In Washington, child pornography prosecutions are divided into two categories: possession and viewing. What does that mean? Basically, if you are knowingly in possession of images depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a minor or are simply viewing these images, you can be in violation of the law.

The laws are further divided into two sub categories, first degree and second degree. A Washington state child pornography conviction carries some of the harshest penalties in the country including jail, fines, a criminal record and sex offender registration.

Images of child pornography are not considered protected speech by the Constitution. It is a form of child sexual exploitation. In modern times instances of child pornography occur more frequently on the Internet or even on a smartphone known as “sexting.” Most convictions will lead to registration on the Washington Sex Offender Registry. Once registered, an individual may be on the list for life.

A number of different offenses fall into other sex crimes category, but they generally involve illegal or coerced sexual conduct against another individual. Every state has laws against prohibiting the various types of sex crimes, such as rape and sexual assault, and each state has its own time limit (or “statute of limitations”) in which victims of sex crimes may file a lawsuit against the alleged offender. People convicted of sex crimes, regardless of severity, are considered “sex offenders” by their respective state and face having their names added to state and federal sex offender registries.

If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you, and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties, and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900