Nashville Child Pornography Defense Attorneys

Also Serving Brentwood, Mount Juliet & Franklin, TN

If the police come to your door and question you about child pornography or molestation charges, do not inadvertently waive your constitutional rights. You are not required to talk to officers or let them into your home unless they have a search warrant. Remain silent and don't answer their questions.

The punishment for child pornography and other sex crimes is severe, often resulting in incarceration and penalties that last a lifetime, including restriction on where you live, lifetime supervision or probation, and a listing on the sexual offender registry.

At May McKinney, our entire practice is devoted to defending our clients’ rights and interests. Our attorneys have nearly 80 years of collective experience and have a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations in Tennessee that impact child pornography, molestation, and all sex offenses. We have successfully represented clients in complex child pornography cases at the state and federal level. Such cases often raise challenging legal issues, such as entrapment and the role of computer technology. We have the experience and knowledge to help clients develop an effective defense.

With your reputation and freedom on the line, act fast to involve a skilled lawyer. Contact us at (615) 265-6383 to talk to a Nashville child pornography defense lawyer at May McKinney.

Child Pornography Categories According to Tennessee Law

Tennessee law regarding child pornography mirrors those set forth in federal law. Sex crimes involving these offenses fall into three broad categories: sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated exploitation of a minor, and especially aggravated exploitation of a minor. Each category covers a different aspect of child pornography.

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

This category covers the possession of child pornography. Anyone accused of this crime could face a separate charge for each image. If there are less than 50 images, the charge is a Class D felony. If there are 50 to 99 images, it would be considered a Class C felony. Finally, anything over 100 images is considered a Class B felony.

Aggravated Exploitation of a Minor

Aggravated exploitation of a minor covers the sale, distribution or purchase of child pornography. Each movie, drawing or photograph, along with other images or materials can constitute a separate Class C felony. However, more than 25 of any combination of these mediums raises the charge to a Class B felony.

Especially Aggravated Exploitation of a Minor

This is a Class B felony reserved for those suspected of being engaged in the production or performance of child pornography.

In every case, the person suspected of crimes involving child pornography must be knowingly involved in the activity. The material must include a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive. Tennessee prosecutors will need to prove the elements of these crimes beyond reasonable doubts in a court of law, which means that it is up to you to protect your rights from the moment you are contacted by investigators.

Forensic Evidence in Child Pornography Cases

When our team takes on a child pornography or molestation case, we work with a variety of expert witnesses to build a strong defense. For example, if you were charged with viewing child pornography on the internet, we may consult with a forensic computer expert. He or she will work to identify how the illegal images got on your computer and when those pictures were downloaded or deleted.

We may work with an internet specialist to determine if anyone else had access to your computer. The internet specialist can often determine how many images were viewed or downloaded on the computer. This will help us develop a defense strategy since images can become part of the hard drive — even if they were never viewed.

Our legal team will take an aggressive stance against law enforcement. We will work with a forensic expert to conduct our own investigation to protect your best interests.

Taking an Aggressive Stance Against Your Charges

Child molestation also carries severe penalties if you are convicted, including:

• Imprisonment
• Fines
• Registration as a sex offender

While we are not in the practice of bullying children into telling the truth, we do take an aggressive stance against law enforcement and prosecutors. Interrogation techniques used against you could have violated your rights. Children could have been coached or conditioned to give a certain response. If it comes down to forensic evidence, we will secure that and present that critical data to a jury through expert forensic testimony.

Police officers have been trained to interrogate defendants. They are skilled at questioning individuals and telling stories designed to elicit a confession. Protect your rights: Don't provide police with any information without your attorney present.

Fighting for Clients Facing Child Molestation Charges

At May McKinney, we defend all clients with discretion and cutting-edge defense strategies, whether they are well-known celebrities or just average citizens who have been wrongfully accused of child molestation or pornography. Our Nashville child molestation defense attorneys know what is at stake and fight to deliver the results our clients need.

Call (615) 265-6383 to arrange a confidential strategy session with one of our professionals.