Child Pornography Lawyer
State and federal child pornography convictions carry a heavy social stigma and severe criminal penalties. Defense attorney Paul Doyle can help you fight these charges and avoid registering as a sex offender.
Set up a free case review with a Houston, TX, child pornography lawyer who previously worked as a prosecutor.
Our Lawyers Are Here to Help
Once law enforcement asks to search your computer, you should assert your right to a lawyer. The criminal defense attorneys at Paul Doyle & Associates can help people facing charges for the possession, distribution, or receipt of child pornography. Serving the greater Houston area, our attorneys offer free consultations so you can get useful legal insight on what to do next.
Child Pornography Case Results
Our Houston child pornography lawyers have a proven record of disputing charges and getting them reduced or dismissed. Below are just a sample of some representative cases.
Are You Facing Child Pornography Charges?
Contact Paul Doyle & Associates
A child pornography conviction can lead to years of incarceration, registration as a sex offender, and a lasting stigma that can affect your personal and professional life. An attorney from Paul Doyle & Associates in Houston, TX, can help you fight charges of possession, distribution, or receipt of child pornography.
Before working as a defense attorney, Paul Doyle worked as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney's office for several years. He understands how investigations work and the tactics used by the prosecution. He will build a defense strategy that takes this insider knowledge into account.
As soon as investigators ask to see your computer, assert your right to legal representation. To schedule a free no-obligation consultation, contact our law firm online. You can also set up a complimentary consultation at our Houston office by phone.
Call Our Law Firm
(713) 228-9200
Hear From Our Clients
"Excellent Service 10/10 Recommend. You will not be disappointed with the outcome of your case! Trevor Sharon Is THE BEST #1 ! Criminal Justice Lawyer In Houston Hands Down! Guaranteed 100%"
— Yander Noguera, 5-Star Review
Child pornography charges carry harsh statutory penalties and may be filed at either the federal or state level.
Federal Penalties for Child Pornography
Criminal penalties for child pornography will vary based on the charge or charges a defendant faces.
Possession of Child Pornography
If you are charged with the possession of pornographic material involving children, first-time offenders will face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Distribution or Receipt of Child Pornography
Those charged with distribution or receipt of pornographic material involving children can face anywhere from 5–20 years incarceration in federal prison.
Sexual Exploitation of Children
Individuals charged with sexual exploitation of children face prison sentences up to 30 years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
Other Circumstances to Consider
Note that punishments are aggravated if a person has any prior convictions, if the pornographic material depicts sexual abuse or other kinds of violent actions, or if the minor depicted is under 12 years old.
More Severe
State Penalties
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In the state of Texas, child pornography charges carry more severe penalties if the child who appears in the material is younger than 14. In such cases, third-degree felonies can become second-degree felonies and second-degree felonies become first-degree felonies. First-degree felony convictions carry up to 99 years in prison.
Schedule a Free Legal Consultation
Violation of state and federal laws regarding child pornography and related sex crimes could mean a prison sentence and lasting fallout that affects your career and personal life. The child pornography attorneys at Paul Doyle & Associates understand the intricacies of state and federal laws and can help you get your penalties reduced or charges dismissed. To learn more, schedule a free consultation online. You can also set up a meeting with our lawyers by phone.
Call Us Today
(713) 228-9200
"Paul and his team went above and beyond in their representation of me. I applaud Paul for his professionalism and integrity. He was able to see through the lies and politics, and made sure the D.A understood the truth in regards to my case. I urge all of you to call Paul before hiring an attorney. You will not be disappointed. To this day I can text Paul and get a response within an hour. Truly a man of high character." KINCAIDE, 5-Star Review
Registering as a Sex Offender
If you are convicted of violating child pornography laws, the state of Texas will require you to register as a sex offender. This must be done with the local law enforcement authority in the county or municipality in which you reside.
Sex offender registration must be completed by the seventh day on which the offender is in the municipality or on the first day local law enforcement allows such actions if circumstances prevent registration within that seven-day timeframe.
The information provided to authorities will be relayed to local schools as necessary and be passed on to the Texas Department of Public Safety to update their Sex Offender Database.
Legal Representation
without Judgment
Our Houston child pornography attorneys know that many people facing these sex crime charges are often not child predators There may even be complicated reasons why someone is in possession of this material. We will listen to you during a free consultation so you can get advice on your next steps without obligation or judgment.
The Impact of a
Child Pornography Conviction
Challenges Finding a Job or Remaining Employed
If an employer runs a criminal background check, they may discover your name in a sex offender database and your child pornography charge or charges. This can prevent you from remaining gainfully employed in the Houston area, particularly in industries that provide services to minors.Difficulties Securing Housing in Many Parts of Houston
In addition to employment, being a registered sex offender could potentially affect where you live in Harris County. Landlords running background checks may find your criminal record, and they may think twice about having you as a tenant if they think you pose a risk to neighbors and their families.Loss of Privacy While in Public or Online
If you are required to register as a sex offender, you are registered for life and must inform local authorities even if you move. People can look up your name in a public database. Since your name and charges are viewable, leading a normal and anonymous life becomes extremely difficult.The Lifelong Social Stigma of Sex Crime Conviction
A child pornography conviction can make you an outcast among family, friends, and colleagues. The charges may follow you wherever you go, even if you have worked to reform. This lasting effect on your interpersonal relationships can take a toll on your physical well-being and mental health.“I’ve got a real good lawyer, one of the best in the country... He did a good job.”
- NFL Pro Bowler Vince Young
Discuss Your Legal Options
Contact Our Law Firm in Houston, TX
Child pornography allegations have to be taken seriously as they can affect your personal and professional life for years to come. The team at Paul Doyle & Associates can help you fight these criminal charges and ensure you get a fair and aggressive legal defense. Contact our Houston law office online or call us today to set up a free legal consultation.
Call Our Attorneys
(713) 228-9200
A Defense Attorney
Who Will Fight for You
Paul Doyle has worked on thousands of cases as a prosecutor for the Harris County DA's office and a criminal defense lawyer. People come to his Houston law firm because he offers fearless representation no matter what crime a client has been charged with. If you are scared about losing your freedom and livelihood due to a child pornography offense or sex crime charge, we can help.
Deregistration From the
Sex Offender Database
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If you violated state or federal laws on child pornography, you may be able to remove your name from the sex offender registry. Even if you are eligible for deregistration, the process can be complicated. A lawyer from our Houston law firm can help you understand the deregistration process and can also help fight harsh probation restrictions and other impacts on your life.
Get the Sound Legal Defense You Need
If you've been charged with possession of pornography involving minors, you need the defense attorneys of Paul Doyle & Associates on your side. Our Houston child pornography lawyers are familiar with state and federal laws pertaining to child pornography and child sexual exploitation allegations. We will fight to get your charges dropped or reduced.
Contact our law office in Houston for a no-obligation and judgment-free case evaluation. We can give you an honest assessment of what to expect as your case moves forward.
Call Our Lawyers
(713) 228-9200
"I only associate with the best and in my opinion Paul is one of the best in the criminal arena. That is why I hired him, and my firm uses him for criminal matters." Tony Buzbee
Child Pornography Defense FAQ
What if the disputed material involves adults instead of people under the age of 18?
If the participants in the disputed material are 18 or older at the time they are recorded or photographed, the disputed material is not actually child pornography even if they are simulating explicit sexual conduct by minors.
Do Texas age of consent laws complicate child pornography cases?
Potentially yes. According to the Texas Penal Code, the age of consent is 17 years old. However, the state defines the sexual performance of a child as material that shows someone younger than 18 engaging in explicit conduct. Our Houston child pornography lawyers can note the ages of those depicted in the disputed material to potentially get your charges reduced or dropped.
Can a child pornography charge be expunged or sealed from my criminal record?
No. According to Texas law, criminal offenses involving children are not eligible for expunction. You will also be disqualified from a petition for nondisclosure since you are required to register as a sex offender.
We Are on Your Side
"Paul Doyle & Associates are very professional and know how to get favorable results. Despite the obstacles, Paul Doyle worked arduously and diligently resulting in my case being dismissed.%"
— Robby E. Alsbrooks, 5-Star Review
Have a Legal Defense Question We Didn't Answer?
Child pornography cases are complicated given the intersection of contradictory state and federal laws. The circumstances of your case may not be so cut and dry either.
If you need to speak with a criminal defense lawyer, contact Paul Doyle & Associates today. We can answer your questions and help you understand what steps to take next.
