A Single Download Can Land You Multiple Child Porn Charges

A Princeton, Illinois man recently made headlines after being charged on multiple child pornography charges.

The man, who has not yet been found guilty of any crimes and is presumed innocent, was charged with possession of child pornography as well as dissemination of child pornography. Both of these charges stem from images found in his possession.

This case is just one example of how simply possessing a single pornographic image of a child can incite multiple charges in the state of Illinois.

Furthermore, every image after the first can count as an additional charge, and multiple images are often used to stack charges, aiding prosecutors to secure a conviction.

Illinois Charges Related to the Possession of Child Pornography

There are two specific charges addressing child porn in Illinois in a way that can be easily applied to a person found in the mere possession of questionable images. They are:

• Possession of child pornography
• Dissemination of child pornography

Let’s take a look at how a single image can amount to these two counts…

Possession of Child Pornography

Illinois law says a person in the possession of “any film, videotape, photograph or other similar visual reproduction or depiction by computer of any child or person with a severe or profound intellectual disability” can be charged with possession of child pornography when:

• they know the nature of the content; and
• can reasonably understand the person depicted is under the age of 18.

Dissemination of Child Pornography

A person in possession of child pornography may also be charged with the crime of dissemination when there is proof they also:

• Reproduced the images
• Disseminated them
• Offered to disseminate them
• Exhibit or possess with intent to disseminate the images

Moreover, when duplicates are found of a single image, intent to disseminate them may legally be inferred by law enforcement.

Penalties for Child Pornography Convictions in Illinois

Penalties for possession and dissemination of child pornography in the state of Illinois are severe. All child pornography charges are felony-level crimes.

Convictions can carry sentencing ranging from four to sixty years in prison and result in thousands of dollars in fines. If you have questions about what constitutes child pornography or aren’t sure about the charges you face, you’re going to want an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney in your corner.

Possession of Child Pornography is Always a Class 1 Felony

For the charge of possession of child pornography, the crime is a Class 1 Felony. The punishment for a Class 1 Felony in Illinois is between 4 and 15 years in prison with the option of an extended sentence of 15 to 40 years in prison.

A fine of between $1,500 and not more than $100,000 may also be applied during sentencing.

Dissemination of Child Porn Charges Depend on the Media Used

Dissemination of child pornography can be one of two charges. The first is a Class X felony and covers all video and move picture media. A Class X felony in the state of Illinois is punishable by between 6 and 30 years in prison with an extended sentence possible of between 30 and 60 years. A fine of between $1,500 and $100,000 can be applied.

All other types of child pornography are considered Class 1 felony crimes and are subject to the same penalties as possession charges.

For anyone convicted of possession or dissemination of child pornography, the person will be required to register with the state as a sex offender.

Facing Charges? Get the Legal Help You Need with our Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or someone you know is facing serious charges such as possession or dissemination of child pornography, the importance of expert legal counsel cannot be overstated. The penalties for these charges in Illinois are severe and can have long-lasting consequences. Criminal Defense Lawyer Sami Azhari provides high-quality, skilled representation. He understands the intricacies of the law and is committed to advocating for his clients’ rights.

Don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact Sami Azhari today for a consultation.

About the Author

Sami Azhari has been working as a lawyer since 2007, after receiving his Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law. He has handled numerous state and federal cases, and is known throughout the Chicago and Rolling Meadows area for providing his clients with high-quality, skilled representation. He has been recognized by SuperLawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Association, and other notable organizations, and has spoken at a number of legal conferences.