Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Tennessee

What is Exploitation of a Child?

The sexual exploitation of a minor involves the possession, purchase/sale, distribution, or creation of child pornography. Tennessee's laws regarding the sexual exploitation of minors run parallel to federal child pornography laws. Considering the severity of these charges and the significant penalties that can be imposed upon a conviction, including sex offender registration and a lengthy term of imprisonment, it is essential to seek legal counsel as quickly as possible.

At May McKinney, we defend clients facing sexual exploitation of minor charges in state and federal court. Our Nashville child pornography defense attorneys understand the intricacies of such charges and how to create compelling, clear defense strategies that protect our clients’ interests. Our knowledge of search and seizure law and computer forensics gives us an edge in these highly technical cases.

Contact our Nashville offices at (615) 265-6383 to learn more.

Exploitation of a Minor Charges in Tennessee

There are different specific charges that may apply regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor. With our experience in sex crime defense, we at May McKinney can take on any such charge with competence. We serve Nashville and the surrounding areas, including Franklin, Brentwood, and Mount Juliet.

Our experienced team can defend clients against charges of:

• Sexual exploitation of a minor (possession): This crime is charged to those suspected of knowingly possessing material that includes a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive. A separate count can be charged for each such image. This is a Class D felony. It becomes a Class C felony if there are more than 50 images involved and a Class B felony if the evidence includes 100 or more images.
• Aggravated exploitation of a minor (purchase, sale or distribution): To be convicted of this crime, prosecutors must prove you knowingly promoted, sold, distributed, transported, purchased, or exchanged material that includes a minor engaged in either sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive. It is also a crime to possess such material with the intent to promote, sell, distribute, transport, purchase, or exchange it. This is a Class C felony, but if the number of images, movies, drawings, photographs, or material is 25 or more, it becomes a Class B felony.
• Especially aggravated exploitation of a minor (performance or production): This crime is charged when a person knowingly promotes, employs, uses, assists, transports, or permits a minor to participate in the performance or production of acts or material that includes the minor engaging in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive. It is a Class B felony.

Challenging Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Charges in TN

Before you are charged with the sexual exploitation of a minor, you may be contacted by a sex crimes investigator whose goal is to get you to agree to a search of your property. Do not help the police convict you. Politely refuse to allow a warrantless search and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not try to explain yourself to the police. Instead, involve a team that can actively protect your rights and interests.

Contact May McKinney today at (615) 265-6383 to discuss your case.