Child pornography defense lawyer in Platte City, MO. Confronting accusations or charges related to the possession or distribution of child pornography poses a significant risk to your personal and professional reputation. If you’re facing charges for possessing or distributing child pornography in Platte City, 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 scenario.
Reach out to the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online to schedule a complimentary, no-strings-attached consultation. 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 Platte City, MO?
While there might be many stereotypes, child pornography charges come about in all walks of life throughout the Platte City, MO area. 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, an individual is charged with the offense of child pornography if such person knowingly or recklessly possesses any child pornography of a minor below 18 years old or obscene material portraying what seems to be a minor less than 18 years of age.
A few examples of specific child pornography charges in Platte City and elsewhere in Missouri are:
- Possessing Child Pornography: The act of having child porn in one’s possession, irrespective 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’re confronted with charges related to any of these instances or other child pornography charges, it is imperative to contact Combs Waterkotte 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 Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO if any of the following conditions are met:
- Possess over 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 comprised of one motion picture, film, videotape, videotape production, or other moving image
- Prior conviction for an offense under this section
Legal Ramifications for Promotion of Child Pornography in Platte City, MO
The promotion of child pornography to an adult is a class C felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines. Also:
- 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, leading to imprisonment for a duration of 5-15 years.
- 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 Platte City, 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 are elevated to a class A felony, which carries a minimum prison sentence of 10 years with a maximum of life in prison.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Mandatory Sex Offender Registration in Platte City, 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 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. Offenses in this category may include possession of child pornography, indecent exposure, and other nonviolent sexual crimes against minors.
- Tier II Offenders: Individuals in this tier have a lifetime registration requirement and must report to the CLEO in person every 90 days. These offenses include violent acts such as rape, child molestation, sexual assault, as well as repeat offenses.
Penalties for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in Platte City, MO
Failure to register as a sex offender is considered a class E felony unless you are 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 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 Platte City, MO child pornography lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Platte City, MO:
What Are Common Defenses Against Child Pornography Charges in Platte City, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte skilled Platte City, MO child pornography defense team has a combined 60-plus years of experience defending clients throughout Platte City, MO in cases just like yours. While each case presents its own unique circumstances, our attorneys employ a variety of defense strategies, including:
An Unintentional Possession Defense
Also known as “unintended possession,” this defense argues that you did not intend to possess child pornography in or around Platte City, MO, or that the material did not belong to you. It may 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 Platte City, MO could also be considered.
Your Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will work to establish that you were not aware of possessing child porn. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 Platte City 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 material in question involves anyone under the age of 18. 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 may make procedural errors, violating an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights under the Constitution. The defense team at Combs Waterkotte is vigilant in protecting your rights, future, and best interests. If evidence was seized illegally, your Platte City, MO child pornography defense lawyer will argue its inadmissibility.
Entrapment
Entrapment can manifest in various scenarios throughout Missouri. This defense asserts that you would not have committed the offense if law enforcement hadn’t initiated contact with you and persuaded you to do so. Officers could also try to 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 realize, especially in instances where law enforcement conducts child porn sting operations, rounding up a multitude of people, 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 can serve as a strategy to minimize your sentence or, in some cases, avoid imprisonment via a treatment program and probation. Your Combs Waterkotte Platte City, MO defense attorney may present various mitigating factors, like 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 – Contact a Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO. But, as serious as they are, there are defenses available from the skilled and tenacious Combs Waterkotte legal team. Attempting to navigate the uncertainties and intricacies of the legal system in Platte City or Missouri along is ill-advised.
We recognize that good people often find themselves in bad situations in Platte City and throughout Missouri. We are here to help. Call our accomplished Platte City, MO child pornography defense lawyers as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or complete our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential case review.
