Internet Crimes & Child Pornography in Utah
Salt Lake City lawyer for defense of online sex crimes
You may have been exercising your right to look at adult sexual images on the Internet without realizing that the models were underage. Or perhaps you were ole-playing in a chat-room with a person you believed to be an adult. Still, these activities can get you charged with an Internet crime such as child pornography or child enticement. The Law Office of Harold W. Stone, III knows how to help you defeat your charges.
Child enticement — a trap on the Internet
Some people use Internet chat for sexual role playing. But your online fantasy encounter may actually be with a representative of law enforcement. An Attorney General's Office task force called the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) assigns agents to go online and pretend to be under 18. If you have sexual conversations with such a person, you can be charged with child enticement. If the exchange proceeds to discussion of meeting in person, you face federal charges for solicitation of a minor on the Internet.
Child pornography — trouble on your computer
The ICAC also monitors your online browsing activity. If they see that you have visited websites that are associated with child pornography, police may show up at your door for a knock and talk. The officers rarely have a search warrant, but they attempt to intimidate you to gain entry to your home and access to your computer. Images found on your computer can lead to federal charges for the possession or distribution of child pornography.
What to do if you are contacted about online activity
If you receive a knock and talk visit from police officers, know your rights:
- Be polite, but do not let them inside. Talk to them in the doorway.
- If you do let them inside, do not allow them to look at your computer.
- If they have a search warrant, you must let them in and allow them to take your computer.
No matter what occurs, call Harold Stone promptly.
Protect yourself from the stigma of an online child sex charge
You can get relief from charges of inappropriate online activity. Call Provo criminal attorney Harold Stone in Salt Lake City at 1-801-913-7055, or contact the firm online to schedule your initial consultation.
