Because the statute is so broad, there is a strong likelihood that someone could be charged with it even if they are innocent. Simply clicking on the wrong link on the Internet can lead to be charged and convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. This is why it is so important to contact an experienced attorney to handle your case if you have been charged with this offense.
If you have been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, please contact the DWANE CATES Law Group today. This type of charge is very serious and can lead to an extended amount of time behind bars. By having a reputable and experienced attorney on your side, you can have peace of mind in knowing your case is being handled in the most effective and professional manner possible.
Understanding the Punishment for Child Pornography and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
The severity of punishment that comes along with Child Pornography and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor charges is greatly dependent on the age of the victims. If the victims are under the age of fourteen, then the charges will also qualify as Dangerous Crimes Against Children, which comes with severe possible penalties.
For a first offense of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, the minimum sentence for each conviction will be:
- 10 years in prison
- 17 years presumptive in prison
- 24 years maximum incarceration
If you have already been convicted of certain serious felonies, including those that qualify as a Dangerous Crimes Against Children, then the minimum possible punishments include:
- 21 years in prison
- 28 years presumptive in prison
- 35 years maximum incarceration
It is very important that you understand that crimes that are qualified as Dangerous Crimes Against Children require an offender to serve 100 percent of their prison sentence before they are considered for release. More so, if you have two convictions, your punishment must be carried out consecutively. This means there is no chance for your sentences to be carried out concurrently (simultaneously). Because the punishment for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Child Pornography are so extensive, many people refer to them as “life-enders.”
In the state of Arizona, if you are convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and you are handed the maximum penalty, this means you will serve more time than a person would receive for the maximum penalty of being convicted of Second Degree Murder.
It’s also pertinent that you understand being convicted of this type of charge will mean you have to register as a Sex Offender. This can have serious negative consequences, including the inability to secure employment in certain occupational fields. More so, it means you will not be allowed to have any type of contact with anyone under the age of 18. More so, you will not be allowed to have contact with your own children unless you go through an assortment of testing procedures as well as acquire permission from your Probation Officer.
The possible punishment for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Child Pornography do change if the children were at least 15-years-old. Also, the charge will not qualify as a Dangerous Crimes Against Children. If you are convicted, however, the following possible punishments for a first offense may be given to you:
- Zero to 365 days in jail (or)
- Three years up to 12.5 years in prison
If you have a prior conviction, the prison only range is:
- 4.5 years up to 23.25 years in prison
If you have two prior convictions, the prison only range is:
- 10.5 years up to 35 years in prison