18 U.S.C. § 2251 – Sexual exploitation of children (production of child pornography)
This statute makes it a federal crime to use, persuade, or coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions.
Section 2251 targets the production of child pornography. It applies to anyone who employs, uses, persuades, induces, entices, or coerces a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating images or videos.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Cause a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction.
- Attempt or conspire to produce such material, even if no image is ultimately created.
- Produce material involving a minor using cameras, phones, computers, or other recording devices.
The law applies broadly and can be triggered even if the images never leave the device or are never shared. Interstate commerce requirements are often satisfied by the use of phones, computers, or the internet.
Penalties.
Violations of § 2251 carry some of the most severe penalties in federal criminal law, including mandatory minimum prison sentences and lengthy terms of incarceration.
Federal child exploitation charges carry severe penalties. If you are being investigated or charged, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
