Child Pornography
Child Exploitation and Obscenity
According to the United States Department of Justice, images of child pornography
(also called child sexual abuse images) are not protected under First
Amendment rights. In other words, they are illegal. Federal law defines
child pornography as "any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct
involving a minor." In the United States, any sexually explicit images
that involve someone under the age of 18 are considered child pornography.
This includes photographs, videos, computer-generated images and images
that have been modified to depict children. Under federal law, undeveloped
film and video tape that child sexual abuse images are illegal as well.
According to the Department of Justice, the legal definition of child pornography
does not take into consideration the age of consent in each state. Any
explicit image depicting an individual under the age of 18 is illegal.
Also, the images do need to depict a child engaging sexual activity; nude
images may qualify as pornographic, too. In the United States, it is illegal
to produce, buy or distribute child pornography. However, the consequences
of production, distribution and possession may vary depending on the circumstances
surrounding a specific case. For example, manufacturing child pornography
may be considered more offensive than possessing or purchasing it.
The Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Department of
Justice is dedicated to eradicating child sexual abuse images from the
United States. With the help of the High Technology Investigative Unit
(HTIU), CEOS attorneys fight against child pornography. According to CEOS,
child pornography is a growing problem in the United States. Since the
1980's, the Department of Justice has noticed a rise in the amount of
child sexual abuse images this increase to the development of the internet.
Through the internet, individuals are able to distribute images easier
and in larger quantities.
CEOS is also works with law enforcement across the United States to identify,
find and rescue children who have been coerced into participating in child
pornography. This way, CEOS can help past victims and keep them from continued
abuse. With the help of HITU, CEOS works with computer forensic specialists
to travel across the globe conducting investigations and training investigators
to help end child sexual abuse images. These investigations target child
pornography offenders with the intention of prosecuting them. The CEOS
works with other countries and supports their legislative proposals and
policy involved federal child pornography laws.
Call (951) 506-6654 today to schedule a
free and confidential consultation with our criminal defense attorney.
