Sex exploitation laws in South Carolina address the use of minors as it relates to child pornography, and they are exceptionally harsh. The crime breaks down into three primary degrees, and a better understanding of the charge against you can help you bring your strongest defense. The single most important thing you can do if you are facing a sex exploitation charge is to call an experienced South Carolina sex exploitation crime attorney as soon as you can do so.
The Charge
Sexual exploitation crimes are always charged as felonies, which means your future is on the line.
Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor relates to possession of material that includes a visual representation of a minor who is either engaging in a sexual activity or who appears in a sexually explicit form of nudity. This can consist of physical photos and videos, as well as electronic files stored on any device, such as your phone, tablet, or computer. A conviction carries a prison sentence of up to five years.
Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
The charge of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor applies to the distribution of child pornography, which is now officially called child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The charge often relates to sharing files automatically uploaded to a device or under circumstances when CSAM is either emailed or uploaded to an internet site. A conviction carries a mandatory prison sentence of between 2 and 10 years.
First-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
The charge of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is reserved for those who manufacture CSAM or who sell child pornography that has already been created. A conviction at this level carries a mandatory prison sentence of from 3 to 20 years. It is important to note that a sexual exploitation of a minor charge at any of these levels comes with a mandatory imposition of a sex offender registry with sentencing.
About the Charge
There are some essential points to make about sexual exploitation of minor charges, including:
- Those accused often face multiple charges, which can relate to the amount of child pornography in their possession.
- These cases can be handled by the local prosecutor’s office or the Attorney General’s Crimes Against Children’s Task Force.
- Sexual exploitation charges can often be filed at the state or federal level.
You Need a Skilled Sexual Exploitation Lawyer on Your Side
The determined South Carolina sexual exploitation attorneys at Beasley Tomlinson Law will spare no effort in their commitment to fiercely defending your rights, and we care about you and your case. We serve valued clients like you throughout Greenville, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Easley, Simpsonville, Pickens, Greer, and Duncan – as well as Greenville County, Spartanburg County, Pickens County, and Florence County. Learn more about how we can assist you by contacting us online or calling 864-775-5787 today.
