Child pornography defense lawyer in Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO, you may be confronted with serious felony charges and mandatory Missouri sex offender registration upon conviction. It is crucial not to leave your defense to chance in such a critical scenario.
Call the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert child pornography defense lawyer will meet with you one-and-one, discuss the specifics of your case, and provide guidance on next steps.
Legal Videos
How Can I Prove My Innocence if Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
How Can I Prove My Innocence if Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? Attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte …
Can I Be Arrested for Sexual Assault Without Evidence in Illinois?
Can I Be Arrested for Sexual Assault Without Evidence in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? In this video, Combs Waterkotte attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew …
What Are Effective Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases in Illinois?
What Are Effective Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases in Illinois? Facing sex crime charges in the state of Illinois? Attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte discuss …
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Illinois?
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses the possible penalties for a sexual …
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
What Should I Do if I'm Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses everything you need …
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 …
How Can I Prove My Innocence if Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
How Can I Prove My Innocence if Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? Attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte …
Can I Be Arrested for Sexual Assault Without Evidence in Illinois?
Can I Be Arrested for Sexual Assault Without Evidence in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? In this video, Combs Waterkotte attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew …
What Are Effective Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases in Illinois?
What Are Effective Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases in Illinois? Facing sex crime charges in the state of Illinois? Attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte discuss …
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Illinois?
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses the possible penalties for a sexual …
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
What Should I Do if I'm Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses everything you need …
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 …
What Can Lead to Child Pornography Charges in Ferguson, MO?
Despite prevailing stereotypes, child pornography charges can impact individuals from all walks of life in and around Ferguson, MO. As outlined in Missouri Revised Statute § 573.010, child pornography is defined as any material or performance that is obscene and depicts sexual conduct, contact, or sexual performance, involving a minor under 18 years of age as a participant or portrayed observer.
According to RSMo § 573.037, an individual commits the offense of child pornography if such person knowingly or recklessly possesses any child pornography featuring a minor under 18 years of age or obscene material portraying what seems to be a minor under 18 years old.
A few specific instances of child pornography charges in the Ferguson, MO area are:
- Possessing Child Pornography: Having child pornography in your possession, regardless of the quantity or form – digital, physical, etc.
- Promoting Child Pornography: Involves 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’re confronted with charges related to any of these instances or other child pornography charges, it is imperative to contact Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Having an knowledgeable advocate by your side is crucial to safeguarding your reputation, rights, and 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 Ferguson, MO?
Statutorily, under RSMo § 573.037, the offense of child pornography is a class D felony if you possess only one still image of child pornography or one obscene still image. The offense becomes a class B felony in Ferguson, MO if you:
- Possess more than 20 still images of child pornography
- Possess more than 20 obscene still images
- Possess child pornography comprised of one motion picture, film, videotape, videotape production, or other moving image
- Possess obscene material in the form of one motion picture, film, videotape, videotape production, or other moving image
- Have previously been found guilty of an offense under this section
Penalties for Promotion of Child Pornography in and Around Ferguson, MO
The promotion of child pornography to an adult is a class C felony, carrying potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison and fines. Additionally:
- If you knowingly promote child porn to a minor, or promote obscene material of a child under 14 years of age, you could be facing a class B felony – punishable by 5-15 years imprisonment.
- Individuals 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 Ferguson, 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 with a maximum of life imprisonment.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Mandatory Sex Offender Registration in Ferguson, MO and Throughout Missouri
According to RSMo § 589.400, any individual charged with the following crimes is required 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. Those include:
- 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 typically include misdemeanor sexual offenses or minor statutory offenses.
- Tier II Offenders: These have a 25-year registration requirement and must report to the CLEO in person semiannually. These offenses 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 Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in Ferguson, MO
Failure to register as a sex offender is a class E felony unless the individual is required to register after being charged with an offense in chapter 566 as an unclassified felony, a class A or B felony, or a felony involving a child under the age of 14, in which case it becomes a class D felony.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Ferguson, MO child pornography lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Ferguson and anywhere in Missouri:
What Are Common Defenses Against Child Pornography Charges in Ferguson, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte skilled Ferguson, MO child pornography defense team has a combined 60-plus years of experience defending clients throughout Ferguson, MO in cases just like yours. While every case is different with unique circumstances, some defense strategies our attorneys 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 Ferguson, MO, or that the material didn’t belong to you. It could be applicable if child pornography was found on a shared computer or hard drive or on a device accessible to individuals other than yourself without your knowledge. An unintentional download through an unsecured network or the malicious actions of a vengeful ex-spouse or someone else in Ferguson, MO could also be considered.
Your knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can establish the most important factor – that you didn’t possess child pornography to your knowledge. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
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 Ferguson 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 challenges the prosecution’s burden to prove that the subject of the material in question was under 18 years of age. Also, 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 often makes procedural errors, violating an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights under the Constitution. The Combs Waterkotte defense team always has your rights, your future, and your best interests in mind in Ferguson, MO. If evidence was seized illegally, your Ferguson, MO child pornography defense lawyer will argue its inadmissibility.
Entrapment
Entrapment can occur in a variety of situations throughout the Ferguson, MO area. The defense is rooted in the fact 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 which 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 know – particularly when law enforcement runs a child porn sting operation which may round up multiple individuals, not all of whom are guilty.
Psychological Addiction/Mitigating Circumstances
While not guaranteed to result in acquittal, claiming a psychological addiction to child pornography is a possible means to reduce your sentence or, in some cases, avoid imprisonment via a treatment program and probation. Some mitigating factors your Combs Waterkotte Ferguson, 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 more.
Don’t Hesitate – Reach Out to a Ferguson, MO Child Pornography Defense Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
Child pornography charges are gravely serious and can cast enduring, if not permanent, shadows on your reputation and future in Ferguson, MO. But, as serious as they are, there are defenses available from the skilled and tenacious Combs Waterkotte legal team. Don’t try to navigate the uncertainties and complexities of the Ferguson or Missouri legal system alone.
We recognize that good people often find themselves caught in unfortunate circumstances in Ferguson and throughout Missouri. We are here to help. Call our accomplished Ferguson, MO child pornography defense lawyers right away at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online contact form to arrange a free, confidential consultation.
