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Child pornography is among the most heinous sex crimes because it involves young children. But it is more common than you imagine. People do it at home and even at work, with the internet making it easy to access objectionable content online. Even worse, they have the content on their devices, which is enough to incriminate them. While this form of crime is incredibly insensitive, there is always a chance of being falsely accused. Employees working in child support organizations are at high risk because they may get such content inadvertently. You may get into trouble due to false charges as they can land you in jail and destroy your reputation for a lifetime. But you can save yourself with the right defense strategy. Here are some tips on building a viable defense.
Understanding your risks
Before anything else, you must understand your risks of falling prey to false claims of child pornography in the first place. Anyone can get into trouble, but you may be more prone depending on the nature of your employment. The possibility is high for people working in some organizations like journalists and volunteers in religious organizations. Here are some instances of the risks you may come across.
- Downloading or viewing the content accidentally- The internet has loads of misleading and offensive content, including child pornography. You may stumble on a piece without any intention and download it accidentally. The worst part is that the file may remain in your system even after deleting it. Likewise, it may stay in your search history online. You may even download a piece accidentally by opening a spam email. Law enforcement can track it and accuse you of child pornography eventually.
- Hacking attacks and malware on your device- Hacking attacks are commonplace these days. You may open your devices to hackers and malware by being careless about the websites you visit and emails you open. Such attacks can have serious consequences, and hackers can install malware on your computer. Such malicious programs can download child pornography and even share it from your IP address.
- Sexting with an unknown person- With internet dating being common, you may connect with a minor and sext with them even without knowing their age. Sharing images with a child constitutes child pornography, so you can get into trouble without expecting it.
Such incidents can have serious implications, even if you had no wrong intentions. The only way to get out of trouble is by devising a defense strategy.
Connecting with an expert
Child pornography can affect your reputation at work, relationships, and life. Clearing your name should be your priority. The only way to do it is by getting a seasoned sex crime attorney for hire to build your defense and represent you in court. You can even connect with them if you suspect that you can get into trouble due to your internet activity at work. Consider it a preventive approach as it can save you from a big problem even before it arises. Moreover, you will definitely need a lawyer once charges are filed against you, even if they are false. The only way to get through is by clearing your name, and the right legal professional can help you do it. They can gather evidence and witnesses and present arguments in court to prove your innocence.
Avoid giving statements without legal advice
The most important piece of advice is to avoid giving a statement to the police without legal advice. Anything you say can incriminate you, so it is better to stay silent. The authorities will do their best to coerce you or sweet talk you into saying something but maintain your stance. The good thing is that you have a right to legal representation. Make sure you use it and call a sex crime lawyer right away. Besides having a lawyer’s advice, you must also seek the support of your family, friends, and colleagues. The allegations can be traumatic if you are innocent, and they can affect your mental well-being. The support of your loved ones can help you deal with the stress of the situation.
Living with child pornography charges is the worst thing to encounter. It can affect more than your reputation as a professional. Social stigma and damaged relationships are the natural implications because nothing is worse than victimizing a helpless child. The only way to save yourself is by building a legal defense against the false allegations. The sooner you get help, the better because everything is at stake.
