The State of Tennessee considered crimes involving child pornography to be an “exploitation of a minor” offense, which can draw serious penalties. If you have been charged with such a crime, your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line. You don’t need to handle these charges on your own, however. Mr. Crain, a Murfreesboro sex crimes defense lawyer, can help you explore every avenue and option for your defense.

Exploitation of a minor charges  

Child pornography crimes fall under the category of offenses that exploit minors. There are two different charges you may be facing, depending on the circumstances of your specific case:

• Exploitation of a minor: possessing child pornography
• Aggravated exploitation of a minor: Selling, distributing, transporting, promoting, or exchanging child pornography.

The severity of both charges can be increased, depending on the amount of materials discovered by law enforcement.

Exploitation of a Minor:

• Class D felony: 50 images/materials or fewer
• Class C felony: 50-100 images/materials
• Class B felony: More than 100 images or materials

Aggravated Exploitation of a Minor:

• Class C felony: 25 images/materials or fewer
• Class B felony: More than 25 images/materials

Especially Aggravated Exploitation of a Minor:

This charge is reserved for producers or creators of child pornography, and is a Class B felony. These charges are applied if you have knowingly:

• Used child pornography
• Transported child pornography
• Permitted a child to engage in the performance or production of child pornography