Child pornography charges are serious criminal charges, which can result in serious penalties and consequences. For that reason, accused individuals facing child pornography charges should be familiar with what is considered child pornography.
What are child pornography laws in Texas?
Under Texas laws, the promotion, use or exploitation of children under the age of 18 for performance of sexual acts, employment in sexual acts or sexual conduct or in depictions of acts that are sexual in nature is prohibited. It is also a crime to possess child pornography.
Possession of child pornography includes if an individual is accused of knowingly or intentionally possessing or knowingly or intentionally accessing with the intent to view visual material that depicts children younger than 18 years old at the time the image was made engaging in sexual conduct. This can be complicated but criminalizes the sexual performance of a child or possession of child pornography.
Authorities must prove that the accused individual knowingly and intentionally possessed child pornography. Likewise, authorities must prove the accused individual knowingly employed, authorized or induced a child under the age of 18 to engage in sexual conduct or a sexual performance.
Child pornography charges can be misdemeanor charges or felony charges. Felony charges generally potentially carry more harsh penalties and consequences but all child pornography charges are serious and require a strong criminal defense.
Individuals accused of sex crimes including child pornography should be familiar with the different options they may have to defend themselves against the charges they are facing.