Child Pornography Attorney in Bellaire, TX
Facing child pornography charges in Bellaire is one of the most serious and life-altering things that a person can experience. Cases like these are taken very seriously by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and federal investigators. You need an experienced Bellaire child pornography lawyer in your corner if you are facing these charges.
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is proud to offer strategic and compassionate defense to our clients accused of these offenses throughout Harris County, including those in Bellaire, as well as cases at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center in downtown Houston. An experienced Bellaire criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate your case.
About The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
Headed by board-certified criminal law professional Attorney Tad A. Nelson, an experienced former prosecutor, our team has defended clients against sex crimes, internet crimes, and other serious felonies for decades. Tad A. Nelson received peer recognition as a Super Lawyers® attorney, while Martindale-Hubbell granted him an AV Preeminent rating, acknowledging his experience throughout the criminal justice system.
Tad A. Nelson has a reputation for balancing his technical knowledge and courtroom experience with genuine empathy for his clients. Our team also includes Attorney Amber Spurlock, who served in the United States Air Force as a JAG officer. We know the technical, legal, and emotional issues at stake in these cases.
Understanding Texas Child Pornography Laws
Texas Penal Code § 43.26 makes it a crime to knowingly possess, access, view, or distribute any visual material that shows a minor engaging in sexual conduct. These offenses are considered felonies under Texas law and carry severe consequences, including potential prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Additionally, federal laws may also apply if the material crosses state lines or is transmitted online.
Many Bellaire prosecutions involve the use of computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices, as well as communication over the internet. As a result, such offenses can also result in a federal investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). For that reason, it is imperative that you have a Bellaire child pornography attorney to protect your rights and to avoid additional charges.
Types of Child Pornography Cases We Handle in Bellaire, TX
Child pornography cases can vary depending on the evidence and conduct involved. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our Bellaire criminal defense lawyers handle all types of cases, including:
- Possession of child pornography. This includes knowingly possessing media depicting minors in sexual activities. This can include material on your phone, in physical photographs, on your computer, or on cloud storage.
- Distribution. This includes sharing media through electronic uploads, e-mail, or physical mail.
- Production. This involves recording or photographing explicit content involving minors.
- Promotion. This includes encouraging others to possess, produce, or distribute child pornography.
- Juvenile and teen sexting cases. Even minors sharing explicit content with each other can constitute a crime.
It’s important to note that some of these crimes become federal when they are committed online or cross state barriers. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, there were 61,678 cases reported in fiscal year 2024, and 1,375 involved child pornography. Since fiscal year 2020, the number of child pornography offenses has increased by 34.4%.
What to Do if You’re Being Investigated?
If you believe you are under investigation, or if law enforcement has already contacted you about a child pornography investigation, contact a Bellaire child pornography attorney before you talk to the police. Police and prosecutors often use digital forensics and interviews to support their investigations. Innocent or nervous statements made during an interview could be used against you at trial.
Hire a child pornography lawyer as soon as possible. Your Bellaire criminal defense lawyer can speak to law enforcement on your behalf, protect your rights, and start investigating possible evidence. The sooner your defense begins, the sooner your lawyer can limit or even stop further damage and possible charges.
FAQs About Child Pornography in Bellaire
How Do Prosecutors Try to Prove Child Pornography Charges?
Prosecutors in Texas team up with digital forensics professionals and use online communication records along with witness testimony to construct child pornography cases in Bellaire, TX. It’s important to understand that they need to prove that you knew the illegal content existed and that it involved minors, and they know how to show that based on your online activity and other evidence in the case.
How Long Does a Typical Child Pornography Case Take in Texas Courts?
In Texas, the timeframe for a child pornography case can vary. It depends on the case details, such as the volume of digital evidence, whether it’s a federal case, and the speed of forensic analysis. A defense lawyer with extensive experience can expedite proceedings efficiently while ensuring the protection of your rights.
Can Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed With the Right Legal Strategy?
Yes, in some cases, with a good defense, a child pornography charge can be reduced or even dismissed. This could happen, for example, if it is proven that a search was illegal, if the digital evidence used is shown to be flawed, or if it can be proven that there was no intent to view or possess child pornography.
Will My Case Automatically Go Public if I’m Charged?
Most criminal cases in Texas are a matter of public record. This means that for cases such as child pornography charges, the general information may be available online. However, many details may not be. Arrest information may be available in public records or media reports. An attorney representing a defendant might achieve reduced publicity and have court records sealed or removed when charges are dismissed or the defendant receives a not guilty verdict.
Hire a Child Pornography Lawyer at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Today
If you or someone you love has been charged with child pornography in Bellaire or anywhere in Harris County, do not delay in obtaining legal representation. The potential penalties and ramifications of a child pornography conviction are just too high to risk dealing with this alone. Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates now and schedule your consultation. We can review your case, discuss options with you, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.