouri. This defense asserts that you would not have committed the offense if law enforcement hadn’t contacted you and persuaded you to do so. In some cases, officers may induce individuals to purchase content that wasn’t clearly labeled or believed to be child porn, only to arrest them for buying child porn. Entrapment happens more often than we might realize, especially in instances where law enforcement conducts child porn sting operations, rounding up multiple individuals, not all of whom are guilty.
Psychological Addiction/Mitigating Circumstances
While it isn’t necessarily a winning defense, claiming a psychological addiction to child pornography is a possible means to minimize your sentence or, in some cases, avoid imprisonment via a treatment program and probation. Some mitigating factors your Combs Waterkotte Branson, MO defense lawyer can present could include mental health issues, a history of abuse or neglect, extreme stress or anxiety, family conflict, lack of guidance as a child, and others.
Don’t Hesitate – Connect With a Branson, MO Child Pornography Defense Lawyer Right Now at Combs Waterkotte
Child pornography charges are gravely serious and can cast enduring, if not permanent, shadows on your reputation and future in Branson, MO. However, even in the face of such severity, there exist defenses that can wield effectively by the adept and relentless Combs Waterkotte legal team. Attempting to navigate the uncertainties and intricacies of the legal system in Branson or Missouri along is ill-advised.
We understand that good people often find themselves caught in bad situations in Branson and throughout Missouri. We are here to help. Call our accomplished Branson, MO child pornography defense lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP or complete our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential case review.
