Many people in Pennsylvania believe that what they view, post, or who they interact with online is completely private. However, this is not always the case. For instance, in Pennsylvania viewing or receiving child pornography is a crime that is punishable on both the state and federal level. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, under federal law, images of child pornography are not protected under the First Amendment and are considered illegal contraband. This includes any images that are viewed or created online or taken and then uploaded to the internet or another electronic device.

A man is facing several years in prison and a fine of $250,000 after exchanging pornographic images with a 12-year-old girl in Pennsylvania for a period of three months. Although the man acknowledged that the girl was underage in their communications, explicit photographs were sent via cellphone and discussed through online chatting platforms. After the evidence was seized from the man’s computer by an agent from the U.S. Department of Security, the man admitted that he was the person the young girl was speaking and exchanging pictures with. Unless a child’s parent or guardian is there who knows about these charges, the man is now prohibited from interacting with minors.

Viewing or receiving child pornography is a crime associated with jail time, fines and the requirement to file as a sex offender. Those who are facing charges for this offense may benefit from working with an attorney who can provide guidance through this uncertain time.

Source: Asbury Park Press, “Colts Neck man charged with getting child porn,” Kathleen Hopkins, June 3, 2014