Internet Sex Crimes

A Serious Defense Against Internet Sex Crime Charges

The Internet has revolutionized the way we share content and communicate with one another. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to know whether the files you are sharing or the people with whom you are communicating are what you think they are. In fact, some file-sharing software can run without a computer user even being aware of it, potentially acting as a hub for the sharing of child pornography or installing illegal content onto your hard drive.

Internet sex crimes have the potential to result in serious consequences, including jail and lifetime registration as a sex offender. For this reason, anyone facing allegations of sex crimes related to their internet use should talk to an attorney as soon as possible.

New Crimes Require Innovative Defense

Internet sex crimes are a relatively new issue in the criminal justice system. Just a few years ago, criminal charges such as possession of child pornography and child enticement required proactive action on the part of the accused. For instance, in order to be convicted of child enticement, the defendant had to actually show up at a predetermined location for a meeting with the enticed minor. In order to be convicted of the possession of child pornography, the defendant usually had to have hard copies of illegal material.

Now, however, defendants do not need to arrive at a meet-up location in order to be charged with child enticement. Just making the appointment can lead to a conviction. Many individuals charged with possession of child pornography had inadvertently sent or received an image that crossed state lines in which the defendant did not know were illegal.

The Consequences Of An Internet Sex Crime Conviction

If you have been accused of a sex crime involving the Internet, it’s important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. Prosecutors vigorously pursue convictions and most charges involve a five-year minimum jail sentence and mandatory registration with the sex offender registry.

It is critical to understand that most sex offenses require offenders to register for the rest of their lives, which means that the consequences of a conviction can last long after any jail sentence or term of probation is completed. The registry is easily searchable and typically will include an offender’s picture, his or her address and details about the offense or offenses of which he or she was convicted. People who are registered sex offenders are legally barred from holding certain types of jobs or living in certain areas. In addition, the existence of a sex offense on a person’s criminal record can make it difficult for them to get a job or rent an apartment even if they are legally allowed to do so.

Call Our Office Today To Schedule A Consultation With A St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney

At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP, we leave no stone unturned in our defense of sex crimes. By questioning the defendant’s intent, ownership of material, control over computers and many other factors, we have successfully defended hundreds of clients facing a broad range of sex crime charges.

Call our proven criminal defense attorneys today at (314) 354-8484 or contact us online to get started with your case.