Defense Against Federal Sex Crimes Charges in Pennsylvania
Federal law enforcement is aggressively investigating Internet sex crimes and working with local law enforcement, such as the Pennsylvania Child Sexual Exploitation Task Force. These combined forces set up sting operations that entrap people.
These undercover operations result in people being charged with sex crimes such as:
- Possession, distribution or manufacture of child pornography
- Online solicitation of a minor
- Sex tourism and child exploitation
These sex crimes can be charged either in state or federal court. The prosecutor makes the decision, usually based on which court has the most serious penalties. If your case is charged in federal court, mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines will apply. In either court a conviction will require you to register as a sex offender for life.
With Any Federal Criminal Charge, the Stakes are High
Hire a defense attorney with a track record of results. At the law office of Patrick Artur & Associates, every trial is handled personally by Patrick Artur, a lawyer with more than 35 years of defense experience in federal criminal cases in Pennsylvania.
Call our Philadelphia office at 215-561-9188 or contact us online.
Federal Criminal Charges for Online Solicitation: It surprises many people but the crime of "online solicitation of a minor" does not require that an adult have any actual physical contact with the minor. This leaves the door open for misinterpretation of intent. Unfair criminal charges can ruin a reputation and a life.
Federal Charges of Child Pornography: Child porn charges are based on evidence found on a computer, e-mail, or chat room discussion. When the prosecutor uses evidence from a seized computer, Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure comes into play. In a number of past child porn cases, we have successfully suppressed unlawfully obtained evidence.
Federal Charges of Sex Tourism: Every country has different ages of consent. However, if you had sexual contact with an under aged person while traveling, you are still subject to U.S. laws. When you enter the U.S. from a foreign country, you have limited search and seizure rights. This is the time when law enforcement can easily search your computer and possessions.
People don't hire us to cut a deal—they hire us so they can hear a "not guilty" verdict. If you are facing federal charges for possession of child pornography, online solicitation, or sex tourism, call 215-561-9188. In case of emergency, you can reach Patrick Artur personally by calling his cell phone at 215-915-6666.
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