California's obscenity laws protect children from being exploited in pornographic materials. It is illegal to produce, possess, transport, distribute or sell any materials that involve or depict minors under the age of 18 participating in lewd acts. A conviction requires the defendant to register with the state of California through the Sex Offender Registration Act.
California law does not specifically criminalize the viewing of child pornography. The law does prohibit, however, the possession or control of pornographic materials containing content depicting minors. Downloading or saving child pornography to a personal computer will most likely qualify as possession or control of the materials. Sharing, emailing, or otherwise distributing copies of the material will most likely also qualify according to California law.
If you are charged or are under investigation for child pornography, the damage to your reputation and lifestyle can be serious and long-lasting. It is important that you retain skilled counsel immediately.
The help of a good lawyer is critical in limiting the damage that a criminal or DUI case can have on your family, your life and your livelihood. Of course a good lawyer can minimize the penalties such as jail, fines and license suspension or revocation.
David E. Jones is a former Deputy District Attorney and a highly skilled DUI/DWI and criminal defense lawyer with more than 20 years of experience helping clients who are facing State and Federal criminal charges.