America faces an explosion of people arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography. Though some arrests are valid, the sweeping, wide nets cast by law enforcement authorities in massive sex stings across the county often lead to innocent Americans being unjustly charged with child pornography possession.
In the Houston area, including all of Harris County, Fort Bend County and Montgomery County, persons facing child porn charges can get experienced legal help from Houston sex crime defense lawyer Neal Davis.
But this growing problem extends well beyond Houston.
How many child porn arrests are there in the United States?
In California, child porn offenses are one of the state’s fastest growing crimes, with annual arrest increases of 150 percent.
Similar increases in child porn arrests have occurred around the nation, in large part because law enforcement authorities have not only set priorities for such arrests but often exercise broad powers for making them.
Indeed, child porn sting operations are bolstered by strict laws and the combined efforts of many law enforcement agencies, from local, state and federal authorities to the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force and even the Department of Homeland Security.
The general public has also demonized child porn so much that many average persons from all walks of life have been considered guilty, even when later shown to be innocent. Many such people have not abused children in any way and may have viewed images of child porn online inadvertently or by accident.
Who is arrested for child porn crimes in America?
Such persons can come from all walks of life, from medical professionals to religious leaders. Others are teachers, coaches, architects and even law officers.
Recently, a Border Patrol agent in Laredo, Texas and a Texas Department of Public Safety officer in Hebbronville, Texas were arrested for child porn.
In Fort Bend County last spring, sheriff’s deputies conducted a sex sting operation which led to the arrests of 19 men on child pornogrpahy and solicitation charges. In Montgomery County last December, three dozen men were arrested in a sex sting project called Operation Safe Holiday.
Another recent sex sting sweep – an FBI project called Operation Pacifier – resulted in the arrests of over 135 people in 18 states, including seven in Texas. Some child porn defense attorneys argued that the FBI’s tactics were violations of Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful searches and seizures, and that the FBI itself actively facilitated online uploading and redistribution of child porn.
What to do if charged with a child pornography offense?
Many individuals who have been arrested for child porn have led productive lives with no previous criminal record. Yet they face a damning charge that can lead to imprisonment – but may not, since many child porn cases are either dropped or do not result in a conviction.
Even so, the public stigma of being arrested for child porn remains, perhaps fueled by arrested persons having their name released by the news media.
Such persons need and deserve a knowledgeable child porn defense lawyer to fight for their legal rights. They can get such help by contacting Houston’s criminal defense Neal Davis Law Firm. We understand the heightened sensitivity and care such cases need, and we’re experienced in defending those unjustly accused of child porn crimes.
If you’ve been among the explosion of people arrested for child porn, contact the Neal Davis Law Firm today for your case review.
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