Child Pornography Penalties in South Carolina

Crimes involving children are among the most heinous criminal offenses in the eyes of the law. But this is especially true in cases involving physical injury and those that are sexual in nature. Consequently, they are prosecuted aggressively, and the prosecution always pushes for the maximum penalties allowed under the law. 

The consequences of getting convicted for child pornography are immensely severe, so you must act quickly to try and do everything you can to prevent a conviction or reduce the charges against you. To get started on your defense and learn the best legal recourse for your specific situation, reach out to our Conway child pornography defense attorney as soon as possible.

What Exactly is Considered Child Pornography in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you can be charged with a felony offense if you possess child pornography, which is any material visually depicting a sexually explicit nude minor or a minor performing any type of sexual activity. Child pornography is also considered child sexual exploitation under federal and state laws, which is a crime that carries harsh penalties.

Aside from being legally obligated to include your personal details in the SC sex offender registry, violating child pornography laws can also result in the following felony charges and penalties:

• 3rd Degree Sexual Exploitation of Minors – Involves possessing child pornography materials. While this felony offense doesn’t have minimum sentencing guidelines, the court has the discretion to impose up to 10 years of prison time.
• 2nd Degree Sexual Exploitation of Minors – Involves reproducing or disseminating child pornography materials. A conviction can result in a minimum sentence of two years but can be bumped up to 10 years, depending on the circumstances.
• 1st Degree Sexual Exploitation of Minors – Involves producing child pornography materials. If convicted, you face three to 20 years in prison.

Common Collateral Consequences of a Child Pornography Conviction in South Carolina

There is so much more to a child porn conviction than imprisonment, hefty fines, community service, probation, and other statutory punishments. Because you will have a criminal record if you get convicted, a conviction for child porn can lead to collateral consequences that will negatively affect your entire life long after you’ve served your sentence. These can include:

• Losing your legal right to vote
• Losing your right to buy, own, or use a gun
• Issues with securing or retaining a job
• Problems securing affordable and safe housing
• Having your professional licenses (if applicable) revoked
• Issues traveling out of state or the country without the court’s permission
• Issues with child custody
• Losing your driving privileges
• Limits where you reside
• Will be placed on the sex offender registry

Get Legal Guidance From a Seasoned Conway Child Pornography Defense Attorney

Criminal charges related to creating, distributing, copying, or possessing child pornography are immensely serious matters, and the prosecution will do everything they can to convict and lock up sex offenders. If you have been accused of violating child porn laws in SC, get in touch with the Conway child pornography defense attorney at The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, right away to explore the defenses that may apply to your case.

Contact us online or call our office to schedule your free case review with our Conway child pornography defense attorney.